Hardwick Hall

For fun here are the kiddies. I always lose sight of No. 3.



Regards ..

A PDF with other speculations on the subject.

 

I filmed two local guys a few years ago talking about Hardwick they knew during the war and how they hung around the main gate (Blingsby Gate) opening and closing the gate for vehicles sometimes being thrown a penny or two. They were allowed to take a few spent cartridges from the firing range to swap with other kids. Is this part of the country the 'war' was seeing soldiers training and visiting the local shops and hostelries and those young boys in the photo have met their heroes!

 

An interesting photo of a Horsa found on The Chalk Living History site that may have been used for training purposes. Location currently unknown.



Regards ...

 

This is a Broomside Cast Iron Stove, parts very similar to the ones found.

 

Hi,Which library book did you get photos of Drill Hall ,Clay Cross in please?Looking for info on this place. Thank you

Hi,Which library book did you get photos of Clay Cross from?

 

Sorry Lucinda,

I never consulted any books for Clay Cross photos. Hopefully Glen comes along at some point and catches this.

Regards ...

 

I don’t think this is right but thought I would post on the off chance I’ve missed something or at least to rule it out. There was a training fuselage in the New forest at the location linked below exact date unknown but presumably put there in mid 1944.
https://goo.gl/maps/fRZYdSn1z4XiD2gu7

 

The buildings are still there. Some snooker hall now I think??

 

Hi Shona,
Are you still active here at all?

 

Horsa

There could be a large building in the background of the "training Horsa" photo - hard to say. I can't imagine they would plant one that close to Hardwick Hall.



I am reminded of the Airborne Forces Development Centre (AFDC) at Amesbury Abbey, Wiltshire. If so irrelevant to this thread.



Regards ...

 

Hi, Alex. Was a snooker hall, opening soon as a new restaurant,function ,bar place. Will be called"The Drill Hall of Clay Cross" owner keen to trace any history,photos etc. Thank you

 

It was one of the Images of England books compiled by Cliff Williams.

 

Haven’t ever seen pictures from there, would love to as (like many I guess) my grandad was there prior to battalion. If you’re a local, do you have any pics of the buildings that remain from the camp?

Alex

 

I've just happened to bought the book with the photos and info of the Hall from Sue Ryder in Clay Cross for £1.50. I shop in Clay Cross nearly every week so can drop it off if you want it.

 

All I've found is a plan from a 1955 OS Map.

The later up to 1970 OS map has the same buildings that can be seen on the current overhead image so appears none of the camp buildings exist.

 

Thanks. I think LucindaF said one of the old buildings was being converted? I’m sure on Google Earth there’s some oldish looking ones on the east side of the road? Also I was at the National Archives last week and have never found any war diary for this establishment. Quite annoying!

 

Hi Bruce, That would be great. Am there tomorrow from 10am until approx 2pm if convenient. Will obviously pay you for it,unless you want to keep the book. I would be interested to see anyway.
I am there all day Sunday as well,if not I will meet you at a time convenient with you.
Many thanks

Lucinda

 

Hi Bruce,
Was going to add,if I am not there you can post your contact number through door and I will ring you.
Many thanks
Lucinda

 

I can call tomorrow.

 

The OS map to the 1970s has no buildings at all on the East side of the A61 opposite the Drill Hall so the current ones aren't old enough.