Good Day
Well, this was a great year for the HDDLH. We had 110 guest living historians, 33 vehicles and a whole lot of fun.
Look at the exhibits page, over 40 various exhibits and activities related to WW2.
Several first, a kid section esp. for our young visiting historians, Barrage balloon Company, and much more. Look for posted pictures in the near future.
We were at capacity for what we could billet. The place was packed.
We want to thank all of those who drove hours to be part of this event. Just adding gear and vehicles we figure about 2 million dollars of assets were at the park for this event.
This does not include those folks who drove all the way from Gettysburg in vehicle averaging 6 miles per gallon just to provide the heavy equipment that would have been at the fort. We are all deeply grateful for that level of dedication.
For the first time in years, the 7d Kompanie of the Gross Deutschland retuned to the event. we had a Sturmgeschütz III which with the Sherman provided a real life example of what we as Americans were up against.
Our mess hall was expertly run but Mess SGT Phillips with all having full stomachs and then some. Our provisional Mess SGT Middleton provided two wonderful meals till the mess hall was up and running. Anyone who missed lunch from the WW2 German field kitchen missed a great meal. Thank you Marinus Grobmeier for a wonderful culinary experience. After all an any military unit marches on its stomach!
The Wheels of Liberation folks gave tank tours. A visitor had the chance to climb into and examine the interior of a real late was Sherman tank. This was a fund raiser for us, since these are expensive puppies to move around. Monies raised will go to the following year for our next piece of heavy equipment. Email us if you have a thought on what to bring.
I t would not be right to just thank the historians, but we need to thank the FMHA, Bunker Busters and the Park system and its rep, Kaitlyn Dykes for a flawless weekend. OK parks did let in the mosquitos, but we are assured they have been uninvited for the 2026 event.
This was the 20th anniversary of the event. And in 20 years, the barracks and grounds have been transformed by the Bunker Busters into buildings with glass in the windowpanes, real dry roofs, painted interior and exterior wall, electrical outlets, doors that would stop a truck and much more more. This is a 20-year labor of love for those folks, and we the Living historians are most grateful. And of course, the real bathrooms and showers.
Unfortunately, it did rain early afternoon and that did affect attendance. Which was a shame.
2026 is coming up. The date has not been announced.
Stay safe all and thank you to all who attended.
Donald G Hattier DC
MSGT NCOIC
1252 SCSU-QMC
Fort Miles Del
PS as always, if I made a typo, please email me. The vision is not what it used to be. That and I never could type.
24 April 2024
In 2023 we had great press coverage. This included a TV segment which is on the link below.
If anyone wonders how far our reach to support Fort Miles is, just realize that all of Delmarva has access to this broadcast.
Thank you to Tom Minton for sending me this link.
Many of you have noticed over the years there have been many different examples of United States Heavy Armor at Fort Miles. These are generously loaned by Big Mike in PA and delivered and cared for by the kind folks at the 903rd Heavy Automotive Maintenace Battalion.
For 2025, we had a Sherman tank, early dry model. This is a change from the Fury tank but allows for more folks to get in the tank and really see.
The public had a chance for an interior tour for a $20.00 donation. This was new for this year. Re-enactors had a chance for a tour Friday at no charge.
Fort Miles has had everything from DUKWs to a Stuart Kangaroo to an M18 HellCat Tank Destroyer to British Sextons. Recently Mike from Wheels of liberation added an M10 to his collection.
As a plug for his group, Wheels of Liberation, is having an open house in late June. They have over 40 pieces of outstandingly restored equipment from many countries that served to rid the world of the NAZI menace. While the Museum is from the Polish perspective, the event will accommodate any unit. They have 42 Acres and is a grand place to run your military vehicle. Cooking is done by the Harbor Defenses of the Delaware Mess Hall section and as always will meet your standards!!
Go to www.wheelsofLiberation.org for more information
Mike and his group at Wheels of Liberation have been very generous of their time and resources is allowing us at Fort Miles to share their equipment.
In total this event featured 33 WW2 vehicles in multiple configurations. We can always use more; just remember they need to be reasonably correct to the period. That means no WC etc. with modern super-size tires. Basic NDCC or NDT only. Classic period passenger cars and trucks are invited as well. Again, email me please so we can add your name to the motor pool.
There have been many changes in the Fort Miles structure since its inception almost 20 years ago. The Battery 519 is now an official museum and has its own website.
Currently the museum site can be gleaned from the Fort Miles Historic Association website.
Photo date and author unknown.
Original 1940, note the one year enlistment, soon to be for the duration. Thank you, Scott Wallen, for this original.