Hi, I am managing a lottery funded project around the affects of WW2 on Sherwood Forest and its inhabitants - including the Home Front, Timber Corps, RAF bases, POW camps and training grounds in the Forest. We will be conducting archaeological surveys, carrying out oral history projects and collating existing research carried out in the area. I am looking for people who may be able to provide online talks on relevant subjects, as well as conducting research for the project and beyond. My masters degree in forensic archaeology focused on Holocaust campscapes and the lives of displaced people in the UK immediately after the war so my interest goes beyond my current job too.
Welcome to the forum Is this the project you mentioned Sherwood Forest in World War II for forum members interest Visiting the secret oil wells of World War II Second World War - Edwinstowe Historical Society regards Clive
Hi Clive, Mercian are carrying out the archaeology strand on behalf of The Sherwood Forest Trust who I work for, so yes it is one part of the larger project. Kind regards Susie
Hope you eyes are fit - heres a few files held by TNA that may be of interest Search results: sherwood forest | The National Archives You might need to close down the search parameters to help TD
Susie8709, Try contacting the British Association of Local History (BALH) via: British Association For Local History The other option is to search Facebook for a local history group. Good luck.
Hello Susie, An interesting project by the sound of it. In addition to offerings above, my first thoughts turned to Clumber Park and Nellie, the trench digging tank and other once classified research work, but that is likely to be well covered by the National Trust. Then there are RAF Stations like Syerston, with significant WW2 involvements and present day associated enthusiasts, with speaker potential. Perhaps if you more finely clarified your geographical areas of relevance and interest, it would help others to help you? Sherwood Forest is a big catchment in itself and those with eponymous links, for example, 369 Battery, 42 (7th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters [Notts. and Derby Regt.]) Searchlight Regiment amongst many, give it an even wider regional footprint.
It is indeed a larger area than people think, which can be both a blessing and a curse! I have reached out to Clumber and Newark Airfield museum, but am finding most staff furloughed at the moment so will wait until May to try again there. Thank you all for your suggestions above, they certainly help to inform the direction of my searching, much appreciated!
