Sheffield Park - Sussex - Canadian WW2

[Tim Bell]

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

[Andy Mitchell]

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

[Andy Mitchell]

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

Any idea of when they are thinking about ?

[Tim Bell]

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

[Andy Mitchell]

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

[cordenj]

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