Bradgate Park During Wartime
Bradgate Park in Leicestershire, England is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and landmarks. Spanning 830 acres, the park features tranquil landscapes, ancient oaks, and the notable ruins.
Old John, an 18th-century folly perched on the park's highest point, is known as 'The Beer Jug' or the ‘Icon of Leicestershire’ as it is one of the County’s most famous and recognisable landmarks.
Standing on the hill not far from Old John is the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial which was erected in 1924 and commemorates the men of the Leicestershire Yeomanry that fell in the Boer War, the Great War of 1914 – 1918 and the Second World War.
As you head down the park towards the River Lin, you will find Bradgate House, one of the earliest brick-built houses in England and the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for nine days in 1553 makes it ideal for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
Red and Fallow deer can be found throughout this area. The herd consists of an estimated 550 individuals, with approximately three-quarters being Fallow deer. Records indicate that deer have been present at Bradgate Park since at least 1241, predating Bradgate House.
Bradgate Park was the site of military activity on 20th and 21st June 1942, when it was used for exercises simulating a “German” invasion.
Armoured vehicles and infantry from the 143rd Infantry Brigade staged a battle on Old John's lower slopes, offering a dramatic display for thousands of war workers and Midland’s residents.
Nearly 10,000 people - including 5,000 factory workers from the Midlands transported by the Government - watched a British Army Division demonstrate a simulated modern warfare attack on an enemy position.
The event allowed munitions workers to witness their weapons in use, giving many the satisfaction of seeing the results of their work firsthand. Thousands of men, women and children lined the upper slopes to watch the spectacle and the roads leading to the park were thronged with pedestrians and cyclists.
The event began with a parade featuring all military units. Leading the procession, the infantry was followed by an extended line of armoured vehicles, artillery, and ambulances, which proceeded through the park as music was performed by a combined band representing the Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire Regiments.
Sir Arthur Hazelrigg, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, took the salute at the opening, joined by the Regional Commissioner Lord Trent, Sir Robert Martin, chairman of Leicestershire County Council and of the Park Trustees and two staff officers.
Following the march past, the PT squad performed a gymnastic display before the battle began.
A loudspeaker provided continuous updates to the audience regarding the progress of the conflict, as British Reconnaissance Units in Bren gun carriers and on motorcycles traversed the fern-covered slopes of Bradgate Park.
Moments later, the loudspeakers broadcast the Unit Commander's message: “I have made contact with the enemy,” followed by a map reference. After being approached by the British infantry in a wooded area to the right of the arena, the German forces began withdrawing toward higher ground on the left side of the grandstand, specifically along the slopes of Old John.
Rifle fire and the rattle of Bren guns gave a realistic touch to the pursuit as the “Germans” were seen retreating from their positions, running back to a bridge that spanned a river in the centre of the battle area.
The Bren gun carriers pursued the enemy, stopping briefly for land mines before continuing. Reports of enemy strength were relayed over loudspeakers.
At the same time, the air contained the sounds of incoming RAF planes, which descended to 20–30 feet and conducted dive-bombing runs on enemy positions, releasing dummy bombs that dispersed white powder across the area upon impact.
The land mines had given the enemy a bit of respite but then there was a moment of excitement when a bridge that was temporarily held by the Germans blew up with a roar sending up a cloud of smoke, dust and debris nearly 100ft high in the path of their pursuers.
While the planes attacked the defenders, artillery units appeared behind the Bren carriers and began firing with explosions on the far side of the rover showed where the barrage was being laid down. The fames and smoke from the guns were visible before the report reached the audience and echoed around the rocks behind them. Simultaneously, coordinated earth and dirt fountains erupted near the bridge, providing cover as troops advanced behind the artillery toward enemy positions.
Meanwhile, the Bren gun carriers equipped with bridging equipment moved up and down the slopes. Short, channelled girders were placed side by side to form temporary bridges across the obstacles.
The Bren gun carriers were lined up with the girders and proceeded across the water. One after another they crossed over and the attack was pressed home with the guns barking behind, shells exploding ahead and the troops following the carriers.
As British troops advanced with respirators at the ready, smoke rockets created dense blue fog around enemy positions. While the troops advanced, the Bren gun carriers moved around the flanks.
An advance post held out while there was a brisk exchange of fire then it was stormed by the Tommies and a few minutes later cheers went up as a body of “Germans” defending a rocky outcrop surrendered with raised hands before a British bayonet charge.
An unexpected incident occurred when a mortar bomb intended for creating a smoke screen inadvertently ignited bracken in front of the enemy positions. A team of firefighters descended from the slopes to address the incident, while concurrently, British troops initiated their offensive.
A number of explosions occurred right in the path of the two converging forces resulting in the firemen halting before making a hasty retreat whilst the Tommies pressed on with the attack.
Other troops operated near the final heights, aided by armoured cars moving under smoke cover. At the broken bridge below, engineers arrived in a six-wheeled lorry to build a permanent girder bridge.
Within moments, the men installed the steel joists and proved their strength by driving their lorry across. The Field Ambulance section followed to tend to the wounded brought back by stretcher bearers.
A white flash accompanied by a trail of smoke above the enemy position served as the designated signal indicating the attackers had secured the objective. Shortly thereafter, additional enemy troops were observed moving back toward the center of the arena with their hands raised in surrender.
An excellent speech of thanks to the military for staging such a grand display was made by Mrs Dorothy Russell, a Leicester woman in charge of a factory canteen. She said “The beautiful and peaceful surrounding are a reminder of the peaceful pursuit of happiness which will surely come on the day of Victory.”
A local engineering manager, Mr Bernard Prince expressed thanks to Mr Robert Martin and the authorities for allowing the use of the park.
As the demonstration closed, an Officer assured the audience over the loudspeaker that “The log and arduous hours spent in the production of war munitions have been well worth while. The units are grateful for the fine workmanship, and all ranks can be relied on to put to good use the products of our war factories. With them they will fight to preserve for all time this England of ours and to enjoy in peace conditions the beauties of the English countryside such as we see today”.
They were calm unmartial words, yet properly so. And as the great mass of spectators, at the request of the speaker, rose to sing “There’ll always be an England” I saw that many men had removed their hats as the band struck up then they stood to attention as the demonstration concluded with “God Save the King”.
Members of the local detachments of the Home Guard, who were present in large numbers spent an interesting time having the intricacies of some of the weapons explained to them.
The playing of “Abide With Me” towards the close of the display was made possible by one of the bandsmen. He was observed busily scribing out lines of music early on in the proceedings. When asked if he was composing something, he explained that the band had come without their parts for the hymn and he was writing out the copies of the music for the musicians.
As encouraging and interesting as the battle was, the real thrill of the day came when it was announced that the war workers, children and public could get up close to inspect and ride on the vehicles.
As soon as the right of way was opened up for the spectators to take advantage of this offer, thousands surged down the hill to where the Bren gun carriers and armoured cars were parked.
Soon the vehicles were careering over the bumpy ground loaded with men, women and children who laughed at the shaking they were receiving whilst being oblivious to all the dust being thrown up.
One local girl who worked at a firm that produced Bren gun carriers, told the Leicester Evening Mail “It was a wonderful thrill, I’ve seen and helped produce the arts but it’s the first time I’ve had a ride on one”.
Another girl showed particular interest in one of the guns, telling a reporter “We make them!” with a note of pride in her voice.
Particular attention was also given to the defeated “German” force who had marched up to the finale in traditional German style with arms swinging across their bodies, as the band, with sly humour, played “The Rogue’s March”.
This mock battle wasn’t the only military action as units of the Leicestershire Home Guard (LHG) also trained in the park. The image below shows personnel from the LHG in Bradgate Park, with the ruins of Bradgate House behind them. Also shown are a couple of cars and an Ariel Red Hunter motorcycle with the fishtail exhaust and a rifle leaning against it.
On 12th April 1944, Cpl Arthur Clegg of the LHG was cycling through Bradgate Park on his way to his Home Guard duty when he was hit by stones thrown by a couple of youths. Cpl Clegg received slight injuries when he was hit on his thumb by the stones.
He called to the elder boy in the rocks and called to him to come down to see what he had done, but he laughed and ran away. Members of the Home Guard searched the area and eventually found the two boys who were taken to the guard room to await the Police who had been called.
The two boys, Edward Albert Southwell, aged 17 a grocers assistant, and a 14 year old printers mate appeared in Leicester County Police Court on the 25th April. PC Bingham said both youths admitted throwing the stones and they were each fined 10s for throwing stones in Bradgate Park, and in addition they were each ordered to pay 3s 9d costs.
Admonishing the boys, the Chairman, Major H.L. Goddard, said: “We know boys must throw stones, but if you do, you must be careful not to hit anybody”.
There is still evidence of WW2 activity round Bradgate Park if you know where to look. Amidst the ferns on a rocky outcrop near Sliding Stone Wood stands a wooden target that was used by troops during WW2.
In the walls adjacent to the Deer Barn café are some slots which today are known as the Bradgate Park Reservoir viewpoint, and used for bird watching. These are actually loopholes built into the walls where the troops would practice rifle and machine gun fire. There are similar loopholes in the walls around Bradgate Park House looking North towards the Deer Barn café.
The US 82nd Airborne Division were station at various locations across Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire with the 504th PIR at Shady Lane in Evington and the 505th at Quorn Hall. At the same time, temporary accommodations was erected in the grounds of Bradgate House.
In the trees by the pond to the rear of Bradgate House, you can find metal pitons in the trees from when ropes or wires were strung across the pond and paratroopers from the US 82nd Airborne Division who used the lark as a training ground.
Lady Hazelrigg, Sir Robert Martin and Cyril Osbourne met troops from the US 82nd Airborne at Bradgate in the lead up to D-Day.
In May 44, troops from the US 82nd, hosted a party of ATS girls at an “Amercan Barbeque”. American officers organised games of baseball & volleyball in witch the ATS took part under the guidance of the Americans. Rations were exchanged at teat-time and the Americans are said to have been intrigued by the ATS fare.
On the 20th June 44, the Leicester Daily Mercury printed an article titled “Doughboys’ Picnic” concerning a number of American servicemen based in the area that had adopted a family of approximately 50 children and took them to Bradgate Park in Army trucks.
Mrs. A Beckhard, leader of the American Red Cross club on Granby Street in Leicester, organised the party with her helpers, providing doughnuts, popcorn balls, candy, and lime squash, while the Doughboys contributed sweets, oranges, and chewing gum from their own rations. The Americans also provided a variety of bat and ball games for the children to take part in.
Similar to today's young visitors, upon arrival the children showed interest in the deer, with some inquiring if Bambi was present, referencing Walt Disney’s animal character. There had been a tame deer, it seemed, but so greedy did he become and so insistent on picnic tit bits, that he was soon turned into venison!
Corporal Jack A Sandoval introduced the reporter to six year old Brian Hodges and said “He’s just like my kid brother, I always used to take him out with me”.
Brian was joined by another 6 youngsters who all ran races for sweets, chewing gum and all the pennies that Cpl Sandoval had in his pocket. Eventually, a photograph was taken for Jack’s kid brother back in New York with the champion runner in front of the group.
Between remonstrances with two young girls, who insisted on showering exceedingly stocky kisses on Sgt Jack Little, he said “No – I’ve family except my mother – not even an Aunt, I just love kiddies that’s all”. Turning to the girls he pleaded “That’ll do now, until we say goodbye”.
T.Sgt H E Gray, a campaigner with many distinctions, had with him two fair haired children from Braunstone showed a photograph of his daughter, a beautiful 17 year old.
Master Sergeant F Kimber was the father of a daughter that he hadn’t yet seen, and Private First Class Stobaugh who has a son born since he left the USA were other popular hosts.
The Servicemen were all invited to write about the picnic on postcards hat would be sent back home to their home town. Private Stobaugh commented: “Very enjoyable afternoon. This was my first Father’s Day. A few more days of this and I will be a veteran. I have four little sweethearts.”
“Good deal” said Cpl James Welsh of Ohio. “Have more and more of ‘em, and if you ever need any more kids, let me know, ‘cause I’m available.”
Staff Sergeant Wendall E Bell of Michigan entertained two girls the same age as his own daughters. Altogether, it was difficult to say whether the hosts or the children enjoyed the picnic the most.
Mrs Beckhard and her assistants noticed that two children were missing. The children were later located inside the Red Cross Club, where they were listening to their host, and were returned to their mothers.
The group's careful management was evident as they returned to the Red Cross Club without using their first aid kit. The only mishap was orange juice spilled on a girl's best Sunday dress, which an American serviceman quickly remedied with a makeshift bib made from his khaki handkerchief.
On 1st June 1944, Mrs Ida Clarke was of Guthridge Crescent, Braunstone Estate was on holiday with her husband at a bungalow on Swithland Farm Carmp where they went at weekends and holidays. Her husband John had gone back into the city for work where he was told that his wife had died at the Leicester Infirmary from an accident.
Ida had died from injuries as a result of a gunshot wound she received whilst sat on the veranda at their bungalow.
At the inquest, the Coronor asked the husband “Did you hear rifle fire while you were at the bungalow , but did not know where it was taking place?” to which John replied “Yes.” The coroner went on to ask “You have not had any bullets over before?” and the reply was “We haven’t but other people have. There have been complaints but whether the complaints have gone to the right quarter I cannot say”.
There son, 13 year old Ronald Clarke was at the bungalow in bed when the incident occurred. He said he heard his mother call out abobe the sound of the woreless “Ron, Ron!” He found her at the rear of the bungalow, standing but then she collapsed, when he ran to a neighbour for help.
Mrs Louisa Jane Hamilton of Framland Street Leicester, stated she occupied a neighbouring bungalow when Mrs Clarke told her “I’ve been hit”. She said she did not hear any shots but about a quarter of an hour later, she heard two shots fired.
Elsie May Wright, a school headmistress of Scraptoft Lane said that when in her bungalow she heard a “ping” and some of the lining of her bungalow struck her sister on the hand. They found a small hole in the half inch boarding of the bungalow, six inches from the ground, and later found a bullet which had struck the bed rail in the bedroom.
On going to the veranda they heard rapid firing from the Bradgate Park direction. Since March, she had found four bullets, three on the veranda and one in a closet. Another bullet penetrated a panel of a bungalow owned by Ernest Cyril Adams, a butcher who said he had heard occasionally last winter, bullets whizzing overhead.
Special Constable Albert Yorke of Newtown Linford said that on the morning of the accident he heard shots. He went on to say “The first complaint I made was 12 months ago” to which the reply was “Mr Yorke you are definitely in a danger zone”. He carried on saying “sometimes we had to flatten down, stay down and come out of the fields. I handed 40 bullets, which I had picked up, to the Police, I had no warning from the military of any firing taking place.”
Police Sgt T W Middleton said that following complaints on 16th July 1943, he saw an NCO and later, with the Deputy Chief Constable, saw an Officer. Certain steps were taken, but later complaints about bullets breaking windows and damaging a piano were made, so the military were seen again.
They gave every assistance and erected a bank behind the targets after which test with tracer bullets were carried out. No tracers could be seen from the vantage points where the spectators were placed and it was said that Mrs Clarkes bungalow was quite a distance away and sheltered by two hills.
After hearing all the evidence, the coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.
Evidence of live firing exercises can still be found in Bradgate Park, as bullet remnants sometimes appear after rain if you know where to look.
