Camp Twenty Grand - the Lost soldiers - Research help

Hi Everyone,

I am currently researching the Cigarette camp known as Camp Twenty Grand, in Duclair, near Rouen in Normandy. It was an American camp set up in December 1944 and abandoned in early 1946. In total there were 9 cigarette camps, each taking the name of popular cigarette brands at the time e.g. Lucky Strike, pall Mall etc in order to confuse the enemy if they were to intercept radio communication. My work is based from looking at the archaeology of the site, in particular on the beech trees that are located on the site with various arborglyphs (Tree graffiti) on them. So far I have recorded over 1000 trees with graffiti on, many with names, dates places etc and I am now on the hunt for more information. I am looking for people who were there during this period, or indeed family members who have connections to the camp. I would also be fascinated to hear any stories or information regarding the camp. I have spent the last two years studying the camp and trekking around the forest, but I now want to make a connection between the landscape there now and the landscape as it was during the Second World War. I really hope that some of you have information that you can share with me.

Best Wishes
Chantel Summerfield

 

Hey do you still monitor this thread? My dad's unit was there....I'd love to exchange some emails to see if you have anything from the guys in dad's unit! Their reunion is this weekend.....some pictures to show them would be awesome!

Please see 284thcombatengineers.com

The rosters are posted there and feel free to message me on here or via the contact us page on the 284th website.

 

Hello, I hope Chantel will note your reaction. She hasn't been around for 2 years though.

 

I hope so too and thanks for the head's up!

 

Chantel was "Last Active" in July 2013, so it is possible that you may get a response. You could try sending a PM through the Forum.

 

And if you don't, log onto facebook and try the group called "Modern Conflict Archaeology".

 

Thanks for the advice!