Saturday 30th May saw Redline Living History Group attend a very special event at Checkendon’s Black Horse pub, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the arrival of Polish troops and their families at Checkendon Polish Camp.
Originally a military and prisoner-of-war camp, Checkendon became a Polish Resettlement Camp in 1946, providing a new home for some of the 228,000 Polish servicemen who had fought alongside the Allies during the Second World War but were unable to return to their homeland following the Soviet takeover of Poland.
Redline was honoured to be invited to take part as the ceremonial Guard of Honour for the arrival of the event’s guest of honour, 100-year-old Polish Army veteran Ches Black. Accompanied by a convoy of wartime military vehicles provided by the Military Vehicle Trust, Mr Black arrived alongside a number of distinguished guests, including representatives of the Polish Government and Armed Forces, members of 7 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, and standard bearers from the Royal British Legion branches of Nettlebed and Henley.
Seven members of Redline, dressed in Home Guard battledress, formed the Guard of Honour and performed the Present Arms during the formal arrival ceremony. Following this, the group was inspected by the Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major of 7 Regiment RLC, who were reportedly highly impressed by the standard of turnout and drill. It was a gratifying reward for the many evenings spent practising drill at recent training sessions.
The formal commemorations continued with a service held outside the Black Horse, led by Checkendon’s own priest, who was himself born at the former camp. The service included the Last Post, the Polish equivalent call of remembrance, and both national anthems, during which Redline again presented arms as part of the ceremonial proceedings.
Alongside the commemorative events, more than 300 attendees enjoyed a varied programme celebrating Polish heritage and culture. Visitors were treated to museum displays, traditional singing, dancing and folk music, while a number of living history and military displays added to the atmosphere of the day.
Redline’s display featured a selection of Home Guard equipment, weapons and ordnance, together with a Bren gun in anti-aircraft configuration and our ever-popular Vickers machine gun. Throughout the afternoon, members spent time speaking with visitors about the role of the Home Guard, explaining the equipment on display and sharing the history behind the group. Even several serving members of 7 Regiment RLC stopped by to compare today’s military equipment with its wartime predecessors.
The event received excellent coverage from both local television and the press, helping to raise awareness of the important contribution made by Polish servicemen and their families, both during and after the war.
Our thanks go to organiser Graham Ducker and his committee for inviting Redline to be part of such a memorable occasion, and to the team at the Black Horse for their warm hospitality throughout the day.
We understand that we may be called upon again later in the year for the unveiling of a commemorative Blue Plaque at the Black Horse, recognising the camp’s history and the Polish community that once called it home.
A memorable day, an important story, and an honour for Redline to play a small part in remembering it.
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