New - dad was 280th Engineer

[Walt's Daughter]

Received this letter today.

 

Hello Marion,

 

I'm trying to find info of the 280th Combat Engineer Battalion in 1944 and 1945. Erwin, a fellow WW2 US militaria collector from Belgium suggested I contact you in the hopes that you might be able to help. I'm aware that they fought through Normandy, France and the Bulge. But aside from that I've found very little info. I'm particularly trying to find which unit or units they were attached to in Normandy and the route they followed and the actions they saw there.

 

The reason for my search is a piece I added to my militaria collection recently, which is a sign made in the field, in Normandy, which reads "Mines Not Cleared Beyond This Point - Co B 280 ENG". It was recovered by a friend from a house in Montebourg in Normandy a year or so ago during renovation. I'd really like to find out more about the unit.

 

Hope you can help. Regards,

 

Chris Hogg

 

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I wrote back right away and directed him to this post. Here's what he wrote back, along with photo. Cool! 60 years later, and people are still finding items the GI's left behind.

 

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Hi Marion,

 

Thanks for the fast reply. I've attached a photo of the sign. As I said, it was recovered from a house in Montebourg. It had been used to cover up an air vent behind a bath for 60 odd years. It amazes me the things that are still found in Normandy and places they are found.

 

Regards

 

Chris