I am at present reading "D-Day Dorset" which tells the story of the US troops stationed in the UK county of Dorset in 1944.
In this book are 3 pages telling of the explosion that happened involving the 294th Engineer Combat Battalion in the grounds of US Army Hospital 228th Camp Unit on the 30th March 1944 near the town of Sherborne. It is said that the death toll was between 40 and 140, although a plaque placed outside Sherborne Abbey in 1989 lists 29 names.
The explosion was said to have been caused by a truck carrying mines running over a land mine placed by German agents or a mine laying excercise that went wrong ? This event was kept quiet for many years.
No this is the first time I've heard this one. As you know, I'm always interested in hearing any stories regarding our great engineering units. Sounds like an absolutely horrible day with a great loss of lives. How sad!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
I have looked further into this event and can confirm that it was the 294th Engineer Combat Battalion that was involved. The later report states that it was a mine-laying excersise that went wrong when the live mines were being collected on completion of practice for the day and the truck rolled back over a mine not yet recovered. The colossal explosion hit C Company and those who died are named at the end of the paragraph.
Sherborne is not too far from me here and I hope to go there some time and photograph the memorial plaque.
I am off to Sherborne in Dorset tomorrow and will be going to the abbey and photographing the memorial to men of the 294th Engineer Combat Battalion. I have been in contact with the abbey secetary by email and she assures me that the memorial is there and I will be able to photograph it. I hope to learn more of this event and will be contacting you on my return.
Great. Can't wait to see the photographs from the memorial Colin.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Yes I did. Sorry I haven't answered yet. I reformatted my hard drive and had to reinstall XP, all my programs and my docs this week. Therefore I'm behind answering all my email.
I am displaying the photos below for all to see and thank you for taking the time and sharing these with me.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
