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We'd like to thank the S.C. National Guard, Military Museum and our friends at Military Timeline Impressions for sponsoring and coordinating this event. Chris, Holden, Kevin, Sam & Alisa (not pictured) provided an indoor display highlighting the Polish military contribution to the Normandy Campaign.
June 2019 - 75th Anniversary D-Day, S.C. Military Museum, Columbia
The public turnout for the event was huge. On the left the PAF's contribution to D-Day was highlighted. Pictured in the center is a mannequin with WS-38 set representing the signals squadron of the 1st Armd Div.
June 2019 - 75th Anniversary D-Day, S.C. Military Museum, Columbia
Here we display the P.I.A.T. as well as a mannequin representing the HQ squadron of the Polish 1st Armd Div. The regimental colors of the 10th Dragoons (recreated) are also on display.
June 2019 - 75th Anniversary D-Day, S.C. Military Museum, Columbia
Friday afternoon between questionable weather WWII Polish LHG personnel assisted in moving various display pieces into position outside the museum.
June 2019 - 75th Anniversary D-Day, S.C. Military Museum, Columbia
Chris and Holden search for the nearest gas station. The M4A1 typical cruising range on a full tank was approximately 100 miles.
October 2019 - Vehicle Run Day, AAF Museum, Danville, VA
Member Holden Parker portrays a crewman of the 1st Tank Regt.
October 2019 - Vehicle Run Day, AAF Museum, Danville, VA
Our brave war correspondent Alisa, has single handedly captured a German MkIV tank and plays a victory song atop.
October 2019 - Vehicle Run Day, AAF Museum, Danville, VA
Alisa types up a stirring account of the perilous drive from S.C. to VA where we encountered no Germans blocking our route.
October 2019 - Vehicle Run Day, AAF Museum, Danville, VA
Given the enormous size of the museum, Holden and Chris consult a map to find the nearest bathroom.
October 2019 - Vehicle Run Day, AAF Museum, Danville, VA
Based on our group's warm welcome by the museum staff, we've decided to make ourselves at home. We're here for the long term, or at least until they shut off the lights and turn on the interior security alarms for the day.
October 2019 - Vehicle Run Day, AAF Museum, Danville, VA
The 10th Dragoons packed a lot of display equipment into a small area. We can't thank the site and event staff enough for their support over the weekend. They didn't even cringe when the carrier made a sharp left turn destroying months of work on their manicured lawn.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
Sunday afternoon the event participants formed up for a military parade complete with brass band. Here Plut. Moore carries the regimental colors while Petronis, Popiela and Stone try to remember how to march in Polish.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
There were many amazing impressions at MTA. Sunday morning before the public arrived we finally got a chance to walk around and see others. Here the British Women's Land Army discusses their role on the home front.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
In 30+ years of this hobby I had never seen Roman's until this event. Their display and equipment looked great. It was however difficult to hold back a Little Caesar's "pizza, pizza" quip. For once I was able to keep my mouth shut.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
Talk about a small world. Here a Polish-American visitor and military veteran shows us his Hussar tattoo.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
Here we see ppor. Petronis, 2nd squadron Recce team leader in his natural habitat, a Universal Carrier.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
Our war correspondent for the Polish Ministry of Information Alisa in a not so candid camera moment.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
Dennis proudly displays our "Best in show" unit award for the event. We were all very surprised and humbled that our fellow living historians chose us as the top place winner for 2019.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
Not only were there literally thousands of visitors within two days but we were pleased to meet Lt.Col Budniak from the Polish Ministry of Defense Attaché's office who took this picture of Chris and Chris trying to suck in their guts. Alisa knowingly stands behind, shielded from the impending explosion.
March 23, 2019 - Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement, VA
WWII Polish LHG teamed up with the newly formed Wheels of Liberation Museum in New Oxford for this year's event. WOL made a tremendous effort to move tons of their armor collection to the site. Our team helped with transport, set up and the primary interpretation of these vehicles. Here our Poles on site raise the national colors over WWII Polish LHG HQ.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
A view of some of WOL vehicles in our display area in the early morning before the public arrives.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
James, Holden & Zach crew a Sexton. A fine example of self propelled artillery as used by the 1st Motorized Artillery Regt. within the division. Notice the different numerical marking of 74 on the Sexton as opposed to the Morris quad 75 designation. Two different regiments with specifically different equipment fulfilling unique roles within the division.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Zach prepares to drive over the cameraman.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
After server for two years with the colors Drag. Michael (Sam) Cooper earns his regimental badge.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
WWII Polish LHG was honored to be visited by members of the Polish Ministry of Defense attaché's office as well as the Office of the Consulate from Washington, D.C. Here we present arms while being inspected by the Polish representatives.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Lt.Col. Budniak, Joanna Wozniak (consulate staff) & General Consul Republic of Poland Aleksandra Krystek inspect the troops.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
A unique field adaptation of the M5A1 Stuart light tank. It was determined a more heavily armoured vehicle was required for scouting purposes than the Dingo. The M5A1 was fast, relatively quiet for a tank and could handle off road maneuvers better than a wheeled vehicle. Eventually turretless Stuarts began to officially fill that role both in NW Europe and the Italian theaters. The designation 45 translates to the 10th Mounted Rifle Regt which fulfilled the recon role for the division.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Front view of the International Harvester produced M15A1 halftrack.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Rear quarter view of WOL's superbly marked M15A1 half track for 2nd squadron, 10th Dragoon Regt, August 1944.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Trooper Holden Parker beams from the loader's hatch. Not designed for somebody who is 6'2".
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
The Daimler Dingo Mk II. The 51 designation within the Polish 1st Armd Division would translate to the 1st Tank Regiment.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Dennis and Holden captured in a reflective thought atop the M4A1 Sherman. Most likely contemplating how to get down without falling and breaking their necks. Notice however their brightly polished boots. Our troops will look good while flailing through the air on their way to earth.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
The commander's hatch is deceptively not sized for middle aged guys.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
ppor. Petronis attempts to locate their position on a map instead of asking for directions at a local gas station.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
The Morris Quad towing a 25lb howitzer & limber. This vehicle is marked for the 2nd motorized artillery regiment within the division.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
The turret interior is perhaps not as spacious as the movie Fury would have us believe.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
Holden prepares to launch a pre-arranged signal flare to HQ, indicating we've run out of kielbasa.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
The army moves on it's stomach. Here Dennis Popiela discusses typical field rations and the various period issue British cooking stoves to prepare it.
September 2019 - Eisenhower Farm NPS, Gettysburg, PA
The real heroes of Toccoa, Jim "Pee Wee" Martin recounts some of his experiences during the war.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
A view of the rare BSA paratrooper model folding bicycle.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
Pvt. Petronis after reading the instruction manual for unfolding the bike when not under fire.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
A typical British toiletry roll, towel and other sundries often carried in the small pack.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
Dennis practices social distancing an entire year before covid strikes.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
Holden has a war face on effectively scaring away any opposition.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
Attempting to give an idea of life in the field. Tree limbs for tent poles and a spare canvas tarp made a ready shelter, until it rained Saturday night.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
Beneath the netting and Dennison smock, we lost sight of the well camouflaged Sam Cooper several times throughout the weekend.
October 5, 2019 - Curahee Weekend, Toccoa, GA
