Hi Bulsara,
OK can you give me a little information about your father and his unit?
In 1943-44 much of southern England was used for what were sometimes called "Sausage camps", Camps designed to accommodate the troops assembling in Britain for the planned invasion of Europe, D-Day.
The estate of Hursley Park was an ideal location for 2 of these camps: C-12 and C-13 as the proximity to Southampton and the dense tree cover met many of the prime considerations. Just outside the estate in Ampfield and towards Romsey the roads were lined with troops.
The two camps at Hursley were used in 1944 by the 50th (Northumbrian) Division of the British Army (who landed on Gold Beach on D-Day) and consisted of a mixture of huts and tentage (a throw back to the tents of 1914 that had also filled the park). Some were in the north around Merdon Castle. Others to the west in what is called the Waterloo plantation
Unlike many other camps in the parks of Stately Houses in the area the troops did not occupy Hursley House, this had already been requisitioned by the Ministry for Aircraft production in 1940 and was where Spitfire design was carried out after the Woolston factory of Supermarine was bombed out.
Very little evidence remains of the camp today, a few building footings amongst the trees and a few names carved on the tree trunks. There are a few photographs and accounts of the camp that have survived, but for most Hursley was just a stopping point to refuel and prepare for loading at Southampton. After D-Day a steady stream of (primarily) US troops passed through the camp and on to Normandy.
I'd be interested to hear about your father's time there and which unit he was with etc.
I hope the above helps.
All the best
Dave
