A RETIRED Wiltshire councillor is appealing for help from elderly residents who remember the American Army and Prisoner of War camps at Westbury.

David Jenkins, of The Ham in Westbury, is carrying out research for his latest project on the US Army and WW2 Prisoner of War camps in and around Westbury.

He says: “For some time I have known that Westbury had POW camps and an American logistics depot.

“It wasn’t until recently that I was told by some elderly residents that in the field behind my house American troops were billeted in preparation for the D-Day landings and that along the Ham Road where Hawkeridge Park is now was a POW camp.

“What is now the West Wilts Trading Estate was a large American logistics depot that supplied stores which included a wide range of supplies for the American Army from canned food and chewing gum to ammunition.

“Supplies had to come mainly by rail. The trading estate had its own rail link via a spur from the main railway.

“Within the trading estate the Americans built their own rail network which included trains, engine sheds and a branch network into the trading estate.

“Some of the residents who have contacted me are elderly and can remember what it was like when the POW camps and the Americans were in Westbury.

“I would be pleased to hear from anyone who have memories of Westbury during this period. My aim is to collect as much information as possible that will help me in my research.

"I think it is important for this to be recorded as part of the local history. I would appreciate any information such as photos, postcards and stories.

If you are able to help, contact Mr Jenkins on 01373 823605 or by e-mail at davidjenkins53@hotmail.com.