Crowland 2023

George ran a one-man show at the Crowland and Thorney 1940s weekend and reported back with his findings.

“The history of the Yugoslavian Partisans was on display and gained attention from people who had never heard of such an underrepresented part of the war. Many of the other groups who attended were fascinated by my display and the various Italian weapons they had never seen before. I also had the pleasure of meeting Alan Brooke, a man who gives the Free French some appreciation through his uncanny resemblance to Charles de Gaulle.

The second day featured an improved display thanks to Harold allowing me to build a lean-to so I could escape the scorching heat. He also went out of his way to lend me a nicely deactivated Mk.I Bren Gun from his collection to further augment my display.

I would like to give praise to the Harold’s and Friends charity who restored a pair of DUKW amphibious trucks, one of which formerly served tourists at Hunstanton. Harold has taken veterans to the memorial every year for the past thirty five years, along with a DUKW to ride the waters of the Normandy beaches. 

Overall, this second year of Crowland and Thorney has built on the success of the first one and is sure to grow even more thanks to the great efforts of Daniel Abbot (the farmer who dug up Buffalo 47) and his team. Keep it going and Thorney will really stand out on the map in the coming years!”