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13. The Ripon Tank

The project has been organised by Ripon Community Poppy Project.

Preparation for the D Day tribute began 18 months ago, involving an estimated 70,500 hours of planning, knitting, and assembling.

This includes the dedication of roughly 30 ladies from the Ripon ‘Knit and Natter’ group, who have collectively knitted approximately 1,860 squares, dedicating on average 2.5 hours per square.

These squares – each knitted in ‘olive drab’ wool – the authentic hue of the original Churchill tanks will envelop the life-size tank structure, which measures 24ft in length, 9ft in width, and 7ft in height.

Winston

Details to follow

Private William McKay

Royal Welch Fusiliers

Although Private McKay is a fictional person, his regiment, rank and uniform are accurate to reflect the many British soldiers who enlisted and fought in the Second World War. Whilst we are aware the Royal Welch Fusiliers didn’t land on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day they did arrive a short time after and were very involved in the many battles of Normandy.

The Battle dress uniform of a British soldier during WW2 was made from khaki coloured cotton denim and consisted of many elements. The total weight of the uniform and equipment the soldiers carried weighed between 80-100 pounds (36-45kg)

The main elements were;
• Jacket and trousers both containing pockets
• Gas mask in a case hanging round their neck
• Belt with pouches for equipment and ammunition
• Water bottle
• Helmet with chin strap
• Backpack containing rations and spare clothing
• Placard attached to rear of the belt which holds wooden handle and shovel head
• Black boots with puttees
• Rifle including bayonet which is encased in a pouch on rear of the belt
Private McKay has been created by ´Maureen’s weather girls’ a group of ladies world wide that have connected in their love of crafting in wool
Whilst almost every aspect of him has been crocheted or knitted there is the odd metal buckle or clasp. The ladies involved in his creation are pleased to have him included and displayed in Llandudno for this spectacular display.