THE YANKS came back to Saddleworth in force as scores of people celebrated the annual event across the community.
An extravaganza of militaria and vintage stalls, a 1940s tearoom, live entertainment, a children’s assault course and a vintage fun fair packed out Saddleworth School. 
Military and classic cars were on display, ranging from camouflage tanks and jeeps to a 1935 Rolls Royce convertible and 1939 Daimler Landaulette – a model once owned by the Queen Mother.
A full-size static Spitfire and its engine impressed visitors in the school grounds while a flyover by the BBMF gave people a rare glimpse of a Douglas C-47 Dakota.
Proceeds from the event – the twelfth of its kind to commemorate the making of movie blockbuster ‘Yanks’ starring Richard Gere – will go to The Rifles ‘Care for Casualties’.
Meanwhile Yanks returned to Dobcross, where the film was shot in 1979, for an action-packed Yanks celebration weekend planned by Dobcross Village Community. 
Events began with a 40’s fashion show at Dobcross Band Club presented by B Authentic, who displayed a fantastic collection of vintage uniforms and clothing.
Other highlights included a sell-out 40’s dance with Katz Korner and the 52 Skidoo Band at the Dobcross Band Club and a 40’s music with David James, world whistling champion Dave Morris and the Brass Monkeys.
The Swan held a wartime quiz with spam sandwiches while guests attended the 40’s Café at Holy Trinity Church for traditional wartime cakes to support the Dobcross Elderberries.
And Sharron Pollitt from Grasscroft jolted memories with her collection of war-time memorabilia, allowing senior members to reminisce about growing up in a rural community. 
Military vehicles converged in The Square where crowds cheered re-enactments from the film, including the ‘arrest’ of a soldier who visited a ‘good time girl’ – and two who got a good soaking from publican Tim Newbold for trying to get after-time drinks.
Later, guests crammed The Swan to share a wartime cabaret with singer Lynne Sheldon, who also entertained on Sunday in The Square, and festivities were rounded off with a village party at the band club.
Elsewhere, forties fever hit Uppermill as pubs, restaurants and businesses were decked out to welcome Yanks both local and from further field such as Burnley and Sheffield. 
The Waggon Inn held a Hawaiian Night and their traditional afternoon of swing dancing, as well as live entertainment from Jukebox Johnnie and Rockabilly Fever.
At The Commercial, troops sweetheart Katie Mustang wooed the crowds with wartime favourites before Ricky Hunter took centre stage.
The Civic Hall boasted an action-packed schedule, including a war time cinema, a tea dance and Backstep Boogie Club with Dance lessons.
And the Victory Swing Ball with wartime dinner topped the bill, featuring Sticky Wicket and his swing orchestra along with DJ Major Swing playing music from the decades.
On Sunday, the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr John Hudson, and Normandy Veterans enjoyed complimentary hot drinks at Betty’s fish and chip shop on Uppermill High Street. 
The Diggle Hotel stepped back in time to the Golden Age of Swing with an afternoon of music and dancing as the car park was transformed for the Charleston, Lindyhop, Jump Jive and Balboa.
And the weekend was rounded off with a parade of military and classic cars, led by the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, Normandy Veterans, Royal British Legion, and Cadets.
Even break downs – as a tank ended up being towed and a military car needed a quick fix from its driver – could not stop the convoy in its tracks as hundreds lined High Street to enjoy the spectacle.
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