By Special to the AFRO
Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours (SAHT) is thrilled to announce that a group of descendants of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, popularly known as the “Six Triple Eight,” have embarked on a remarkable tour to honor the legacy of their courageous ancestors.
Retracing their steps from Glasgow to Birmingham, from London to Normandy, and from Rouen to Paris. The highlight of the tour will be a remembrance ceremony for the three members of the 6888th buried at the Normandy American Cemetery
About the 6888TH
The all-female unit of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II was designated black, although there were also Latina women in the unit. Their primary mission was to clear a massive backlog of mail and packages that had accumulated for American troops in Europe. They sorted, redirected, and delivered mail to over seven million Americans and troops stationed in the European Theater of Operations.
The unit was led by Major Charity Adams (Earley), becoming the first African-American woman to command an overseas battalion in the U.S. Army.
The 6888th was stationed in Birmingham, England, Rouen, France, and later in Paris. France. They faced numerous challenges, including cultural differences, gender discrimination, and working with outdated equipment. Despite these obstacles, they achieved remarkable results and earned a reputation for their efficiency and dedication.
The 6888th played a vital role in boosting morale among the troops by ensuring that they received letters and packages from their loved ones back home. Their work helped maintain a vital connection between soldiers and their families and improved morale on the front lines abroad and in the U.S. On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, awarding the 6888th the nation’s highest civilian honor.
About the tour
Led by SAHT’s expert historian, Col. (Ret.) Edna Cummings, the tour is taking the descendants on a captivating journey through significant sites.
Historian Kevin Hymel will join the group in London to add general WWII context for the group. Hymel, a long-time historian with SAHT, connected with Cummings when he was researching an article about the 6888th WWII History magazine. That article caught the eye of Tyler Perry who is turning it into a Netflix film.
Talia Ambrose, grand-niece of founder Stephen Ambrose and third generation of this family owned business, is accompanying the tour as a tour manager.
Itinerary
Glasgow – June 20 and 21
Taking the SS Île de France from the USA, the 6888th landed in Glasgow after a voyage dodging German U-boats. They then proceeded to their first station in Birmingham, England.
Birmingham, England – June 21 – 24
King Edwards School (Birmingham, England):
This site holds significance as it commemorates where the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the “Six Triple Eight,” was stationed during their time in Birmingham. The presence of a Blue Plaque honors the unit’s important role in mail sorting operations during World War II.
Victoria Square (Birmingham, England):
This square is notable as it was the location where the 6888th marched during their time in Birmingham. Historical footage captures their participation in parades, highlighting their contribution to the war effort.
During their visit, the descendants of the women of the 6888th will participate in various events and activities to honor the Windrush generation, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Windrush Memorial in Birmingham, and a series of talks and presentations at local schools and community centers.
William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, England (day trip out of Birmingham):
The 6888th took a photo with a statue of William Shakespeare at his birthplace. This site holds significance as it represents a memorable moment for the unit during their time in England.
London – June 24 – 25
Bletchley Park (Stop between Birmingham and London, England):
Bletchley Park is historically significant as it was the central site for British code-breaking efforts during World War II. For the 6888th descendants, visiting Bletchley Park allows them to learn about the vital role of approximately 8,000 women who operated the computers used for Nazi code-breaking, including the Colossus and Bombe machines.
Grosvenor Square (London, England):
This square holds significance as it was where the 6888th Commander Major Charity Adams reported in January 1945. It serves as a reminder of the unit’s presence and contributions in London during the war.
Churchill’s War Rooms (London, England): general WWII stop.
Normandy – June 25 – 28
Normandy holds immense significance for Americans. The group will visit American D-Day sites: Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc, and St. Mere Eglise, to name a few.
The highlight of the tour will be at the Normandy American Cemetery. Of the 9,386 military dead buried there, only four are women, and three of those four were members of the 6888th. On June 27, the group will honoring those three 6888th members in a solemn and poignant moment that pays tribute to their service and sacrifice.
Rouen – day trip on June 28
The marketplace in Rouen witnessed a parade ceremony in May 1945 in honor of Joan d’Arc, and the 6888th participated in this historic event. Additionally, visiting the remains of the Caserne Tallandier barracks, where the 6888th was stationed, allows the descendants to connect with the physical space that housed their ancestors during their time in Rouen.
Paris – June 28 and 29
The officers and enlisted women were quartered in different locations in Paris, namely the Hôtel États-Unis and the Hôtel Bohy-Lafayette, respectively. This was their last station before the unit returned to the USA.
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