| Fort DeSoto Park, D-Day Landing |
On April 21 & 22, 2007, Fort DeSoto Park became host to a reenactment of D-Day, June 6, 1944.
World War II reenactors were dressed in many different uniforms representing U.S., British, Canadian and
German soldiers as they would have been seen in 1944. Battle reenactments took place giving visitors a
chance to witness the role of soldiers, their equipment, and weapons on that fateful day. Throughout each
day, Allied and Axis camps were set up so visitors could get an up close look at tents, vehicles and
equipment used by both sides.
This event was well attended and offered a great chance to see history without the interference of glass
cases. We were there with the U.S. Army M1934 tent showcasing a portion of Al Richmond's collection.
Al has set up with us in the past and brings a great knowledge of World War II military history to events.
Congratulations go to Jeffrey Rosado and Miriam Richmond, the winners of the 'Legendary Cricket of
D-Day' book giveaway. We wish to thank everyone who stopped by our exhibit.
World War II reenactors were dressed in many different uniforms representing U.S., British, Canadian and
German soldiers as they would have been seen in 1944. Battle reenactments took place giving visitors a
chance to witness the role of soldiers, their equipment, and weapons on that fateful day. Throughout each
day, Allied and Axis camps were set up so visitors could get an up close look at tents, vehicles and
equipment used by both sides.
This event was well attended and offered a great chance to see history without the interference of glass
cases. We were there with the U.S. Army M1934 tent showcasing a portion of Al Richmond's collection.
Al has set up with us in the past and brings a great knowledge of World War II military history to events.
Congratulations go to Jeffrey Rosado and Miriam Richmond, the winners of the 'Legendary Cricket of
D-Day' book giveaway. We wish to thank everyone who stopped by our exhibit.
Visitors viewing the Museum display.
Two girls write to soldiers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Once again, children and adults stopped to
write a small 'thank you' to our service men and women. They suffer many hardships on our behalf. We
are always encouraged by the number of people who recognize this fact.
write a small 'thank you' to our service men and women. They suffer many hardships on our behalf. We
are always encouraged by the number of people who recognize this fact.
Portion of Al Richmond's airborne and troop carrier patch displays.
The typical G.I. footlocker. Footlockers were designed to hold uniforms and personal effects.
Another view of the display showing weapons and equipment used by the paratroops in the foreground
and by the beach battalions in the background.
and by the beach battalions in the background.
Another look.
| Photos |
Taking a small break
We were set up next to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, Fox Company living history group. They brought an
impressive display of artifacts. Here, Rangers can be seen sharing time with spectators.
impressive display of artifacts. Here, Rangers can be seen sharing time with spectators.
Equipment used by the engineers.
Artillery display.
The infamous Willys Jeep. Named after the Willys-Overland Company, the Willys Jeep was originally
designed by American Bantam Car Company. The engine on the prototype proved inadequate for the
Army so Willys and Ford were given the chance to improve the vehicle and submit competing bids for
the production contract. Although Willys outbid Ford, the Army was concerned Willys would be unable
to supply the number of vehicles needed for the war effort. Therefore, Ford was also given a contract to
produce the jeep. Today, 60+ years after the end of World War II, the jeep is still synonymous with the
U.S. Armed Forces.
designed by American Bantam Car Company. The engine on the prototype proved inadequate for the
Army so Willys and Ford were given the chance to improve the vehicle and submit competing bids for
the production contract. Although Willys outbid Ford, the Army was concerned Willys would be unable
to supply the number of vehicles needed for the war effort. Therefore, Ford was also given a contract to
produce the jeep. Today, 60+ years after the end of World War II, the jeep is still synonymous with the
U.S. Armed Forces.
More jeep displays.
Living history events offer the public a chance to experience history in a manner unavailable in any other
format. Here two youngsters handle the .30 Cal. and .50 Cal. machine guns under supervision.
format. Here two youngsters handle the .30 Cal. and .50 Cal. machine guns under supervision.
These soldiers take a quick break before the afternoon mock battle.
A quick visit to the German Camp. This display belongs to the 12. SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend"
living history group. The 12th SS was created from members of Germany's Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend)
program. Officers and NCO's were largely made up of veterans of the 1. SS Panzer Division
"Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler". Both 1. SS Panzer Division and 12. SS Panzer Division would fight
against the British and Canadians in the days following D-Day. Horrific battles were fought
until the Germans finally broke and fled from France back to Germany.
These notorious panzer divisions were part of the Waffen SS, the military branch of the SS. Soldiers in
the Waffen SS were not affiliated with the concentration camps. Although famous for battlefield atrocities
like the Malmedy Massacre, close examination shows that battlefield atrocities were certainly not exclusive
to German soldiers. Many Allied soldiers were also guilty of performing this act. This is a sobering fact
which demonstrates how the absolute horror of war affected soldiers on all sides.
living history group. The 12th SS was created from members of Germany's Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend)
program. Officers and NCO's were largely made up of veterans of the 1. SS Panzer Division
"Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler". Both 1. SS Panzer Division and 12. SS Panzer Division would fight
against the British and Canadians in the days following D-Day. Horrific battles were fought
until the Germans finally broke and fled from France back to Germany.
These notorious panzer divisions were part of the Waffen SS, the military branch of the SS. Soldiers in
the Waffen SS were not affiliated with the concentration camps. Although famous for battlefield atrocities
like the Malmedy Massacre, close examination shows that battlefield atrocities were certainly not exclusive
to German soldiers. Many Allied soldiers were also guilty of performing this act. This is a sobering fact
which demonstrates how the absolute horror of war affected soldiers on all sides.
Soldiers representing the 12. SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend". This photo captures the different types
of camouflage employed by the Waffen SS in World War II.
of camouflage employed by the Waffen SS in World War II.
American and German soldiers prepare for the mock battle.
A German soldier sits in the side-car of the BMW motorcycle.
Sentries scan the horizon for Allied troops. The invasion is about to begin.
They're coming! U.S. troops move forward through the sand dunes toward the German defensive
position.
position.
As the battle on the beach progresses, German reserves prepare a counter-attack.
Surrounded! Airborne troops move in from the rear.
The infantry move up from the beach to capture the German reserves.
The paratroops link up with the infantry and gather prisoners.
A good representation of the different Allied uniforms. To the left of the prisoner, is a Free French soldier; to
the right, a British infantry soldier; in the jeep, three British paratroopers (Red Devils).
the right, a British infantry soldier; in the jeep, three British paratroopers (Red Devils).
A good crowd came out to witness the mock battle and interact with the reenactors once the exhibition ended.
We received good feedback from veterans and civilians alike. Each were very appreciative of the efforts put
forth by the different living history groups that attended this event.
We received good feedback from veterans and civilians alike. Each were very appreciative of the efforts put
forth by the different living history groups that attended this event.
Reenactors representing the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions during World War II.
Living history events are a great way to share history with the public. For many, this offers the only means to
experience and learn about World War II outside television and literature. In this format, the visitor is in control
of his or her interest and the content of their inquiries. You cannot ask a television show or movie "why was this
done?" or "how would this be used?"
We believe living history plays a viable and important role in the education of today's youth. It captures
imaginations and offers excellent opportunities for further discussion concerning life during World War II.
Unfortunately, no appropriate setting exists for this educational format. We plan to create an area mimicking
an actual battlefield so the public would witness living history in a setting true to the time period. As you can
see in the photo below, it takes a great deal of imagination to transform a lifeguard station into a defensive
position.
experience and learn about World War II outside television and literature. In this format, the visitor is in control
of his or her interest and the content of their inquiries. You cannot ask a television show or movie "why was this
done?" or "how would this be used?"
We believe living history plays a viable and important role in the education of today's youth. It captures
imaginations and offers excellent opportunities for further discussion concerning life during World War II.
Unfortunately, no appropriate setting exists for this educational format. We plan to create an area mimicking
an actual battlefield so the public would witness living history in a setting true to the time period. As you can
see in the photo below, it takes a great deal of imagination to transform a lifeguard station into a defensive
position.
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