Jun 052018
 

Paddy White was playing the part of a 202 Bn Auxilier, leaving his ‘calling card’ on the occupying forces. Not only that, but he managed to pass on a plenty of CART flyers before he was ‘arrested’…

The G.C.R. is the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, Leicestershire. Check out the website here: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/wartime/

Jun 012018
 

Coleshill House (SN6 7PT) was the hush-hush headquarters of Churchill’s Secret Army, or the Auxiliers. Discover the detailed history of their training and visit some of the remaining Second World War features around the village, including the Guard House and the original prototype underground training bunker or Operational Base (OB). Plus, check out the newly built and refurbished replica “funk hole” and see the new display of artifacts including a rare copy of a Stand-Down letter.

Day Times Availability
7 June 2018 18:00 – 20:00 Available
12 July 2018 18:00 – 20:00 Available
16 September 2018 10:00 – 12:00 Available
6 October 2018 14:00 – 16:00 Available

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/4cc948c4-d1f6-4b91-b911-a0e1ea3677c6/pages/details

Prices:  Adult £5.00 / Child £2.50

Contact Rachel Coltman to book on: 01793 762-209

Suitability: Children welcome (12+) / Assistance dogs welcome.
Park & meet: at the Coleshill Estate Office car park.
What to bring & wear: Please wear appropriate clothing for weather conditions. Flat sturdy shoes/boots/wellingtons advisable.
Accessibility: A fairly long, flat walk through the village, woods & fields.

Free afternoons are also available to experience the replica OB:

Day Times Availability
10 June 2018 14:00 – 17:00 Available
8 July 2018 14:00 – 17:00 Available
12 August 2018 14:00 – 17:00 Available
9 September 2018 14:00 – 17:00 Available
14 October 2018 14:00 – 17:00 Available

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/74fa6412-18cc-40cd-b634-a3dcf13d9b6e/pages/details

 

Sep 222015
 

Ron, who was a member of the Maiden Newton Patrol, Dorset, passed away on 25th August 2015. He was 92 years old and the last surviving member of his patrol. Ron recorded his memories for the Maiden Newton at war events and they were published in a special edition of the local paper as part of this.

His wife Dorothy predeceased him. His funeral service was on 8th September 2015 at Weymouth Crematorium.

Our thanks to John Pidgeon for passing on the information.

Ron Vallis, ready to serve when called. 

We will remember them….

Aug 272015
 

Aux BadgeDue to popular demand we have now ordered another limited amount of the modern replica Auxiliary badges we designed.

The originals were issued to many Auxiliers after the war.

The central shield is a replica of the famous badge that was issued to members of the Auxiliary Units after the war. The original WW2 badge can now fetch several hundred pounds – but beware fakes.

ORDER your badge today for under £7.00 inc delivery here

 

Jul 122015
 


Ian Edwards & Bill Ashby

Today we welcomed Ian Edwards (left) to GHQ Coleshill. Ian has been working on CAD drawings of Coleshill House and the important Stable Block for the last few years under the guidance of Bill Ashby (right), our Coleshill researcher. The Stable Block was used by admin staff of the Auxiliary Units.

You can see more about Ian’s work and the Coleshill House Reborn Project here.