INTRODUCTION |
World War Two was perhaps one of the most traumatic times in recent history, the fighting and hardships affected Europe, the Pacific and had a knock on effect throughout the world. To commemorate such hardships felt by our friends and relatives, we are holding a 1940s themed weekend which will be staged over three days, (20th, 21st, 22nd June 2008).
There will be a variety of projects to interest the whole family. These will vary from a war time dance, to a WWII re-enactment. So come along and join in the fun.
Some information about Maiden Newton during World War II
Once the planners had finalised the D-Day invasion plan, which placed the First US Army on the western beaches of the Bay de la Seine, American troops started to arrive in Devon and Dorset. As American troops and material poured into Britain from November 1943, Dorset became host to one of the D-Day assault divisions. The towns, villages and great houses of the County were surrounded by camps or literally taken over by units of the 1st US Infantry Division or, as it was known, 'Big Red One'. Some 34,142 men and 3,306 vehicles were based in Dorset and bound for Omaha Beach or 'Bloody Omaha'.
Some people may be surprised to know that Maiden Newton, although being a fairly small village at the time, did play some part in the war effort. For example, the 1st Reconnaissance Troop was initially located at Norden Hill Camp, Maiden Newton but subsequently moved to Piddlehinton Camp.
Prior to being shipped overseas on the 'Sterling Castle', the four companies of the 565th were designated as separate companies. The 3225th Quartermaster Service Company and 9th U.S. Army arrived in Liverpool, England, in early December 1943.
The US Ninth Army was one of the main U.S. Army combat commands used during the campaign in northwest Europe in 1944 and 1945. It was commanded from its inception by Lieutenant General William Simpson. It had been designated Eighth Army, but on arrival in the United Kingdom it was renamed to avoid confusion with the famous British formation of the same designation.
It was immediately deployed to Maiden Newton, Dorset, southern England, where it was used to operate a railhead in Area C, in support of the troops being assembled for the invasion of France. The railhead distributed rations (Class I) to its assigned units. While at Maiden Newton, 1st Lieutenant Rechnitzer assumed command. He there met with a 1st Lieutenant and nurse of the 305th Station hospital, soon to become his wife.