Thread: The Niland Brothers

Four young Americans joined up in the name of Duty and Patriotism. Preston, Robert and Francis landed in Normandy in different Units whilst Edward fought in the Pacific as a member of an air-crew. Robert was killed on 6th June at Sainte-Mere-Eglise; Preston on 7th at Utah Beach, Edward was reported missing in the same week. The authorities decided then to save the fourth of the Niland's sons.

The Chaplain, Father Simpson was given the task of breaking the news to the younger son, Francis before evacuating him to England. When the War in the Pacific ended, the airman, a prisoner of the Japanese was finally found again.

It was this moving and incredible story that inspired the scriptwriter of Steven Spielberg for the film: "Saving Private Ryan".

I cannot imagine how much this family must have suffered and how difficult it must have been to cope with it.