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This February SCACA dedicated a large amount of space for the display of WWII arms and equipment as an adjunct to the retail space of the gun show. Accordingly our local 501c3, the Military History Center of the Carolinas rallied it’s membership to support the display. In addition to our WWII Polish LHG presence the display sported a Willys MB, 37mm A-tk gun and USAAF Cletrac.
Members from the MHCC who supported the overall WWII display with their time, talent, vehicles and equipment.
Each portion of our display was backed up by supporting literature in addition to our living history presence.
In addition to the T16, WWII Polish LHG provided three tables worth of display items focusing on the 1st Polish Armoured Division’s units and equipment.
Holden is on the lookout for good deals at the gun show. Kevin Coker is smiling because movement of the carrier over the concrete floor was completed without a scratch.
WWII Polish LHG supported this year’s event by portraying soldiers of the II Corps in Italy, 1944-45. The public visitation was excellent as always. In addition to our standard HQ, weapons an equipment display our friends Miroslaw and John from the Wheels of Liberation Museum in New Oxford, PA transported down a White M3 scout car and 6lb anti tank gun with projectiles to support the display.
The staff from the Polish MOD arrives from Washington. Left to right Lt. Col. Drogomirecki, Lt.Col. Budniak & Brig.Gen. Nolbert.
Brig. Gen. Nolbert, Military Defense Attache for Poland addresses our members.
Our members with Polish MOD officers and family shortly after the award ceremony. Please see our video and explanation of the event under our “in depth topics” heading then select “group videos” to view our youtube posts.
A close up of the Polish Army Medal in Bronze awarded to Petronis by the Polish MOD.
As our impression this year focused on the II Corps, our HQ maps were specific to Italy and the army’s push up the coast to Ancona.
Holden preparing to embark in WOL’s 12th Lancers marked White M3 Scout Car.
John Gott from WOL describes the operation of the 6 pounder to visitors.
Cpl. Moore gets the honor of raising the flag Saturday morning.
Our PSK soldier Alisa gets the job of playing the Polish national anthem for morning colors. Our original 78 was recorded during the war by the RAF band.
Two Polish female soldiers, 78 years apart. That would make Alisa only 96 years old.
Considering that 99% of our time is exclusively devoted to public interpretation, we decided it was time to devote a weekend to training on basic soldier skills for ourselves. 2022 is also our organization’s official 15th year in existence. Private property was used outside of Greenville, S.C. Our members located in Virginia made the trip south for 2 days of various topics which included classroom lecture followed by practical application.
Careful attention is paid to the lecture on compass bearings and map reading. Nobody wants to get lost in the woods.
The WW2 Mills bomb had a destructive range of 66 feet. Petronis and Moore therefore prudently measure for correct distance prior to throwing.
The troops look on as Sgt. Petronis attempts to embarrass himself by being the first to miss the target with a Mills bomb.
Here, Dennis has found the curriculum so grueling he tries to break through the barbed wire property boundary.
Dennis begins his No.36 Mills bomb toss.
Most of our field exercises began with a power point style lecture, outlining the goals and objectives.
Group photo taken before dinner while we could still mostly fit into our uniforms.
The unit birthday dinner consisted of cheese & crackers, pierogies, golumbki, bread, borzcht, piwo, vodka and dessert.
Toasting to a another 15 years of success.
After dinner things got silly, as is often wont to happen. You’ve got to have a sense of humor in this hobby though.
The Spartanburg County Historical Assoc. sponsored the first annual living history time line on the grounds of Walnut Grove plantation. WWII Polish LHG supported the event by bringing the T16 and associated equipment.
Public turnout was great. The grounds hosted displays ranging from the French & Indian War through Vietnam era.
Sam Cooper stands poised ready to discuss the military hardware as well as the warm May temperatures in South Carolina.
Living accommodations for a carrier crew in the field were sparse to say the least. Here we display typical personal items, rations and makeshift shelter. Sleeping with the smell of oil and grease next to your head is an experience in itself. The mosquitos didn’t seem to mind however.