Dig recalls estate's wartime past

Veterans and locals said memories from the war remained strong

A Nottingham landmark is to be investigated by archaeologists for traces of its use as an US army camp.

Members of 508 Parachute Infantry Regiment camped in Wollaton Park before taking part in the D-Day landings.

The dig coincided with a reunion of veterans who said some soldiers buried personal belongings in ammunition boxes and many were never reclaimed.

The University of Nottingham team said they had already found buttons and bullets and hoped for more.

About 500 acres of land surround the 16th Century Wollaton Hall and it was here about 2,000 US troops were stationed for part of World War II.

After the war, the camp was used to house German prisoners.

Archaeologist Lee Elliott said: "The veterans have told us about the ammunition boxes that sometimes were buried and it would be great to find something like that."

Advertisement

Veterans and widows recall the park's time as an army camp