Delaware Goes to War Event Held at Fort Miles in Lewes

The Fort Miles Historical Association held it’s annual Delaware Goes to War event April 28, at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park.

Fort Miles was an active line of coastal defense from the World War II Era through its decommission in the 1970’s. The fort, now located with in the State Park in Lewes, sits high above the dunes; and included a Battery 223 that is in Cape May, N.J. These two bases would work together to triangulate positions of German U-Boats during World War II attributing to the protection of the eastern shore.

The event focused on the United State’s victory in World War II in Europe, which was declared May 8, 1945. Not only was the occasion a way to pay dedication to those who served the country during that before, during and after World War II, but a way for the public to immerse themselves into living history; with the presence of over 100 dedicated reenactors and many other displays, recreations, military vehicles, tours and demonstrations.

When walking onto the grounds at Fort Miles, attendees were immediately engaged visually and auditorily; as the sights and sounds reflected that of which would be a normal day on the base. Reenactors were strewn about the grounds, dressed head to toe in World War II era uniforms and gear, marching in unison; soldiers were riding around the premises in military vehicles, and even riding horses.

The dedication of the volunteers did not end there. All the buildings on sitting high above the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay were open, showcasing what particular areas of the base would look like. There was housing for soldiers, complete with a variety of period accurate beds, radios, storage lockers, weapons and much more which helped aid in showing where soldiers would sleep and the personal belongings and keepsakes that they were able to possess. Among the buildings, which also featured Officer’s Quarters, a mess hall and barracks all filled with a variety of military artifacts and relevant World War II era weapons and items; there was also tents set up, one of which acted as the radio transmission station where guests could communicate with one of the radio jeeps on the same style equipment that was used during this time. Live swing music, popular during this time was also performed; as many guests and living history members took to the floor to dance.

Guests were able to view an artillery demonstration, where one of the six-inch guns was fired. The crowd helped count down to fire, and then covered their ears for a loud explosion which was followed by cheers and applause. Guests also had the opportunity to tour Battery 519; which was bustling with activity and demonstrations such as plotting, a technique used to track the targets in the water to make an accurate target for the guns to fire at. The battery also displayed a variety of weapons, war art, photographs, models, diagrams and war plans; and, was the home to the museum’s wall of honor which currently displays more than 400 names of military veterans, eight more were added during a ceremony during the event.

The day culminated in a recreation of the surrender of German U-Boat 858, which occurred in May 1945, and was noted as the first surrender of a foreign country since the War of 1812. Chaplain for the Harbor Defenses Living History Group Mike Hills gave a speech during the recreated surrender, noting the historical importance this surrender had on the climate or war and Delaware as the first state.

For more information on Fort Miles visit: http://fortmilesha.org/.