Millennium Project
The following article was first published in the Deddington News in September 2024. It is reporduced here courtesy of the DN and Mr Geoff Hall
The North Oxfordshire and Cotswold Military Vehicle Trust came to Deddington on Saturday 17 August to honour Major General Sir Percy Hobart, one time resident of Leadenporch House and, until now, largely unsung, hero of the Second World War. Thanks to the efforts of the Trust, under the leadership of Tony King, and residents of Hobart Way, there is now a memorial to him at the entrance to newly built development. Jo Eames, the current inhabitant of Leadenporch and author of the novel, ‘Not only the good boys’, based on the Major General’s war years, was the guest of honour, charged with its unveiling.
Major General Sir Percy Hobart KBE, CB, DSO, MC, (to give him his full rank and title) was the forefather of the legendary Desert Rats and genius developer of the tanks which played a key role in the D-Day landings in June 1944. ‘Hobo’, as he was known to many, led the engineers who created and tested amphibious tanks, plus special armoured vehicles designed to clear mines, destroy fortified bunkers and cross soft ground and ditches. These tanks, known as ‘Hobart’s Funnies’, were used to great effect at the Normandy landings, saving thousands of lives and ensuring the success of the operation. Many of the designs are still in use today.
The event began with a cavalcade of antique military vehicles, including a smart 1937 Vauxhall staff car carrying Jo Eames in style from Leadenporch House, driving slowly up the Hempton road, to the Windmill carpark. The Union Jack was raised at the site and a procession of the Home Guard, preceded by a Scottish piper, opened the ceremony. Jo outlined how Hobart was chosen by Sir Winston Churchill to galvanise the war effort, at a time when Britain’s fortunes were at a low ebb, before she and Paul Keyte from the Shilton quarry, which supplied the stone, revealed the memorial itself. Two inset stainless steel panels detail key ‘Hobo’s’ life and career.
Deddington residents turned out in force on the beautiful sunny afternoon to welcome the parade from the Windmill centre to Hobart Way and cheer the unveiling ceremony. They then enjoyed inspecting the array of historic military vehicles, including wartime Jeeps, on display in the Windmill carpark and tasting the refreshments kindly provided by members of the parish council.
To see the memorial, walk up Hempton Road and turn into Hobart Way. It is on the left, just inside the entrance. Take a moment to admire it and reflect on the debt of gratitude we all owe to this one-time Deddington resident.
Geoff Hall