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Delaware goes to War

World War II history comes alive at Fort Miles
Reenactors from U-Boat 858 prepare to surrender during a traditional event each spring at Fort Miles. On May 14, 1945, the submarine was the first boat to surrender to U.S. forces following the end of World War II. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the event. BY RON MACARTHUR
Ron MacArthur
May 1, 2015
Naval shore patrol members search for weapons and hidden papers from the crew of the U-858 submarine following the surrender. BY RON MACARTHUR
Seventy years ago, a crew of 55 from the U-858 submarine surrendered in New Jersey and were escorted to Fort Miles. Each spring, reenactors portray the event at the historic fort. BY RON MACARTHUR
Paul Yeager of Lewes, portraying a Russian Army lieutenant, took three years to outfit and detail this Ural motorcycle support vehicle. BY RON MACARTHUR
Reenactor John Kelley and his grandson, Seamus Givey, share the day at Fort Miles. The fort's reenactors are members of the 261st Coast Artillery, the unit charged with protecting the entrance to Delaware Bay during World War II. BY RON MACARTHUR
German soldier reenactor Dan Campbell becomes a cook as he prepares lunch for the troops. BY RON MACARTHUR
German soldier reenactor Dan Campbell becomes a cook as he prepares lunch for the troops. BY RON MACARTHUR
German Grossdeutschland Division re-enactor Jim Lennon has the best vantage point as he stands atop a restored Sd. Kfz. special purpose vehicle. BY RON MACARTHUR
German reenactor Oliver Ecke warms his food on a wood stove in the barracks. BY RON MACARTHUR
Reenactors during the U-Boat surrender are loaded in a transport vehicle and moved to the prison, which is now the park's nature center. BY RON MACARTHUR
In authentic G.I. clothing, Donald Hattier takes the wheel of a Jeep. BY RON MACARTHUR

History came to life April 25 during the annual spring opening of Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park.

The living history event – Delaware Goes to War: Victory in Europe – featured dozens of American and German reenactors who showed visitors what World War II camps were like, complete with authentic gear and vehicles. The day also included Battery 519 museum tours, plotting room demonstrations, guest speakers, artillery firings and a reenactment of the German submarine surrender at Fort Miles in 1945.

During World War II, the Delaware River was a chief priority for defense planners because it offered access to Wilmington and Philadelphia. Fort Miles was a key piece in the nation's coastal defense at that time.

American soldier reenactors portray what members of Fort Miles' 261st Coast Artillery did at the fort during World War II.

Also taking part in the event were reenactors from the 7th Kompanie of the Grossdeutschland Division, a World War living history unit that has attended events for more than 30 years. The unit primarily was assigned to the Eastern Front during the war.

 

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