Sheffield Park - Sussex, UK - Canadian WW2 - 21st July 2018
 

All

I've been liaising with the National Trust at Sheffield Park in Sussex for nearly two years now regarding a proposed exhibition dedicated to the Canadian army at the site during WW2, and possibly a new war memorial - I have some original photos of the Canadians and Military Buildings at the site which I have provided copies of.

Planning for this is still at an early stage... so there is no date or specific requirement... other than something is expected next year.

At this stage, I would just like to get a sounding from group members with Canadian vehicles who, subject to when, might be prepared to take a WW2 Vintage Canadian vehicle to the site to support whatever the NT decide to do.

If you are interested, please can you say so, and let me know what vehicle you would be able to bring along.

If you have any photos or memorabilia specific to Sheffield Park during WW2 which you would be happy to loan, or agree to have copied, please let me know so that I can put you in-touch with the Exhibition organizer. If you know anyone stationed at Sheffield Park who has vivid memories of the place... then we'd love to hear from them especially.

NT Website for Sheffield Park's ww2 history is here... EDIT - it was HQ for Canadian Armoured Div and Div Signals amongst others.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/she...sheffield-park

Early days at the moment... and little information available.... hence am really just testing the water to see if there is anyone interested in supporting whatever does happen.

Many thanks

Tim

Hi Tim,

Be an honour to help out with my Canadian F 30 - also near me are Jim Baxter, John Corden and James Gosling all of whom I am sure would be happy to help too.

Cheers,

Andy

Oh and I forgot, Mike Gurr has a canadian carrier in our workshop too.

Any idea of when they are thinking about ?

Andy

At present, (having now found the email)... I have this...

I wanted to update you with the plans here at Sheffield Park and Garden with regards to our WW2 history. As I think I mentioned in my last email, in 2018 our annual programming theme will be about how the grounds were used during the Second World War.

We already have some exciting plans for next year, including an archaeological excavation of one of the Nissen huts, an art installation, interpretation panels telling the history and stories of that time, tours, a re-creation of one of the Nissen huts and, of course, the installation of the commemorative plaque and stone by the Maple tree. We are also looking into costumed characters, military vehicles and an obstacle course similar to that used here for training.

I have been to the National Archives and photographed some of the War Diaries of the regiments that were here, but still have more to do, including that of the soldier that features in your photographs. I would be happy to send you copies of those when I have them if they are of interest to you?

We will be using your photographs to help us re-create the inside of a Nissen hut to give an idea to our visitors of what life would have been like for the soldiers, and it would be great to be able to use some of them in the displays. Can you please let me know if that would be something you would allow us to do and then we can arrange the proper documentation?

Let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, additional information or contacts that may wish to be involved?

.


At the moment though, it is really just a case of knowing who else can support them with whatever they decide to do.


Cheers

Tim

Sounds good, my email is fordf30@hotmail.com if you get anything further !

I would be very pleased to bring my 1943 C60S Wrecker to this. Please add me to your list. I am sure JAmes Baxter will also be interested with his HUP and perhaps James Gosling with one or more of his vehicles. I will give them a nudge!

Good luck with dealing with the NT though.....(and I speak as a Life Member)

Thanks
John

Hi, I would be happy to bring along the Lynx and if Pete is free the C15TA, I'm sure Andy would bring his C15A.
James

Hi Tim,

Please can you also add James Baxter and his HUP to your list of potential vehicles.
He is unable to access MLU at the moment.
Thanks

John

All

Thanks for the interest so far.

I will provide an update here as and when I get it.

Cheers

Tim

An update...

They hope to have the memorial sorted and tree planted by March 2018 with a replacement Nissen hut built soon after.

The formal dedication of the memorial and opening of the nissen hut is penciled in for 21st July 2018.

This is the weekend before War and Peace.

This would be a 1 day event at present - with no facility for overnight parking/camping.

Hopefully being the weekend before W&P, people going there would be happy to do this on the way... and those not going there wont care?

What are your thoughts on this date - is this a bad choice?

I have suggested to them that they put a facebook page together to advertise this further - and provide regular updates on what they are doing.

Hopefully I can then link that page here, so that you can all talk direct to them.

I have also asked them to let me know what exactly is planned for 21st and will advise asap.

Cheers

Tim

Thanks Tim,
All sounds ok for me.

I have copied on your message to James Baxter and James Gosling

John

Official Exhibition Opening day - Saturday 21st July 2018.

For this the National Trust would like at most 12 x WW2 Canadian Vehicles and any uniformed reenactors with appropriate equipment related to the time period.

It is a one-day event - and there is no overnight option here.

For those still interested, please send me a PM and I will give you the email address of the person you need to book in with.

I am still waiting for NT to update their website and launch a Facebook group for this - when they do, I will update this page with the details.

Many thanks for your support.

Tim