Coleshill Underground

Pic credit: National Trust

Secret Second World War history revealed at Coleshill Underground 

The National trust village of Coleshill is celebrating its secret Second World War history with a living history event honouring the Auxiliaries. 

Coleshill Underground is returning to West Oxfordshire on Sunday, 22nd September with re-enactments, exhibitions, a display of military vehicles, food, drink and dancing as well as children’s activities. 

Unknown to villagers, Coleshill was the top secret training headquarters for the British Resistance, also known as the Auxiliary Unit in which brave men volunteered to act as a secret resistance force against invasion by Germany. They were trained in units of six in isolation from other groups and in unusual methods. 

The living history area will tell the story of the brave auxiliaries through re-enactors, exhibitions and interactive displays. The Second World War historic sites around Coleshill will be open to explore including the operational bases and guard house. 

Trace your own historical connections with the help of the Coleshill Auxiliary research team while younger members of the family have a go at an activity trail around the village – learn about code breaking, the skills needed to be a spy and have a go at crawling under camouflage nets. 

Coleshill Underground is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Auxiliaries being stood down from service. 

Tickets can be booked in advance via the website.