A mighty impressive set of images. I have been looking into the 351st Engineers at Porthcawl and thought I could provide some feedback. There are 3 images taken along the Porthcawl seafront that can be imagined from a similar view obtainable from Google Maps. The Guys marching along a road with a wall to the right and few people watching was taken at ...
The two showing a marching column of GI's and a column of Women (ATS ?) was taken here ...
I think the photo of your grand father standing on what looks like a river bridge may have been taken in Cardiff (the overhead wires in the background could be overhead electrical feeds to the trolley bus system) - I will feed back if I find anything.
There is a booklet "Porthcawl at War 1939-1945" by Mike Mansley that has an account of the 351st (amongst other U.S troops) at Porthcawl and, perhaps the only reminder of their presence, a concrete block with the Engineers "Castle" emblem pressed into the surface. It is in poor condition and the metal emblem that may have been there originally is absent. There is a photo of it taken in the 1990's in that book.
I would be most interested in any information relating to the 351st or other units stationed in Porthcawl in the run up to Normandy and can provide an e-mail address if that would be convenient.
Their memories must be kept alive so that the younger generations can appreciate their sacrifice. Terry.
Van, on 14 Mar 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:
Hello Joel,
My grandfather might have known your grandfather. I seem to remember him talking about a guy up there that he kept in contact with. My grandfather had a number of photos from his service in the 351st engineers. I'll pm you the google photos link for the album I have scanned. I am very interested in the photos that you have.
