| Imphal
Barracks
ARMY IN YORK DAY
A small number of
members met on a fantastic Saturday morning at McArthur Glen Designer
Outlet near York. The purpose of this meet wasn’t for retail therapy,
oh no. Not because we’d left our credit cards (and wives) at home but
so we could all converge together on Imphal Barracks to help the Army
celebrate their open to the public day. Arriving at the barracks just
after 8.30, we were shown to our very own spot, complete with a large
Army tent to keep us from the harmful UVA rays, chairs and table. We
were made most welcome and comfortable.
Between
us we had dragged along Big Dave with a Lightweight Special Ops, Sean
and his 110 Defender and MOBAT, Craig and a Series 2a and trailer,
Dennis and his Humber Staff Car and Ian had made the long journey from
home (stopping several times to refuel) in an Austin Tilly. Christine
from the Yorkshire Air Museum also brought along a Chevrolet.
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HISTORY
The Infantry Barracks,
Fulford were built between 1877-1880. It was renamed Imphal Barracks in
1951 as this was considered a most significant battle honour won by the
West Yorkshire Regiment in World War Two. In 1944, both regular
battalions of the Regiment played a huge part in the vital defense of
Imphal Plain, Burma against Japanese attack. The Barracks also houses
the Kohima museum.
Displays and
attractions were put on for all visitors including the White Helmets
motorcycle display team, parachute display, World War One re-enactment
by the Allied Forces Military Control, Northern Command (Britain vs.
Germany, we surrendered to avoid extra time and penalties), marching
military bands, falconry display, military dog handling and the new
Yorkshire regiment put on a tactical display with a Warrior tank (lots
of bangs and explosions there then)
Side attractions
included paint balling, rotating climbing wall, inflatable assault
course, a zip line (death slide we used to call them) that stretched
from Imphal to the Humber Bridge with the top of the tower disappearing
into the only cloud on a hot, sunny day. Other small challenges included
pitch and putt, penalty shoot out, war wounds provided by the Medics,
along with modern day military vehicles brought along by various units
and some that are based at the Barracks.
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