US CONNECTIONS

Home to Southampton and Portsmouth docks, coastal Hampshire shares a rich seafaring history with America. In 1620, the May ower and Speedwell spent two weeks in Southampton, preparing for their voyage to the New World. In the 20th century, the mighty White Star Line operated three weekly services to New York from the city, including the ill-fated Titanic whose tragic end would forever connect both cities.

A tranquil blend of countryside and coastline, Hampshire is not to be missed. The county town of Winchester is the ancient capital of England, and even houses King Arthur’s Round Table. Its cathedral is the resting place of saints, kings and queens, Jane Austen - and the relatives of George Washington.

Prior to D-Day, many American units called the county of Hampshire their home-from-home. The waterfront city of Portsmouth, a major naval base, played a key role in the Normandy landings. Nearby, Southwick House was where General Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord. Across the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, Gosport was another major embarkation point for D-Day, while Southampton became the front line of the invasion. US ghter bombers took off from air elds across the New Forest National Park, where the heaths and forests provided excellent cover for men and equipment. At Lepe Beach, you can still see remains of where the Mulberry Harbours’ enormous Phoenix Caissons were built and launched.