Time Team and Operation Nightingale reunite for ‘Band of Brothers’ dig at Aldbourne

The famous ‘Band of Brothers’ dig will return to Aldbourne for the third time.

As the 79th anniversary of D-Day approaches, Time Team will be working with Operation Nightingale to lead an excavation at the small Wiltshire village, linked to the US Army’s Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division – the legendary ‘Band of Brothers’.

The iconic regiment was stationed in Wiltshire and throughout the Thames Valley from 1943, ahead of D-Day and other daring operations which would decide the outcome of the Second World War.

The dig taking place this May is being led by Operation Nightingale, a Ministry of Defence initiative designed to assist the recovery of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans by getting them involved in archaeology.

“We play host to groups of Americans and this year we have no less than 20 coach loads of Americans, following the 12 day Band of Brothers European tour,” said chairman of Aldbourne Heritage Centre, Terry Gilligan.

“Aldbourne is the first stop for them, and the first visit will be on May 8, so they will be able to experience the dig first hand. Also accompanying them is one of the original mini series actors, Jimmy Madio, who has been here several times.”

Time Team’s creator and series producer, Tim Taylor, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining forces again with our good friends, Richard Osgood and Operation Nightingale.

“I’ve always believed in archaeology’s qualities for promoting good wellbeing. I can’t wait to see what we discover together!”.

Operation Nightingale last worked with Team Time in 2012.

Mr Gilligan added: “People may also be interested in visiting our Heritage Centre, which displays lots of Aldbourne history. This year, our prize exhibit is a nine bell, coin operated carillon, made in 1880 by a local 21-year-old man and restored over this winter.

“It is believed to be one of the earliest uses of the coin in the slot method of operation, and possibly precedes the nickelodeon.”

The dig will take place from May 2 to 9, with daily updates provide on Time Team’s Patreon channel by the team’s resident digger, Matt Williams, as the action unfolds.

The full story will then be brought together in a special Time Team documentary hosted by Sir Tony Robinson, airing at a later date.