'Turnback Tuesday' archives: 1912 war games in the Valley

In the summer of 1912, the New England and New York National Guards 'invaded' Derby in a war game. War games are a type of military exercise to test or improve tactical skills.The two groups combined and collaborated so that each 'army' had a mix of soldiers from each guard. This image depicts the invading Red army which arrived with 50 carloads of soldiers, horses, and equipment at Derby Depot on Aug. 12. The next day they crossed the bridge into Shelton. On Aug. 17 the defending Blue army was declared 'defeated' in Newtown.
This post was first published on this date in 2017.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Shelton History Center archive photo depicts War Games of August 1912

The War Games of August 1912 were probably the largest ever held on the East Coast.

War Games were scenarios that simulated a hostile invasion so that the army could practice and prepare to defend the country.

The Blue Army marched into Shelton on Aug.10 to defend the bridges across the Housatonic River.

This picture from our archives at Shelton History Center depicts the event.

Photograph by Helen Jones.

This is shared from the Shelton History Center Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features war games in Derby

In the summer of 1912, the New England and New York National Guards 'invaded' Derby in a war game. War games are a type of military exercise to test or improve tactical skills.
The two groups combined and collaborated so that each 'army' had a mix of soldiers from each guard. This image depicts the invading Red army which arrived with 50 carloads of soldiers, horses and equipment at Derby Depot on August 12. The next day they crossed the bridge into Shelton. On August 17 the defending Blue army was declared 'defeated' in Newtown.


Thanks to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history each week!