OPERATION "TIGER"
COMBINED OPERATIONS HEADQUARTERS
Commanding Officer; 14. Col C A, Roberts
83 Westminster Crescent, Lodge Moor, Sheffield, S10 4EU
(0114)2307531
ADC: Major Paul Watson, (4 commando)
(0114)2440565
2 i/c: Major Don Hallam
(0114)2394213
Chaplain: Rev. Wing Comdr. Ivor Haythom, BJL, MA
(01507) 685582
OPERATION 'TIGER'
Invitation to Attend
This restricted invitation is to our second 'barracks based' event as organised by Combined Operations
Sheffield but in conjunction with (and with the considerable support of) the Army Benevolent Fund
Committee. The profit from the Operation will be donated directly to the ABF which, we believe, needs
our support more than ever as our armed forces are called upon to perform dangerous tasks in an
increasingly impossible situation.
Basis of the event:The ABF's extensive support work has, principally been carried on by donations
over the past 60 years. Combined Operations is proud to have the opportunity, with your help, of playing a
small part in this - even more so as it has direct (and willing) co-operation with the 'REAL' army.
This represents a continuing bridge across the awkward gulf that has long existed between the
hobbyists and the professionals; a bridge that has been gratefully crossed by Combined Operations
and selected quality groups and individuals from across the country over the last 12 months. The
event will continue this trend; directly benefiting both the fundraising side of our efforts and also
serving to further raise the status of WW2 Living History Groups in the eyes of the military - as long
as we get it right and demonstrate accuracy and sincerity in all our 'on duty' actions.
We have no railway or stations to 'play with' at this event; hence we are attempting to provide the
backdrop, scenery and action in its entirety - but in the truly splendid setting of the Endcliffe Hall
and barracks (with the full support of the South Yorkshire Committee of the ARMY BENEVOLENT
FUND NATIONAL CHARITY.
The army are falling over themselves in order to get many things in place for us and the public alike
- the proposals so far, if they all come to fruition, will produce another truly memorable event. All we
can do at the moment is ask you to provide details of what you and/or your group would like to do/display
and then look at how this can be accommodated by the site and the military. All suggestions and
requests to me at the usual address please.
Final note:
The BARRACKS is a secure base i.e. it has a gated entrance and staffed guardroom. Hence we, and
all our artefacts, will be secure for the weekend. The public will pay on the gate to gain access during
the listed hours on the Saturday and Sunday.
However, due to the international situation (which hopefully will have eased by next September) the
barracks is operating under security restrictions that may be applied to us.
We, the re-enactors will be under scrutiny (probably from some real, very senior military officers), it
therefore, goes without saying that our dress standards and behaviour 'on duty' as civilians and military
personnel - are expected to be beyond reproach. We need to show the service that we know what we're
doing, that we believe in the necessity of the Living History side of our 'hobby' and that we do not let the
side down. While this has to be said, I'm confident that everyone involved will, as usual perform to
the high standards we've come to know and respect from you all over the year.
Widespread advertising will take place to advertise the event and we'd appreciate help in distribution
of flyers at various events around the country to bring in the crowds.
Last year we came unstuck with the date due to unforeseen clashes with local civilian events. Hopefully
there will be a much better response from 'Joe Public' this year.
Many thanks,
C. A. Roberts; CO. Combined Operations HQ Group
---------------------------------------
Site Information
The Endcliffe Hall has:
Toilets, water and some washing facilities on site.Food will be available - certainly on the Saturday and Sunday.
There will be some designated areas for Caravans and Motor Homes.
Sleeping accommodation is available in the drill hall - it is however one, HUGE room. It must
be cleared by 0900 each morning. We might manage a store for bedding modern kit etc. This is
currently being worked on.
No public vehicles will be allowed on site from 0945 hrs Saturday and Sunday until we finish for the day.
We need everything, as far as is possible to be in place by 0930 hours on the Saturday and the Sunday.
This time we will have to 'suck it and see' - please note we (and the army) will do our absolute best to
make sure everything goes without a hitch.
The barracks is in an up market/ elite part of Sheffield - the Broomhill area of the city itself is in easy
walking distance of the barracks - shops, pubs, restaurants etc. It's a 10-minute bus ride from the
barracks to the city centre itself (Buses running every 10 minutes) with its thriving nightlife, if the
mess dinner and the dance hold no charms for you.
We regret this 'information overload' but we hope that you'll appreciate the need to give you as much
detail as possible.
Additions; The Armed Services are working with the ABF and will provide support services e.g. food
and beer (!) and also many supporting scenarios - too many to list at this time and in the planning
stages. The backing that we are getting from them to mount the Combined Operations side of this
event is beyond mere words.
You will be the arbiter of this aspect after the event.
After last year's superb, which was only possible thanks to your efforts (spoiled only by poor public
support) we need your help to make this bigger and better.
The following events are currently in place:
Axis Encampment: This will be ,set up by AFRA with the support of other Axis groups_
(Gerbirgsjaegers etc.) Contact Dave Lapworth - (01455) 459179
or Chris Lewis - (07940) 558592
WW1 Field Hospital: Set up by Dave Sedgwick and the group under canvas in a superb setting.
Contact Dave Sedgwick - (02476) 375178
4 Commando: A comprehensive HQ display, under canvas again in a forward position
setting. Contact Paul Watson - (0114) 2440565. Several additional scenarios are expected:
Royal Corps of Signals Display: Possibly as an extension of the 4 commando display run by
Major Brian Maltby (Retd.)
Military Vehicles: - from across the ages- the army are planning to extend our 1940's efforts
and hence no date restrictions will be requested. We DO need some of the "BIG' stuff from
the Wartime years. Contact Chris Amery - (07815) 939750.
1940's Clothes Show: To be run on both days in the splendid period setting of the Drill Hall
-the show and the venue are BIG (and has facilities!!) Contact Mike Gilbert (01302) 8511709.
Church Service - Sunday: In the atmosphere of a wartime DRILL HALL conducted by our
Padre, Rev. Wing Commander Ivor Haythorne and his support crew.
Military Fair: Hopefully bigger than ever before at a Combined Operations event A 'secure'
setting on tarmac - so there'll be no dust blowing across and damaging the goods. Crowds
will not be disappearing to get on trains, go to battles etc. so this should prove advantageous
to traders and re-enactors alike. Initially contact Alan Roberts (0114) 2307531.
1940's Mess Ball - Saturday Night: This will take place in the incredibly lovely Georgian
ballroom of the Officer's Mess. What a setting! Opportunities for events like this are few
and far between. Contact Alan Roberts on the above number. Live music.
1940's Mess Dinner - Friday Night: Again in the above setting. This is in the early planning
stages. The setting will be comprehensive as all manner of thoughts are being considered.
It will not be a beefburger affair, so may be a little costly but rest assured we are working on
the cost to provide real value for money in this indescribable setting!
This initial event of the weekend - it has, across the country become synonymous with the start
of Comb. Ops. events - wherever they're staged.
Please note that, with potential security issues; the better you complete the form the easier and quicker
it will be to process and issue your passes.
OPERATION 'TIGER'
21st - 22nd October 2007
Endcliffe Hall, Sheffield
In Support of the Army Benevolent Fund
APPLICATION FORM
Unit Leaders
Name of Individual/unit leader:
Contact Address:
__________________________
____________________________
______________________________
________________________________
Total number of personnel requiring Passes:
Phone Ho.
Do you require specific accommodation information? Yes/No Do you wish space to put
on a static display/diorama? Yes/No
To be accepted as part of the Military/civilian vehicle display your vehicle Must
be registered with the military authorities:
Weapons: Please list and state whether Replica (R), Deactivated (D), or
blank firers (B) - please note loaded blank firers will not be allowed on the base.
Please continue on a separate piece of paper if necessary !!
Anticipated arrival time (please circle) : FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY TIME:
Please note: On the reverse of this form please list all the names and relative
information (Rank, regiment, Unit, 1940s Civilian etc.) to enable to sets of event
permits/ passes to be made up and issued. Blank passes will not be issued by
Combined Operations HQ. This is MDST important so please write legibly.
Please return this form to:
l»t. Col. C. A. Roberts, Combined Operations HQ,
c/o 83 Westminster Crescent, Lodge Moor, Sheffield S10 4EU
CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS 1st AUGUST 2006
List of individual personnel wishing to attend:
Dance Tickets
Saturday October 21st, 2006, Officer's Mess, Endcliffe Barracks, Sheffield.
Name: _______________________________
Contact address: ______________________
I would like to book, subject to availability, ____ (insert
number) tickets for the dance for the dance at £12.00 per person.
I understand that as the tickets become available I will be billed for tickets and must send a cheque by
return, made payable to
Mr. C. A. Roberts (Comb. Ops.)
Please note that tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first paid, first served basis. Cheques
will be returned once tickets have sold out, so please be prompt if you wish to enjoy this unique location.
