Tilford UK 12 & 13 May 2007 (Nr bordon camp)

[CMandville]

A Village At War (W/E May 12/13)

We look forward to welcoming back all the re-enactors from past years and any new ones that would like to come (though please let the organisers know you are coming).

The exhibition theme this year will be the "Canadian influence" that the area enjoyed in WW2. Any Canadian veterans will be particularly welcome as will re-enactors dressed as Canadians. It is hoped to arrange trips to the remains of one of the local Canadian camps during the weekend.


The rural life centre at Tilford, near Farnham in Surrey, will be the venue for the 5th ‘Village at War’ weekend.

This very successful and popular event showcases 1940’s re-enactor groups, both Military and Civilian from across the south of England.

The period is May 1944 (D minus 24) with the build up of British and US troops preparing for the invasion of main land Europe. The whole village is bustling with activity.

The Royal Navy have commandeered the village pavilion and have set up ‘Naval Party 1645’, a backup planning and plotting room for the assembly of the invasion fleet.

Meanwhile in the woods surrounding the village, the US airborne troops are dug in and making their final preparations before moving to embarkation airfields.

Village life goes on with the Home Guard ensuring the security of the village and surrounding area.

The NAAFI wagon is set up on the village green serving refreshments to the troops while the music of Glenn Miller can be heard coming from the village hall. Inside the villagers are being taught The Jitterbug, the latest dance-craze sweeping Britain. And, of course there’s always a ‘Spiv’ ready to deal in black market goods but the local ‘Bobby’ is watching out for him and has handcuffs at the ready to make an arrest.

Yes, life for the villagers carries on as normal as it can during the build up to D-Day, but air raids are expected as the Luftwaffe try to disrupt the allies preparations.

In the evening, reenactors are welcome to the free dance in the village hall where Swingtime Suzie and Spinning Jim will play all your favourite 40’s music.

See www.rural-life.org.uk or contact Suzanne on 01256 329630


http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/foru...=382408#382408