So who really IS going to operation pitchfork???

[Crazy Feldgendarme]

There will always be a few that will want to go. Keep your eyes on the site mate it will be discussed there.

[GRAUWULF]

Hi Guys Mick,Martin and myself have already started planning for Op Pitchfork 2008. Mick and Martin coordinating Axis and myself for the Allied units.Last years event was a smash for a first timer with a great little battle and the afternoon and evenings entertainment like stepping back in time!!!.Allied/axis units drop us some pm,s re your interest and we'll start pencilling you in!!!
Chris

[Wiganer]

is there still place savailable for 2008, I am currently putting together our list of events.
does anybody have the details of the venue.

regards mark

[GRAUWULF]

Mark have sent you directions on wwii reenacting forum mate if your portraying axis pm martyn on here (352nd) and just keep watching the threads mate
Chris

[Wiganer]

cheers chris

see you in April.

regards mark

[352nd]

Can i just say a big thanks to all those Axis groups that have connected me about this event. I have been instructed to keep the event small (within reason) so can i say that we have reached our limit for axis forces at this one and if there is anymore axis that hasn't got in connect with me, you will be put on a waiting list in case another group (or large part of a group) drops out. Allied units please contact Gary Bainbridge at firstairborne44@aol.com. Anyone who attended last year has a confirmed place at this years show.

Cheers
Martin

[352nd]

UPDATE:
Operation Pitchfork 2008 July 26th/27th

1st Offical Site meeting for this years Operation Pitchfork was last night below is the update:

So far Paul Harper/Lola Lamour booked for entertainment also DJ who is yet to be confirmed.

Below is the groups who have showed interest
Axis

SBG
Kp1
Soldat 44
GD Recon possibly
20th Century re-enactment
FJR14
Plus some other groups still to confirm interest.
Axis is waiting list isn't in force at the moment as we have some extra ground. We also have props from the Death Factory coming (I reliably informed).

Allieds:
82nd AB LMPS (field Hospital/combat troops)
AIM
Ranger re-enactments
South Staffs Airborne
Summer of '44 (British Airborne)
Lincolnshire Regiment, LMPS and Simons display
Trent Valley MVT

This years event is again based around Market Garden/Battle of Arnhem

Loads of Room for more Allied Static displays/Homefront,
Please contact the sections Leaders below to book your interest.


Re-enactors Military/Civilian (not with static display)
Vehicles Military and Civilian 1940's
Camping Modern and Period (if not camping on your Display)
General Questions concerning event please contact the Main Events Planner
Gary Mathews on 01664 561991 (evenings)

Static Allied Displays
Gary Bainbridge firstairborne44@aol.com

Axis Static Displays and Axis Battle planner
Martin Pike w352ndadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Allied Battle Planner
Chris kazandchris@ntlworld.com


I look forward to seeing all the people who supported Operation Pitchfork in 2007 and also Look forward to meeting the new comers to the 2008 Show,
Also still in the planning stage is part of the event being run at Belvoir Castle which will include Convoys of Vehicles and Vintage Transport between the two sites,

So come on and make this a special show.

[GRAUWULF]

Can I have some feedback on who would need to hire weapons for the twice daily battle displays this weekend this year- I can then see whether it's worth hiring John Oxlade.
Thanks
Chris
Can I add that camping and this event is FREE you only have to pay for your beer,food weapon and ammo
great social step back in time!!!

[GRAUWULF]

WARNING ORDER PUBLIC BATTLE DISPLAY
OPERATION PITCHFORK
Scenario:
Small Dutch Village by canal garrisoned by occupation Axis Forces
July 1944.

German troops will have a forward position set up across the canal to the right of the bridge/lock gates. To include sandbagged MG42/34 positions, command post, communications post and assorted forward position tentage.
Prior to the battle German forces will be manning forward positions and patrolling "village" checking papers etc.

At 13:45 Axis troops not taking part in the actual battle will round up villagers (public) to safe areas to watch main battle. These troops will form a cordon to keep the public safe and add a sense of realism that the Germans at this time are in control of the "Village". Axis forward camp to go on "Full Alert".

At 14:00 hours British troops will attack German forward positions from the railway bridge and try and sustain a 5 minute contact.
Axis forces will repulse this attack. British troops will withdraw leaving behind wounded and prisoners.
Prisoners to be escorted into Axis camp and kept under guard but make a rousing show of true British spirit with songs and waving to the "Villagers". Germans to remain sternfaced and try to keep the prisoners quiet.

At 14:15 there will be an artillery/mortar barrage of the German positions as elements of the Allied (US) forces advance up the canal and attack the positions.
British survivors from the first attack will then launch a joint attack from the railway bridge.
At approx 14:25 the Axis forces will surrender and the "village" will have been deemed liberated.
Timings:
From Friday 16:00 Positioning of Allied and Axis Camps (to be built as forward positions).
Friday 18:00 final pyro briefing and plans for positioning of charges.
Saturday from 08:30 placing of pyro and cordoning off of public battle display viewing areas.
10:00 Event open to public.
10:30 Section commanders battle brief at Allied front MG nest.
13:00 Battle brief for all participants
13:45 - display commences
14:30 - display ends. ALL WEAPONS TO BE MADE SAFE AND CLEARED BEFORE LEAVING BATTLE DISPLAY ZONES.
Sunday - as per Saturday.
All timings for battle are approximate!!!
I will need details of what weapons you can muster so that I can allocate where we need the firepower. Weapons must be secure at all times and bring appropriate licensing if bringing sectioned firearms.
I will need details of any trained first aiders/paramedics for any eventualities.
Any queries please PM me or ring on 07971 560249 /01476 410515
Best wishes
Chris

[352nd]

next site meeting for this show is on the 28th May at 7:30pm. All welcome to attend and take a look around the site.

[GRAUWULF]

Last site meeting went v.well battle scenarios now in place for the 2 days. I will need to see all unit nco's etc by latest 10am on the saturday to go thru both the battle and pyro briefs with an all personnel brief at 12:00 hrs each day of the battle. I have a number of non combatant roles which will be of great help during the battle for crowd safety etc. All those wishing to have a non combat role please pm myself or martin.
Look forward to seeing you all there for a nice couple of contacts and a few beers afterwards! Just pray for good weather now boys and girls!!!
anyone able to bring extra sandbags or cammo nets will be appreciated as we will be putting on living forward position camps for the public to view.
Many thanks
Chris

[crossofiron]

sound like it's going to be a tight squeeze this year, which is good

just spoken to Gary....says he has no hair left!

see some of you there! fingers crossed on the weather.