Somewhat to my husband’s concern and, it must be admitted, without much further thought, I agreed some time ago that I would love to give a talk on D-day at the Chalke Valley History Festival. Set in the green fields of, yes, a chalk valley, past escarpments and an idyllic shaded stream, a collection of picturesque tents welcomes you to a world of history.
Begun some 9 years ago by James Holland to raise money for a cricket club, it has since moved to larger fields and become the biggest history festival in the world. A well organised team now runs it, creating a week of lectures, events and re-enactments which all seem to flow with consummate ease. Attracting perhaps 60 speakers on many topics, it also aims to engage children, to make history entertaining and has now set itself up as a trust to promote the understanding of history. There are pop-up history entertainments, a tank, trucks, old cars, plenty of seats everywhere, old army tents serving tea, a variety of different yummy foods and good coffee.
The key theme this year was the 75th anniversary of D-day and luckily my talk was scheduled before the one given by (Professor) Andrew Roberts, to whom I later listened with much enjoyment and then bought his latest book about Churchill, “Walking with Destiny”. Thank you to the Daily Mail for their generous overall sponsorship and the Cobham family for my particular talk.
I am not at all a professor of history but a writer who enjoys researching and sharing the everyday lives, the laughter and tears of all of us who live through the historical events that affect our lives. Most of us do not shape events but have to cope with the consequences of the actions of others.
Andrew Roberts’s talk began by reminding us of the number of narrow escapes which characterised Winston Churchill’s early life, from brushes with death, illness, to coincidental or fateful times he avoided disaster. Of course not all of his decisions led to success but the theme of learning and experience, of confidence and determination with better planning and preparation began to evolve.
This chalk valley and ridge to the south of the Castle is in fact quite steep. It was requisitioned by Bomber Command for practice throughout WW2, and was the scene of fatal accidents.
The D-day page from Highclere’s visitor book.
In contrast, I was drawing out the themes of mischance, of accidents and the senseless disasters of war, which seemed to me to be so hard to live with when I delved a little deeper into the course of WW2 at Highclere, setting the scene for D-day.
The 6th Earl of Carnarvon, family and friends were admirers and supporters of Winston Churchill through the years before, as well as the years of, war. The visitor books testify to the interesting array of friends old and new who stayed at the Castle seeking moments of respite from the intensity of war. From Elvira de La Fuente (Agent Bronx) or Alfred Duff Cooper, Brigadier John Durnford-Slater, General Patton, the very pretty actress Jeanne Stuart (who the 6th Earl said “simply adored him”), Loelia Westminster, Raimund and Elizabeth von Hofmannsthal. Looking at some of the guests and reading their diaries paints a fascinating picture of life. I was also able to share the memoirs of below stairs, of Robert Taylor, the Butler, the Land Girls and of course the teachers living with the tiny evacuee children still billeted for safety in the Castle through D-day (photograph above).
All the characters take me on a journey, a glimpse into this moment of time. They are too many to relate just in this blog, but I was particularly drawn to John Durnford-Slater, who was involved in the creation and above all the spirit of the Commandos in 1940. From November 1943,he was a key figure in the development and detailed planning of the commandos’ role in D-day. Undoubtedly he also shared a love of racing, cocktails and living life to the full with his host Lord Carnarvon. He was one of an extraordinary group of men and staying here at Highclere just after Agent Bronx.
Save the date – Autumn 2020
From Chalke Valley which takes place in June, we have been talking about developing an autumn Weekend here. A Highclere History Festival in collaboration with Chalke Valley, linked by passion and geography. Our aim to explore how we can walk best in time and our target is mid October 2020. Watch this space…
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Lady Carnarvon,
History prepares us for our future, and supporting events such as the Chalke Valley event educates our children so well to carry on without enduring the blunders of the past. Without those like yourself and the other supporters of the event, as well as other vignettes of history, we would live so much in the present, a vacuum of sorts. Thank you for being among those who care so much for remembering past heroes, no matter what their part, small or tall, in the events of the past.
I am excited that Highclere Castle might showcase more of our world’s history which began in the UK.
Martha Glass
Thank you
Oh my goodness. I would love to come. I will start saving Delta miles and money for the trip!
That would be wonderful!
Good morning Lady Carnarvon
It is a gloriously beautiful day in my part of Canada where we are celebrating Canada Day today, which is why I am not at work and was able to read your blog earlier than other Mondays.
Your observation and reflection “most of us do not shape events but have to cope with the consequences of the actions of others ” is keenly true and will be posted on my wall of inspirational sayings at work.
I have been so fortunate to have visited Highclere in 2018 and 2019 (on opening day this year). There is something so compelling and welcoming in its bones, it’s very “thereness” is like reuniting with a dear old friend.
Thank you for your generosity of spirit in continuing to share your lovely home and the many events you open to the public.
I will eagerly await more details on the fall 2020 event, and hope to attend. It would be lovely to see Highclere in her autumnal glory.
Thank you and happy Canada Day!
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for this wonderful writing. It reminded me that it was just a month ago that you sat with us after our tour and shared a few minutes of your time. My husband, Jay, in his WWII uniform, wanted to respect and honor your home. He never expected the Countess to grace us with her lovely presence. Never mind sit down and have a cup of coffee with us! We never even though to ask you for a picture! Even so, it was a major high point of our trip to Europe. Thank you so much. We will remember it always.
Lady Carnarvon, where can I email or mail you some information? Please advise…
Thank you Kathleen, it was a pleasure to meet you both. The best email to send me information is [email protected]
What a tribute to history! Thank you so much for the information about Chalke Valley. Setting up an event and an interesting schedule of presenters/activities will be great fun. (I do recognize the hard work behind event-planning.) As a dear friend who helped me with an educational event said, “After the first three successful years, your audience will expect it and exponential growth demands more.” Lady Carnarvon, may your successes continue and all of them prosper.”
Thank you – it is a wonderful event and I hope ours will be too.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
The Highclere History Festival sounds like a wonderful event. I know it will be of great interest to history lovers around the world. Tell me, will this be an annual event? My father was in England and Germany in WWII. What a treat it would be to attend and to hear some of the stories from that time in history.
Thank you for sharing yet another interesting post. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Mary Watkins
West Memphis,Arkansas
We will start next Autumn and see if there is an appetite for an annual event – I would love for us to hold it every year.
good morning Lady Carnarvon,
your entry, as usual, was engaging and with the element of “leave them wanting more”.
I hope your oct 20 Chalke Valley event is a smash hit.
shirley taylor
Thank you
Lady Carnarvon, I continue to enjoy reading your blog entries. I tend to collect quotes that speak to me in one way or another. I have added this one from you: “Most of us do not shape events but have to cope with the consequences of the actions of others.” I have found this to be so true! Thanks for all you do 🙂
You are too kind
Amazing!!! As a baby boomer, I have always enjoyed with great interest all about WWII as my mother was 11 when the war started. So listening to her tell us what it was like in the US was great.
I hope you are able to have a great History Festival next year.
Lisa Cosgrove
Thank you
Thank you, as always, for opening my (and all readers) eyes to momentous times, and Highclere’s place in them.
Is it possible to get on an email list or something to get information about future History Festivals?
With all good cheer,
Allyson McGill
I will for sure share it though here – I have reserved those days in our diary for 2020 – thank you so much for our interest!
Yes, we can add you to the list should you wish. Also, do check our website’s What’s On section https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/all-events
That sounds like a wonderful event! I do you hope continue on with your plans for a history festival in the fall of 2020. I’d love to attend! I also have an interest in history and that is one of the reasons I enjoy writing English historical novels. My latest, No Ocean Too Wide, explores child emigration and British Home Children. More than 100,000 poor, orphaned, and abandoned children were sent from Britain to Canada between 1869 and 1939. This year is the 150th anniversary of that first group that was sent. Most of these children were not adopted but were taken in as indentured workers – the boys as farm laborers and the girls as domestics. They had to work until they were 18 and their contracts were fulfilled. Sixty percent suffered neglect or abuse and many were considered outcasts and kept their past a secret when they grew up. There were some good placements and happy outcomes for some of the children, and that was good to hear. Many of the young men went on to serve in WW1. It’s been a great adventure researching this topic and writing about. I recently blogged about it and invited the descendants of British Home Children to share their family stories. Those comments were so interesting! http://carrieturansky.com/index.php/blog/
What a tragic and turbulent life those young children must have had.
Dear Carrie,
Over the decades leading up to and following the Second World War, thousands of British children were sent to Australia, where they were so poorly misplaced that many were abused and so most seem to have been taken in as indentured workers.
Having read your comments, and having due regard to the importance of this research in assisting survivors, I hereby provide links to the following articles and reports of inquiry that hopefully may be of some assistance to you:
The child abuse scandal of the British children sent abroad – https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39078652
Lost Innocents: Righting the Record – Australian Federal Parliament Report on Child Migration -https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Completed_inquiries/1999-02/child_migrat/report/index
Article in The Guardian: “Inquiry urges payouts for victims of postwar UK child migration scheme – Government called on to offer redress to people sent as children to countries such as Australia and Canada” – https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/mar/01/inquiry-urges-payouts-for-victims-of-postwar-uk-child-migration-scheme
Summary of Interim (British) IICSA Report, April 2018 – see in particular, Chapter 4.1 Case study into child migration programmes (part of the ‘Children outside the United Kingdom’ investigation)
– https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/5369/view/interim-report-a-summary.pdf
British Government Response to the Independent Inquiry’s Recommendations on Child Migration – https://www.childmigrantstrust.com/news
Regards,
Jeffery Sewell
So enjoy your blog! We marked D Day here in the Washington DC area with various memorial events, I wore a poppy all week, and I watched the 1962 movie ‘The Longest Day’ as I do annually, which portrays the events so well! So glad to observe the noble sacrifices made throughout WW2 that ensured freedom for the world! A truly Herculean effort! I was born in 1942 and have always loved the history of that time. I have so much admiration for GB and the war years, both 1 and 2! Love the unity between our countries and dream of a visit there!
I remain a loyal anglophile in Maryland.
That is a wonderful and extraordinarily moving film about D Day which reminds us all of the sacrifices made for a peaceful future.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am so excited to hear of the plans for a History Festival next year. The dates are saved. My father traveled from Scotland to Wales to England in WWII with the 12th Evacuation Hospital and eventually over to the European Theater behind Patton’s troops. He spoke with great fondness of the warmth, graciousness, and friendship the English offered the American troops. The History Festival holds a special interest for me and I think it would be wonderful to attend!
Many thanks for the advanced dates, and for writing so beautifully of history and the events that you are a part of.
Best regards,
Charlotte M. Cole
Thank you – I really hope you will come.
Good morning Lady Carnarvon
I look forward to your blog ever Monday. Thank you.
I am glad you enjoy it
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for yet another insightful and most interesting blog.
I have read of Agent Bronx (Elvira de La Fuente) and of her part in “Double Cross”, sending messages in invisible ink and basically telling the Germans that she was making some terrible mistakes when she was in fact deliberately misleading them.
Given your blog’s focus on D-Day, it would be remiss if I didn’t mention “Operation Fortitude”, a concerted attempt by the Double Cross team to redirect German attention and disguise the true location of the Allied invasion at Normandy. It was at the height of Germany’s trust in Elvira that she was given the opportunity to participate in this massive deception.
At that time, all of the German agents sent to England were (purportedly) either recruited as double agents or removed, making the entirety of the German spy network in England a well-played trick; one that, upon the decision being made to invade Normandy, began to be used to its full potential. Agent Bronx played a large part in that.
Germany directed that if Elvira received any information about the upcoming Allied invasion, she was to send a coded telegram to a bank in Portugal that was run by a corrupt manager, who would then convey her message to German agents. The amount of money would be decoded to indicate where the invasion was set to take place, and the reason for the transaction would be decoded to indicate her certainty and timeline for the invasion.
I have read that the information that Agent Bronx gave was directly responsible for the mobilization of “Das Reich North” away from Normandy, and thereby weakening German defences at the actual invasion site. (Apparently, her critical telegraph was followed by a much slower letter which explained her mistaken information and purposefully arrived far too late.)
It’s amazing to see Elvira’s name in the list of guests to Highclere at or about the same time as such
other key players in the D-Day invasion and its aftermath, such as John Durnford-Slater and in particular General Patton, the latter of whom was personally involved in “Operation Fortitude” and who it was that the Double Cross team lead the German High Command to believe would be leading the invasion at Pas de Calais. As a result of Operation Fortitude, the German 15th Army remained at the Pas de Calais to defend against Patton’s supposed attack. So strong was their conviction that this was the main landing area that the German army held its position there even after the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
President Dwight Eisenhower praised this operation as follows: “I cannot over-emphasize the importance of maintaining as long as humanly possible the Allied threat to the Pas de Calais area, which has already paid enormous dividends and, with care, will continue to do so.”
How much of this was planned/discussed (even if on a piecemeal basis) at Highclere?
The dates of individual guest’s respective “stays” at Highclere make for interesting reading, with many being for June 1-2, June 3-4, June 4-5 and June 3-5. Given that the originally planned date for the invasion was set for 4th June (and was only postponed that morning due to a prediction of inclement incoming weather) many of these guests would have pre-arranged to be at Highclere on the scheduled date of the Normandy invasion. Indeed, a number were there when the invasion was postponed that morning.
Of course, one does not know if all of the guests at that time played a part in the invasion or the deception or were even aware of either. Maybe some were merely bona fide guests at Highclere. Also, Elvira and some others have not placed dates next to their signatures so we can’t be sure of their respective dates of arrival and departure. Nevertheless, there certainly is enough circumstantial evidence to suggest that Highclere may have been more than just a place of respite and actually a clandestine meeting place for the purposes of the invasion!
I look forward to reading your comments in due course. I also look forward to learning more about the mid October 2020 weekend event in due course.
Kindest regards,
Jeffery Sewell
Jeffrey thank you – this was indeed part of my talk at Chalke Valley – this page provided the starting pint for the detail along with our cocktail list!!! There were all keen bridge players.
And what do you think of there being so many guests having made their arrangements to stay at Highclere on or at least around the 4th June, which was the originally planned invasion day? Does that not give cause to think that more than bridge and gin were being undertaken at Highclere at that time?
I think we’d have all loved to be a fly on the wall on that date!
“Most of us do not shape events but have to cope with the consequences of the actions of others.” A true and profound statement.
Thank you
Thank you Lady Carnarvon, for writing such an informative and interesting post today. I also enjoy history, and found your comment about having to cope with the consequences of the actions of others to be particularly pertinent. Thank you.
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I wish I had your gift with words! Your writing is always stimulating and thought provoking. I have learned a lot by reading your weekly blog.
The history event sounds wonderful. It would be very interesting. Would there be different displays showcasing different eras in time? The possibilities are endless. We would definitely be interested in attending! How lovely Britain is in the fall…the perfect time of the year to plan a visit. I hope there would be many booths offering a variety of information and fun things to do and see.
Thank you so much. We will watch for further information.
Sincerely,
L. Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
We are just at the planning stages but I hope there will be something for everyone.
I hope to visit someday! In the meantime, Happy Summer!
Please do!
“Billeted for safety” Love that old pic of the children – History does have a way of teaching us if only we would listen and learn – Those men involved in planning the fight surely worked and played hard How lucky for the people that came to get away from the intense war- Thanks for another enlightening start to the week – Take care and WELL DONE on your courage to get up and speak about D-Day with so many other speakers your place in the line-up was fortuitous…
Thank you.
This is my first time coming across your blog. I am a lover of history, studied it in college, and then found that it left me woefully unemployable! I teach the younger children and I enjoy sneaking in all kinds of tidbits from history anywhere I can. As I am sure you hear with most of your readers, I am fascinated with European history (UK and Germany being my two favorite) and was excited to see you have a passion for history and love to share things about your home. My husband is currently working for the US forces in S. Korea and I sit here reading about the history of a home in England. What a global full-circle moment. I would love to attend a history weekend at Highclere. I’m not sure where our next posting will be but here’s hoping that the gods will be merciful and allow us to squeeze in a visit to Highclere and perhaps a history weekend as well! Thanks for writing your blog, I am so happy to have come across it! All the best from S. Korea!
You might enjoy my two history books Lady Almina and Lady Catherine which in turn tell the story of Highclere Castle during the first and second World Wars.
Thanks for the book recommendations. I will most certainly be reading them. Most appreciated.
Andrew’s book Masters and Commanders about WW2 is still one of the best and one I turn back too.
Hello,
I was planning on visiting sometime in the fall of 2020 so I will be on the look out for dates of the festival. What a perfect way to see your place. I am a huge fan of Winston Churchill. He was the subject of my thesis in college. Look forward to hearing more about the event.
I have started Andrew’s book on Churchill already – our working cocker spaniels – ever enthusiastic and loveable are called Clementine and Winston!
Thank you for the book recommendation. I will add it to my reading and collection. What a great idea naming your dogs after Churchill and his wife. Love it!
Take care,
Buffy
I love history and am a great believer that it should be handed down. Sadly it’s not taught in schools now and events like this are a great idea.
I have put it in my reminder and so looking forward to being there.
I think history is so important – it is taught in the UK !
I thought they stopped teaching it in schools. Maybe I got it wrong and they were thinking of stopping it. So glad they didn’t though.
One of your most poignant blogs ever (and I read them all).
Thank you
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for this beautiful post. I have learned so much & enjoy your posts. I am SO very moved to see my Uncle Jake and Grandmothers diary on the screen next to you! Thank you for your continued respect and support for our boys.
All the best and thank you again!
It has been our honour at Highclere somehow learning, reuniting trying to understand – I wish I knew some of the UK families too.
I enjoyed reading this so much! My Father was at Omaha Beach on D-Day and this year’s anniversary was very special since there are so few of these amazing men still with us. Dad spent some time in Great Britain during the war and spoke warmly of the people he met.
Dear Lady Carnavon,
Thanks for sharing ! Very interesting. I love the picture of the evacuees children.
Best regards,
Amazing photos
Is the James Holland you mentioned related to the author Tom Holland? Tom writes about ancient history. The event was a Historical Topic so I thought they might be related.
Yes and James also writes – some amazing people involved
Thank you, I enjoy Tom’s writing and will have to look up James.
Ken
James also gave a great talk!
Lady Carnarvon: Thank you for another fascinating post. You have a gift for making history real, by presenting the people behind the names in a penetrating and personal way that goes beyond the typical facts and figures. I’ve just had the pleasure of reading your books, Lady Almina and Lady Catherine, for the first time. I found them both so compelling that I read each one straight through, staying up rather too late at night, but they are so enthralling that I had to see what came next. “At Home at Highclere” is next on my list (and another sleepless night!) I look forward to your future writings. Best regards.
That is so kind!!
Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for all the information in this post. As a lover of history and an avid reader I welcome recommendations of books especially coming from a connoisseur such as yourself. I hope to acquired the book “Walking with Destiny” as soon as possible.
I truly love the first photo in this post of the little ones running about in front of Highclere Castle–so precious!!!
Thank you for all you to do. I truly look forward to your weekly blog posts!
Regards,
Bev
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for helping keep the history of our past alive, especially major events of WWII like D-Day. Today so many of our young people know so little or none at all of the history of WWII to even recognize the names of key military leaders or statesmen of that period or the more importantly the heroics and sacrifices of so many of the ordinary people who participated in that great undertaking to liberate and secure the freedom of the oppressed peoples of the world.
Highclere certainly has a special place in history. Thank you for sharing some of that history with us. You tell it so well. We had the pleasure to visit Highclere and meet you briefly during our special tour this last January. Thank you for sharing insight of Highclere with you weekly blogs.
Best regards, Duane Long, ( LTC USA Ret’d)
Thank you – and I remember meeting you – glad to hear from you here!
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
I REALLY LIKE YOUR POSTS AND I LOVE HISTORY TOO.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO SP
BRAZIL
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon!
I am thrilled that you met Andrew Roberts! His excellent book about Churchill is above any another of my 16 biographies on this great man! I am happy that I still have 783 pages left to enjoy!
Give my love to Clemmie &Winston!
Will do!
Good afternoon Lady Carnarvon
My I say that myself and my Father Frank Smith who was evacuated to high-level 77 years ago enjoyed our time at your wonderful home Sunday.
Your staff and visitors were very interested to hear his memories of his time there, which he told everyone listening that it was a magical time.
His photograph was taken by your team member who gave the talk about the unfortunate crashed aircraft ( sorry I have forgotten his name)and he did say that if you were at home that you would have liked to talked to him about his time there.
Maybe next time, as we only live in Fareham.
Yours Roy Smith
I would love to meet him ! Perhaps I could propose a date later in Septmeber?
Enjoyable!! I read all the posts! This is my introduction to your blogs. I’ve seen tours of the castle on PBS. I live in Kaufman, Texas, near Terrell where the No1 British Flight School was established during WWII. Twenty young British lads died during training and are buried in the city cemetery. We hold an annual remembrance celebration. The school is now a museum and presents the history of the time in an interesting format. As an American, learning the British historical activities has been a delightful pass time in my retirement years. Hope to visit England next year!!!
How fascinating – thank you for sharing