Overlord military show at new site
Overlord Military Spectacular
In May 1944, the village of Denmead, situated close to the D-Day HQ at Southwick House, was one of the major staging points for Allied troops preparing for the invasion of Europe, code-named Operation Overlord.
Sixty-seven years later, GI’s, ‘Tommies’ and the occasional ‘Jerry’ will once again be seen on the streets of the village, as the supporting cast of re-enactors for the Overlord Military Spectacular.
Running for 30 years, this annual event is a popular one for military enthusiasts commemmorating D-Day 1944.
More than 300 military vehicles from jeeps to motorcycles, trucks to tanks, are expected to attend.
There will be mock battles with explosions; a living history section with period uniforms and weapons; trade stalls for militaria, uniforms and tools; arena events; and a 1940s theme Nostalgia Day on Sunday, May 29 when people arriving in 1940s costume will be able to get in at a reduced admission price..
This year’s show supports the Royal British Legion.
Publicity officer for Solent Overlord Exective, the group of military enthusiasts which organises the show, said: “Due to the increasing popularity of the show, which has become the south’s premier military vehicle show, this year we have moved the event to a new, larger site at The Lawns in Denmead to accommodate the increased number of exhibitors and visitors. Overlord 2011 covers four days of the bank holiday weekend.
“On site will be hundreds of military vehicles from the interwar period to the present day. Daily battle re-enactments enable the public to experience the sights and sounds of battle close up, and talk to members of the re-enactment groups with their period uniforms, weapons and equipment.
“Also on site will be numerous trade stalls.”
The show will now be held at The Lawns, Mead End, Denmead on May 27-30, 9am-5.30pm. The Lawns is off the B2150 between Waterlooville and Denmead.
Admission costs £7 for adults, £4 concessions, £4 for children age five to 15, and £20 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children).
There will be plenty of free parking, toilets on site, first aid, a beer tent, food and trade stalls.
For enquiries, call 01243 375 695 or e-mail overlordshow@ntlworld.com See the group’s website: www.solentoverlord.co.uk
l See Way Back When on page 39 for information about the King’s Stone in Rowlands Castle, the site of a military drive past as part of Overlord Military Spectacular.
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Weather for Petersfield
Thursday 23 May 2013
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Temperature: 4 C to 11 C
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