The D Day Dodgers
- Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
2nd Battalion, 4th Division
Who We Are..
We are a WW2 reenactment or living history group based in southwest England, Cornwall. Our interest are based around the British involvement with in the Italian campaign in 1943-1945. We base ourselves on the 2nd battalion, 4th Division that seen some of the worst action in Italy.
History
2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, served with 10th Brigade, 4th Division and proceeded to France with the British Expeditionary Force in autumn 1939. In the spring of 1940 they were heavily engaged in the rearguard action during the retreat to Dunkirk, notably during defence of the River Escaut. Those evacuated from the beaches went on to see action in 1942 in North Africa, then Italy including the attacks on Monte Cassino, the Battle of Incontro Monastery and the Gothic Line.
History
2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, served with 10th Brigade, 4th Division and proceeded to France with the British Expeditionary Force in autumn 1939. In the spring of 1940 they were heavily engaged in the rearguard action during the retreat to Dunkirk, notably during defence of the River Escaut. Those evacuated from the beaches went on to see action in 1942 in North Africa, then Italy including the attacks on Monte Cassino, the Battle of Incontro Monastery and the Gothic Line.
History of the Italian campaign
The D Day Dodgers song from WW2
Events 2025
For 2025, we have decided that the historic occasion of VE 80 will be our last. It’s the right time to stop and it brings our contribution full circle and it will be a fitting end to everything we have achieved over the last few years. This will be the last official convoy event organised by our volunteers so we really hope you can take part and help us all to make it a special occasion in recognition of this historic occasion. This event supports the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The event is in association with Armed Forces and veterans. Join us on Saturday 10th for this historic event - unique to Hampshire to mark the VE Day 80th Anniversary.
Helston Railway is hosting there annual 1940s weekend! The Helston Railway Preservation Society was the result, back in 2002 of a vision by a small number of enthusiasts to re-open a section of the Helston branch line. We now have a fully functioning standard gauge heritage railway. We welcome dogs to all areas of Helston Railway, including in certain areas of our buffet carriages and on the trains to and from Prospidnick.
SDR Back to the 1940s Event SDR Back to the 1940s Event SDR Back to the 1940s Event SDR Back to the 1940s EventOpening TimesSorry, this event has passed Step back in time and immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of the 1940s at the South Devon Railway's eagerly anticipated 'Back to the 1940s' event, taking place from Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th July. This beloved heritage railway will be transformed into a vibrant hub celebrating the Victory Generation, promising a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy classic train services that evoke the era, enhanced by live entertainment, historical re-enactors, and a showcase of vintage vehicles. The atmosphere will be further enriched by a variety of trade stands offering authentic glimpses into the past.
The RAF Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend commemorates the WWII Airfield that was built on moorland near Yelverton, Devon. At our Remembrance Service, we especially honour the memory of the 72 personnel who lost their lives whilst serving on or from the airfield. Aircrew from many nations flew from Harrowbeer during WWII. As 2025 is the 80th Anniversary of both VE & VJ Day, we will be commemorating both milestones during our 2025 1940s Weekend.
Gallery
Contact us
- Cornwall, UK
- Southwest of England
WW2 reenactment in the southwest, want us at an event? Or maybe want to join our group and learn more about 1940s history? Please drop us a message.