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LIBERATION OF ROME
BREAKOUT FROM ANZIO
WWII PUBLIC BATTLE REENACTMENT
AND ENCAMPMENT
MAY 15, 16, 17, 2026
Event will be held at the Chaplin Creek Historic Village site located at 1715 Whitney Road in Franklin Grove, Illinois 61031. The Village buildings will be turned into an Italian town of Castelli Romni. The Battles will be reenactments of the many small actions that occurred as part of Operation Diadem which started on May 11, 1944 resulting in the breaking of the German Gustav Line in the Liri Valley resulting in the Liberation of Rome on June 4-5 1944.
All Western Theatre Allied, Commonwealth and Axis and Civilian impressions are welcome. The event will be hosted by the 5th Kompaine GrossDeutschland unit and will be WWIIHRS event. The event is open to all recognized national umbrella organization members.
German and Italian Reenacting units will garrison the historic Village buildings, Allied and Commonwealth will be encamped in the surrounding woods and open fields. All period historic vehicles are welcome and a limited amount of free transportation is available for heavy amour vehicles.
Event will open to reenactors on Thursday May 14, 2026 for encampment and display setup. Friday May 15, 2026 will be junior high school children tours for local students starting at 10:30 am to 1:30 p.m. No reenactor personal vehicles will be allowed in the village between 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. There will be two public battle reenactments on both Saturday and Sunday.
Amenities include Potable water, firewood, flush toilet and shower facilities.
For Questions Contact Event P.O.C. Richard A. Russo 5th kompaine GrossDeutschland 1-847-254-8826
Vizsla25@sbcglobal.net
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