The country estates that helped us prevail in the Second World War

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, MARTIN PHILLIPS reveals the stories behind the incredible National Trust properties that played their part in the liberation of Europe

- 

THINK of the National Trust’s guardianship of our nation’s military heritage and any number of historic castles and fortifications spring to mind. But what of the stately homes and country estates managed by the Trust which were repurposed during the Second World War?

PRISONERS OF WAR

Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester

Every room at Dunham Massey oozes history, with treasures and objects covering all of its four centuries, and the wider 300-acre estate has its own stories. The New Park, like other British country house parks, became home to thousands of soldiers during the Second World War — both allies and enemy. Initially a US Army camp, from 1943-44, it then served as separate camps for German and Italian prisoners of war. At its peak in 1945, more than 200 huts accommodated them. German prisoners were interrogated at Dunham Massey and underwent de-Nazification before they could be repatriated after the war.

PoW Alfred Paeserack, who had been captured in France, wrote fondly of the camp and its “huge, age-old trees and the many large Rhododendron blossoms”, noting that Dunham Park was “one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen”. He was held until 1948 by which time he was a labourer on local farms, which he enjoyed, “...especially once we realised how well we got on with our English employers”.

Some camp buildings remained intact until the 1960s, when a new golf course obliterated what survived, but a few concrete bases and brick rubble can be traced in the woodland beyond the fairways.

Otherwise, there’s the ancient 300-acre deer park, adventure playground, picnic area and, indoors, ornate rooms and servant’s quarters hold a collection that spans the history of the house, while the water-powered mill and other historic buildings beckon you into the past.

MILITARY SPLENDOUR

Crom, County Fermanagh, NI