| In 1620 The Pilgrims left
the Old World and sailed to the New World. The plaque in the photograph
marks the exact spot of embarkation. Plymouth is my home city and
I grew up in it. During the summer months, hordes of American tourists
visit the Barbican area and it is a special moment for them when they
come to the steps.
During 1944 Plymouth was host to thousands of American servicemen. In June 1944 they sailed from Plymouth to land on the beaches of Normandy as part of the Allied invasion of Europe. The Americans fought like tigers on Omaha and Utah beaches and they died in their thousands in defence of the British and in defence of Democracy. There can be no doubt that it was the American forces that turned the tide of victory in our favour. The American soldiers were heroic warriors and they were the best of us. They gave their to-days for our tomorrows. Without their sacrifice in Europe, we would have been listening to a different tune. There would have been no ‘Beatles.’ I dedicate the following pages to the memory of the American Army personnel who gave their lives in defence of Democracy. |
The Mayflower Steps, The Barbican, |
| My Drums | Plymouth Rock Gallery |
