US and British forces in Bermuda

[MPicciotto]

Hey all,

Am planning a trip to Bermuda for late April. In soaking up information I discovered that not only did Bermuda have a long relationship with the Royal Navy but that the USAAF had an airbase there during WW2. Any good places or books to learn more about this before I go. I know I'll drive my wife nuts with the war history stuff, but she'll survive.

Matt

 

[DNO]

The Royal Canadian Regiment served on garrison duty in Bermuda in 1914-1915.

 

[Zemke Fan]

I read Carole Landis' autobiography "Four Jills in a Jeep" and her first stop to the ETO was Bermuda. (It's a FUN book, Matt, even if Carole was a little bit too blondie-breathy to be a serious author.)

 

[Story]

Any good places or books to learn more about this before I go.

For context
http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/guard-us/ch16.htm

For specifics

http://www.bermuda-online.org/warveterans.htm

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/bermuda,wwii

 

[MPicciotto]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to look up that book. The links have been great. And no I can't discount pre-ww2 history on the island as well. One of the websites I've been perusing in anticipation of this trip has this little tidbit in the "shopping" section:

With the military and British colonial legacy of Bermuda, and a natural tendency for most Bermudians not to throw anything away, the island has become a treasure trove of collectibles. Many types of small items can be found that reflect a slice of Bermuda's history. Many of such items have found their way to the island from other countries. Such items include old tins, buttons, bottles, original items of china & brass and lot more.



You’ll find many of these items in the small stalls and shops in the alleys of Hamilton City.

The sea has played an important role in the history of Bermuda, and there is a range of items based on marine theme that you can purchase - displays of propellers, brass plates, and marine knots will remind you of the regatta or ocean yacht race. You can engage yourself for hours searching for that little piece of the past to take home with you.

So that has me excited. I love shopping for junk. particularly army junk.

Matt