Wartime links of restored mill (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Wartime links of restored mill

1:50pm Sunday 12th July 2009

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SPECIAL tours are to be held of a restored mill in the Yorkshire Dales to introduce people to its role in the Second World War.

The events at Gayle Mill, just outside Hawes, will be held on July 19 to coincide with Leyburn’s 1940s weekend.

They will show where troops from the Scots Guards and Border regiments were billeted on the top floor during 1943 and 1944.

Visitors will also be able to learn about vital tank training in the millpond prior to the D-Day landings where specially adapted Churchill tanks underwent submerged testing. Even today there are still signs of tank tracks leading to the millpond.

It was also in that period that the village green was partially concreted over so a guard-hut could be erected and a number of tanks stored.

"There is considerable physical evidence of army activity in Gayle Mill during this period," said William Lambert, chairman of the Gayle Mill Trust.

"But we have little in the way of anecdotal evidence. We would love to hear from any relatives of those stationed at Gayle Mill, and ask them to get in touch with us."

Tours will take place at regular intervals between 11am and 4.30pm with the last tour starting at 3pm. To book contact the Dales Countryside Museum on 01969-666210 or Gayle Mill on 01969-667320.

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