Portland At War American GI’s March Again

Over 70 years ago the sound of marching American GI’s rang out at Portland in the UK.

And this week-end the sound of marching troops was again heard as over a hundred World War II re-enactors marched in the footsteps of 500,000 GI’s who left through the port for the D Day assault in Normandy back in 1944.

Portland was one of the major embarkation harbour’s for D Day and a museum is now dedicated to that event telling stories of how both the townsfolk and local dockyard workers assisted the Americans in that important wartime period.

Part of the US camp for the event.

The weekend has saw many re-enactors arrive to spend two days at Castletown and have even made camps in the grounds of a nearby castle as they would have done back in 1944.

British and American military fans have brought not only their tents but vehicles of the period plus, all the equipment that the GI’s and ‘Tommies’ would have had with them.

Medical set up in the grounds of Portland Castle.

They were also joined by a group of German re-enactment troops who travelled to the South coast of England to contribute too. One of whom came under attack by a irate local woman who had her budgie killed by a German bomb, all in jest! The museum does in fact include a German section.

German and British re-enactors chat at Portland at War Weekend.

Not only were the troops all dressed in period clothes but many local residents dressed as civilians taking part helping to bring the whole weekend alive as a living historical event for the visitors to the area.

Even younger ones also got involved and the sight of a 4ft 5” GI striding around in a very true to life and accurate period uniform was a credit to him and his family.

Civilian actors mingle with military re-enactors at the Portland at War Weekend

The museum itself the Castletown D Day Centre is a very hands on experience and visitors are encouraged to climb on most of the vehicles, pick up weapons of the period.

‘Hands on’ is very much the theme at the Castletown Centre.

One anti-aircraft gun is an extremely popular exhibit as the gun rotates and elevates and is much loved by the youngsters who soon have it circling on its mount.

Re-enactors went around the local area for the Portland at War Weekend

The owner Derek Luckhurst has plans for expansion with a new storage facility to be constructed nearby.  Plus, plans are currently underway to bring a World War II Dukw (known as ducks) a six-wheel-drive amphibious vehicle that were used in the Normandy landings.

Once the museum has finished the work then it will offer circular rides on the roads and then into and around the harbour!