Limey 242 Posted May 24, 2007 Report Share Posted May 24, 2007 Herman Douthit is the only civilian buried at the American War Cemetery at Madingly, near Cambridge. Who was he, and what was his connection to Nottinghamshire? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rob237 89 Posted May 24, 2007 Report Share Posted May 24, 2007 Vaguely recall somethiing to do with Eakring Oil exploration during WWII, involving selected Americans - with oil work experience. Was he one of the explorers? IIRC, there is a plaque at the site commemorating his death. Cheers Robt P. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Limey 242 Posted May 24, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2007 Correct - give that man the prize! He was one of the American oilmen who drilled over 100 oilwells at Eakring during the war. He fell to his death - the only worker killed. I remember going to see the "nodding donkeys" as a kid! The Dukes Wood Museum website: http://www.dukeswoodoilmuseum.co.uk/ has a very good history of the Americans coming over and doing the work - which was a key part of the war effort to overcome the losses caused by U-boats in the North Atlantic! If you have never been to the American Cemetery at Madingley, I can recommend it if you are in the area. It is a very moving place - and makes you realise just how terrible war really is! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted May 24, 2007 Report Share Posted May 24, 2007 I visited Madingly in about 1976 with the Air Training Corps and yes it is very moving even to a spotty 15 year old We then moved on to the Shuttleworth Collection(Vintage planes) at Old Wardon Airodrome not that far away,a good day out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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