TOURS &
ACTIVITIES
PERSONAL MEMORIES STILL EXIST
On Baggy Point Private Alfred A. Augustine of the 146th Engineer Combat Battalion who were responsible for the maintenance of training ranges, fingered his name in the wet concrete during construction of a dummy pillbox. He was killed in action on “Omaha” beach on D-Day. The 1st Platoon, Company C, 146th Engineers also left their mark on the extended base of a concrete landing craft.
BOOK NOW FOR ONE OF OUR ILLUSTRATED TALKS, GUIDED WALKS, EXPLORATION DAYS OR A MOTOR TOUR
BRAUNTON BURROWS MOTOR TOUR19 Jun 2027, 10:00 – 14:00Braunton Burrows Sandy Lane Car Park, Sandy Ln, Braunton EX33 2NX, UK
BRAUNTON BURROWS MOTOR TOUR24 Jul 2027, 10:00 – 14:00Braunton Burrows Sandy Lane Car Park, Sandy Ln, Braunton EX33 2NX, UK
BRAUNTON BURROWS MOTOR TOUR28 Aug 2027, 10:00 – 14:00Braunton Burrows Sandy Lane Car Park, Sandy Ln, Braunton EX33 2NX, UK
EXPLORATION
Few American constructions survived post-war demolition by the British army on Braunton Burrows, but our research and exploration has located and excavated most of the training ranges, the remainder have been reclaimed by nature and covered by blown sand and vegetation.
Each discovery leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the purpose and method of training as well as construction and overall layout of the Assault Training Center.
We have been instrumental in securing “scheduled monument” status for the concrete landing craft and the rocket wall thereby securing their future through Historic England with active co-operation from the land owners Christie Estates, North Devon Coast AONB and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
WALKS AND TALKS
We give illustrated talks to groups at their usual meeting venues on a variety of wartime subjects with an American content.
Guided walks are taken on Braunton Burrows visiting the embarkation beaches and concrete landing craft with a full narration of the history of the Assault Training Center. These are for schools as well as adult groups.
MOTOR TOURS
A highly successful programme of tours in World War II vehicles across the American D-Day training grounds visiting unique sites and offering explanations of each.
Tours take about four hours so bring a picnic lunch.
TRACED
During exploration personal artefacts lost over 80 years ago by American soldiers are often located. It is our practice to trace those personnel and return found items to the loser’s family. We have recovered rings, dog tags, personal jewellery and official documents remarkably preserved.
TV & DOCUMENTARIES
The unique character of the Assault Training Center attracts film and tv companies exploring world and local history. Special interest programmes together with Facebook vloggers enjoy sharing the sites of the ATC.
REMEMBERANCE
We always lay a wreath at the memorial on the concrete landing craft on 6th June and 11th November each year and encourage groups and individuals to join us at these brief ceremonies.
