Dan Snow’s SVOD, History Hit, is producing a new doc based on the discovery of dog tags belonging to members of the famed WW2 unit, Band of Brothers.
History Hit, owned by Little Dot Studios, has announced the discovery of the two dog tags unearthed at an archaeological WW2 dig conducted by archaeologist Richard Osgood and a team of veterans from Nightingale and Aldbourne Heritage Centre supported by Breaking Ground Heritage in the lead up to the 78th anniversary of D-Day.
Discovered at Aldbourne, Wiltshire, where the 101st were stationed during WW2, the dig began looking for items relating to the courageous unit. What was uncovered was two dog tags of unknown heroes who were part of the ‘Band of Brothers’: Richard A Blake and Carl Fenstermaker. Carl Fenstermaker was a member of Dick Winters Easy Company, Carl made a remarkable three combat jumps during his service in the 101st including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne.
The Band of Brothers’ discovery and exploratory dig has been captured by History Hit for a documentary titled Uncovering the Band of Brothers. An additional podcast will also explore the discovery featuring archaeologist Richard Osgood that will go live on 6th June.
The surviving grandson of Carl Fenstermaker, Andrew Fenstermaker commented on the discovery: “We didn’t know much about his (my grandfather’s) service, he wasn’t one to talk much about it. I was really excited to hear about what was found. It’s something that I’m excited to share with my dad and my aunt and uncles, all of his kids are still alive so it’ll mean a lot to them.”
Dan Snow, Founder and Creative Director of History Hit, said: “We were really honoured to be asked to document this dig as WW2 is an incredibly important and emotive period in history and it’s only right we shed light on those who gave up their lives to protect their own and other countries. As we celebrate 78 years since D-Day, I’m proud we have found further soldiers from within the Band of Brothers who deserve recognition. This is a significant moment as we add more names to this famous group and continue to make their families proud.”
Richard Osgood, Operation Nightingale adds: “Being a part of this milestone moment has been a real honour. Adding names and faces to the Band of Brothers enables us to keep their story alive. We are hugely excited to be working with History Hit on the documentary which will be both moving and informative, bringing history to life.”
The WW2 significant discovery comes just two months on from History Hit documenting the successful expedition to find Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance shipwreck, which was organised by The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust.
Jon Creamer
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