Jack Posted November 28, 2008 Posted November 28, 2008 Armour & Embarkation. Dorset 2010 As the title suggests, the event is based around armour and embarkation for D-Day. This is event or more to point, this experience has never been undertaken here in the UK since WW2. It has been inspired by Tanks in Town in Mons. It will be an HMVF event. Is open to US and British armour and soft skins. Where? Maiden Newton – Dorset. (more about why Maiden Newton later). Why? Why Dorset? Because it was one of the embarkation and marshalling counties. For example, the 1st Division – the Big Red One and the 29th were based here and left from Weymouth for Omaha. The Rangers left for Point Du Hoc and elements of the 2nd Armoured also left from here. We must also remember that the above ‘big 3’ names weren’t the only ones to leave from here. Thousands of others aboard mine sweepers, Coast Guards and a whole host of special vessels. With Dorset being a marshalling and embarkation county it became a massive camp and a supply dump. The fields and woodlands of Dorset where filled with all of the American armour and soft skins that you can imagine, you may of seen the famous pictures of the vehicle park full to the horizon of half tracks and Shermans. Dorset became a massive fuel, ammunition and food dump. There is more to Dorset WW2 history than you can imagine and below are some point of interest: ·Tarrant Rushton was known as Station X as it was used by the SOE and is most known for the airfield where Major Howard and his men left for Pegasus bridge ·The Big Red One where here - the Rangers, 2nd armoured left from here ·Commandos trained here ·DD tanks trained for D-Day on the beaches around Studland bay (some of them on still on the seabed…) ·Blandford Camp - the army base was a hospital for the US forces - it was a hospital for the battle of bulge - with up to 500 GIs coming into it a day, flown in by C47s into Tarrant Rushton ·Dorset was an invasion zone for Operation Sea Lion – Army Group B… The landings would be broken up into waves, the initial wave to land on Army Group B's beaches would comprise no less than ten infantry divisions made up of 120,000 infantry soldiers, 4,650 horses, 700 tanks, 1,500 army vehicles. Each side of the landings would be supported by some 30,000 paratroopers whose job it would be to cut communications, secure bridges, railways and small villages. Of course the list goes on and on. To go back to why Maiden Newton, I will explain. I had previous talked myself out of thinking of Dorset because I though that no one would come this far. I then had a call from a tank owner, an HMVF member telling to get a grip and get it sorted for Dorset and that I should talk with Ian Hambidge. Ian was one of the organiser of the massive success that was Maiden Newton at War. They turned the village back to 40’s back in the summer and I didn’t go. From what I have been told ever since, it was the show of the year. Maiden Newton works because of its little known but big significance it played during the war and its build up to D-Day. The village was a Stop Line – it was meant to hold back the might of the German Army Group B that would of landed along the Dorset coast. The Stop Line was designed to funnel men and armour in to a killing ground and still has over 100 tanks traps in place, Spigot mortar pits. It also had guns that where to fire down on to the Dorset beaches at the invasion. ( it is like Normandy but in reverse). It was home to the 3225th Quartermaster Service Company. POW camps were in the area, Pillboxes are still in place and railway station became a rail head for the build of suppliers for D-Day. Again the list goes one and but it is safe to say that this a very historic place. Here is the point. At their event back in the summer they had Jim Clarks Sherman there so may be they would be open to having another take or two their. I called Ian and ran the idea past him and as fate would have it – they were wanting to have another Maiden Newton at War event again in 2010. Perfect timing. Ian came over to see me and invited me to pitch the concept to executive committee which I done and today we had the green light. So we are going to bolt the two events together. This would mean that Armour & Embarkation still remains an HMVF event and Maiden Newton at War is still the villages event. This way we both get the best of both worlds. We get a prime area for our event – historic, relevant, good access and in the heart of historic WW2 Dorset. Maiden Newton get the first ever tank event in the UK! We are all excited by it. Dorchester was full of armour and soft skins ready to move down to the embarkation ports of Weymouth and Portland. What is known as Top ‘o’ Town in Dorchester was stacked sky high of coffins waiting for the aftermath of the D-Day invasion. The Sky invasion – just off Portland was the rendezvous point for both airborne divisions of the 82nd and 101st paratroopers. As Victor Swatridge of Dorchester Police noted at 00:15 June 6th – a huge armada of human cargo flying over head. It was clear that the invasion of Europe had commenced, yet the whole population of Dorset was still sleeping …. When 19 – 20TH JUNE 2010. What are we going to do? There is so much that we can do and we are working on that. In a summary this whole event will revolve around the armour and the armour road run. Friday – soft skin runs to place of interest (we have so many so work finalise that). We will have a couple of teams in WW2 vehicles that will be at designated points along the convoy route. These guys will being supplying the brew for when we stop. When we move out they will follow on with us whilst the second group are in front setting up for the next brew stop. I want to get the media involved in this from the very beginning so that they will know where we will be and when – we can then get the public involved all along the routes and villages. Back to camp and may be a barn dance. Saturday is the historic armour day. Our destination will be the capital town of Dorset which is Dorchester! We will again let the village and public know when we are leaving so that they can witness this historic event, meet us at the stops, the soft skins will be carrying reenactors and as many folks in OD as possible. We need to yet plan the route and we need to work closely with the tanks owners/drivers at this point so that we can get it right. I would like to make the offer of showing the drivers around the route way before the event so that you are happy and willing to put you up for the night if needs be. We will build in a long stretch of road so that the tankers can open up their tanks to the max. We will arrive in Dorchester. That weekend is carnival weekend so we are hoping that we can attach the column to the back of the procession – I think driving up through thousands of people would be great fun. There some historic pictures of armoured lined up in Dorchester, camo netted up waiting to go down to Weymouth – I would like to see if we could recreate that. Then we would travel back to the village. Rest and then get ready for nights entertainment (again we may have something rather historic up our sleeve for this). Sunday is public day where the public come to see the tank and the reenactors with a massive tank battle….. ...cont on the next post.
Jack Posted November 28, 2008 Author Posted November 28, 2008 This is just a brief outline and Ian and Maiden Newton at War have all of their events going on as the same time so will be here to let us know what they have planned. It will all dovetail in nicely. Some ideas that I would like to do is: Is to be able to have a ‘cook/mess’ tent where we can supply breakfast and dinner everyday. So that we can all meet in the same place for daily briefing and to meet others and to the hassle out of cooking for everyone. Have a cameraman for the weekend so that we can produce and professionally edited DVD for everyone To have TV film crew to be ‘imbedded’ with us. One of the nights to have a barn dance so that we can all get involved, look stupid and for some to fall over…. May be during the week of the build UP have some trips down to Slapton Sands or/and Upottery, Bovington Tank Museum if folks wanted to. ….and some more to add to here to once I have spoken to Kev. So to summarise – this is a unique event, yes this is a bold undertaking and some may say ambitious but it can be done. In fact it is being done. We have got over the biggest hurdle that concerned many and that was the Police. They have wished us well. This will take a lot of work and I need to build a good team around me so that we can get this right, first time around – Snapper is already in place as photographer (not sure if I have told him yet). Everything will be in place. The reason that I have the confidence to do this is because of the energy and momentum that HMVF has got. The response to Once More Onto the Beach campaign has blown me away and proved to me that we can do anything – if the energy is there, and it is. We could have one hell of a good time, doing something that has never been done before and we will follow the lead that Clive D Stevens does by laying wreaths of thanks at relevant places. MORE TO COME.................. Sorry for any typos :???
Jim Clark Posted November 28, 2008 Posted November 28, 2008 At last Jack the venue is out in the open, I can assure you we (the "ALLIED FORCES GROUP") will be supporting you with your event and I hope all the members of HMVF will too. As far as I am concerned the road run can be as long as you like, the chance to drive on the roads in convoy with other WW2 armour is something not to be missed. Anyone who has been to Tanks in Town will know what I am talking about. The Maiden Newton event back in June was excellent and I am sure 2010 will be something to look forward to. Jim.
M5Clive Posted November 28, 2008 Posted November 28, 2008 We could have one hell of a good time, doing something that has never been done before and we will follow the lead that Clive D Stevens does by laying wreaths of thanks at relevant places. As much as I would like to take the credit for much of the work involved in organising Bolero, Gathering of Eagles etc etc, (which I believe has given Jack much inspiration to front this new venture,) I must however give the full credit to Ed Abbott for setting the principle of laying wreaths at the historic places that our convoys have stopped in the past.
Adrian Barrell Posted November 28, 2008 Posted November 28, 2008 Sounds great Jack! Can't fault the plan at all, well apart from the Dorset bit... only kidding! I think I'm goind to need some cheap haulage! One minor point, I need to be in front of Jim this time, I kept catching him up at RTV.....
Jack Posted November 28, 2008 Author Posted November 28, 2008 Many thanks Jim and Adrian - great that it works for you! I will try and sort Jim out for you :whistle: perhaps we could ask Martin to get in the driving seat :coffee: So with Jim and the Allied Forces group and your good self we have so far: 2 Shermans 1 M5 high speed tractor 2 M4 high speed tractor 1 halftrack 1 GMC - mine! 1 Dodge - Kevs! Jim - what else are the AFG ( Allied Forces Group) bring?!
Jim Clark Posted November 28, 2008 Posted November 28, 2008 What else do you want? we could bring the whole fleet, 1 M4 SHERMAN 2 M4 HIGH SPEED TRACTORS 1 M3 HALFTRACK 1 MACK NO 2 WITH ROGERS TRAILER 1 DIAMOND T 980 WITH ROGERS TRAILER 1 DIAMOND T 968 WITH 8 TON TRAILER 1 CAT D4 3 GMC 352 2 105 HOWITZER 1 1 1/2 TON CHEVROLET 2 DODGE WC 51 4 JEEPS Plus artillery for M4 HSTs if all goes to plan. Is that ok Jim.
Adrian Barrell Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 I could also bring my M5 HST but transport is, I'm sure going to be an issue. With a venue in Dorset, that's going to be a problem for a lot of people and will probably restrict the number of entries.
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 Great work Adrian and we will be putting a 'transport' package together to help remove that problem!
Joris Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 Wow, this is going to be one hell of an event!!
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 Wow, this is going to be one hell of an event!! Yeah, Dorset wouldn't of seen an event like this for a while! JN can you fix it with Mrs JN to come on over...you haven't been on Adrians tank for a while :coffee:
Adrian Barrell Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 (edited) Yeah, Dorset wouldn't of seen an event like this for a while! JN can you fix it with Mrs JN to come on over...you haven't been on Adrians tank for a while :coffee: I'll be conducting interviews for crew nearer the time....:-D Edited November 29, 2008 by Adrian Barrell
Adrian Barrell Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 Will the dancing girls be at the event Jack? They could crew for me....:yay:
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 Will the dancing girls be at the event Jack? They could crew for me....:yay: I just put it to them but it has kicked off. They are now fighting about who is going to be the co drivers seat :sweat:and one had said that they were concerned about how they can apply make up seeing as your Sherman as no wing mirrors:argh: I told them that they are not allowed to step on your head - that is Bodges prerogative :sweat:
N.O.S. Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 (edited) Just to put the transport thing into perspective for anyone who might be wondering what all the fuss is about - To hire a triaxle stepframe low loader (24t cap.) for a run from East Anglia to Dorset at current commercial rates will set you back about £650, so about £1300 to get a load out and then back several days later. I trust this illustrates the level of committment expected of owners prepared to bring their tracked machines to an event like this. What does a Sherman weigh? Just found info - between 30 and 34 tonnes depending on variant. I don't know how much this would add to the cost of haulage - possibly 50% more than the above rates? Respect to you :thumbsup: Edited November 29, 2008 by N.O.S.
Joris Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 Yeah, Dorset wouldn't of seen an event like this for a while! JN can you fix it with Mrs JN to come on over...you haven't been on Adrians tank for a while :coffee: Been looking at travel options and it's at least 8hr travel time and that's a bit far for Hugo, so I can't make any promises. I really want to go, don't worry about that!
Rick W Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 You never know , 2010 might see my MB there as well, might be enough time...
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 Just to put the transport thing into perspective for anyone who might be wondering what all the fuss is about - To hire a triaxle stepframe low loader (24t cap.) for a run from East Anglia to Dorset at current commercial rates will set you back about £650, so about £1300 to get a load out and then back several days later. I trust this illustrates the level of committment expected of owners prepared to bring their tracked machines to an event like this. What does a Sherman weigh? Just found info - between 30 and 34 tonnes depending on variant. I don't know how much this would add to the cost of haulage - possibly 50% more than the above rates? Respect to you :thumbsup: Hi N.O.S. I am with you there and I CDS said that one of the Diamond T's at Route to Victory spent over £1000 on fuel for the truck just on the run outs.. We intend to work hard on this area. We have 18 months to crack this and get it in place. We can work back loads. We have a secure area that can store up to 100 mvs and will have a 24hr guard. This will enable flexibility in getting the armour down here and back in the most efficent manner.
Degsy Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 Hi N.O.S. CDS said that one of the Diamond T's at Route to Victory spent over £1000 on fuel for the truck just on the run outs.. £1000:shocked:........something wrong there Jack, I know Diamonds like fuel but not that much.:confused:
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 Hi N.O.S. CDS said that one of the Diamond T's at Route to Victory spent over £1000 on fuel for the truck just on the run outs.. £1000:shocked:........something wrong there Jack, I know Diamonds like fuel but not that much.:confused: seriously Degsy - I am sure of it. You bill was pretty big wasn't it (£50)??
Grasshopper Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 Don't know about the award winning petrol-gulping constantly-broken non-original-toolkit-toting WLF, but I'm sure Mike and I will attend this event with his (very well equipped and reliable) WLF to help cover any breakdowns. We also carry on-board brewing up equipment for emergencies. We may be able to persuade one or both of our local half tracks to attend, as they love convoy events and giving rides.
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 Vince you are the man! On the list was the heavy recovery vehicles just in case of breakdowns - we need to get that angle covered...thanks for stepping up to the plate.
Jack Posted November 29, 2008 Author Posted November 29, 2008 We have Scammell wrecker coming..Kev said so - he has yet to tell to the owner :whistle:
Degsy Posted November 29, 2008 Posted November 29, 2008 seriously Degsy - I am sure of it. You bill was pretty big wasn't it (£50)?? No idea what it cost me for the two convoy runs but fuel bill for the whole event was close to £350.
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