From the Quartermaster
Fort Miles April 2022 Event
2022 was a gret year This years event will be working with the state parks Defenders of Delaware Program. The HDD:LHA and many other historic re enactment groups and units will be doing 1942 - 19445. The Motor Pool section will have WW2 and many post-War era vehicles on display.
This is a big event for the Fort as it draws more people in than the average State Park event. We bring more gear and vehicles for the public to see than any other event at this park.
You may arrive as early as Thursday 20 April. The registration fee entitles you to our usual 4 meals and a continental breakfast Sunday morning. If arriving by Friday we have added a spaghetti dinner to the menu. There will be our cake and drinks after the event review as in years past.
Bunking is by unit or display. All Females are considered members of the WAACs for our planning purposes. This will be assigned at arrival.
All attendees are also invited to a member only tour of the Battery 519 Friday evening.
These are for our living historians and not the general public.
Share the news
The HDDLHA is always looking for new historic impressions that can add to the interpretation of the era. If you did not receive an invitation, please us the contact button and you will be responded to.
We ask that you bring reasonable accuracy to your impression.
Contact us and let us know.
The Surrender of the U 858
Our signature Event
Fort Miles was the site of one of the last German Uboots to surrender. The U858 surrendered on the fishing pier. More to follow
Chaplain Michael Hills
Chaplain Hills has assumed the role of senior lecturer on the Submarine presence off of our Atlantic Coast. His talk is worth the trip.
Our historians are the actors in this production. It comes across very well.
M18 Hellcat
M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer
Over the years, the HDDLHA has been able to attract many different vehicles. In years past we have had M15 tracks, DUKWs, Kangaroo/Stuart tanks, many CCKWs, War LA France Wreckers, Diamond Ts and the odd Ruto car 35 ton hauler. ll have courtesy of the 903rd Heavy Automotive Battalion, a 1944 M18 Half track. This is a very nice example of a Buick made unit and was recently returned to the Nies from Belgium by Mike of Oxford, PA. Mike is generous to a fault getting us hi quality exam[les of American productivity and reliability.
American Red Cross
Introducing Bob Buker
Bob Buker has one of the most complete collections of home front and comfort items in existence. This covers everything from recipe cards, how to grow a Victory Garden to signed baseballs as used by the troops in all theaters of the war. We have been fortunate to have Bob's ARC display for many years.
Bob is returning for 2023.
For 2022
For 2022, Bob has made an effort for the display to be more unique to Delaware's war experience. For 2023 he as added even more.
The Motor Pool
A Gathering of like Minded Souls
Starting with a July 4th parade 13 years ago, the local Historic Military Vehicle owners have come together to do parades, displays and evens beyond Fort Miles. This is the groups Mobile arm
This area alone has over 30 individual models including everything from the ubiquitous Jeep, bot Ford and Willys to M35 trucks.
Headed by Navy Chief Joe Sicanavage, we can represent most eras and equipment. .
At the Event
During the event, the area is broken into two parts.
Inside the cantonment is only WW2.
With the new parking area in place, guests will first see the modern Post War Vehicles. Our members are more than happy to share the histories and how these vehiicles helped us win all conflicts.
Chapel Services
Maj. Michael Hills, Chaplain
Chaplain Hills is Always available for spiritual needs or just a place to stop and talk.
Stop by the Chaplains tent. All gear displayed is original to the period.
Our event holds its Chapel Service Saturday--------.
Mess Hall and Chow
Lee M Jennings Memorial Mess Hall
Mess SGT Phillips is looking forward to running his mess hall again.
For 2023, Sgt Phillips will be doing Chipped beef over toast for Saturday Breakfast. This was a great hit several years ago.
Lunch will be a Louisiana Gumbo style sausage and rice dish.
Saturday Evening, Hocker famous fried chicken. The chicken is courtesy of Mountaire Farms
Water and coffee are always available.
And all served in your own mess kit.
Clean Up GI Style
Courtesy of SGT Kelly, we will have the correct three barrel mess kit clean up.