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Thursday 27th April 1944
On this date the Guard's journal records one of two known visits to Kingsbridge by rail, by Field Marshal Montgomery. (His train code named 'RAPIER' originated from a location on the Southern Railway system, composed of LNER and LMS rolling stock). His purpose was to view the progress of the training of American troops in the South Hams area in preparation for the impending invasion of Europe. All normal scheduled branch services were suspended on the days he travelled.
27th April 1944 falls during the ill-fated progress of "Exercise Tiger"
It is known that General Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, also came to Kingsbridge by rail. However, the source illustrated here does not record this fact. His train codenamed 'ALIVE' is made up of GWR rolling stock, brought him to the nearest railhead at Kingsbridge, to view the training of American troops in preparation for D-Day.
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