Re-enactments done for right reasons
Concerning Peter Rhodes' recent comments re British Tommies soon to be on parade at the Black Country Museum, I will agree that perhaps they have gone a little far calling themselves 'Old Contemptibles'.
Concerning Peter Rhodes' recent comments re British Tommies soon to be on parade at the Black Country Museum, I will agree that perhaps they have gone a little far calling themselves 'Old Contemptibles'.
Also with my involvement with similar historical events, I am not always happy with the way some re-enactors conduct themselves. However, as a member of the Military Vehicle Trust I too am involved with such events, owning old military motor cycles and an Ex Durham Light Infantry Land Rover which I have taken to shows many times. Why do I do it? mainly out of respect for those who had to do it.
If Peter Rhodes finds the activities of myself and colleagues offensive, I would like to point out that for my own part any weapons displayed are strictly deactivated and I do not wear badges or medals to which I am not entitled.
However I do wear appropriate uniform on official events and try to look as smart as possible. I do make one exception in that I usually display a Home Guard arm band, which is more in keeping with my age! Not to forget though that the oldest soldier to be killed on the Somme was aged sixty eight.
During the last few years I have visited schools many times along with numerous artifacts to talk to the children concerning the war years and the sacrifice made by so many. I consider it most important that youngsters are told.
In the Military Vehicle Trust we restore and cherish our vehicles as living memorials. We are also involved with the Royal British Legion with their poppy appeal and have been on numerous remembrance and dedication events here and overseas. Our presence is much appreciated not only by the RBL but by veterans and the public alike.
On the 10/11 of this month the town of Pickering joins forces with the North York Moors Railway and puts the clock back to 1943. Organisation of this event includes ex military personnel and much trouble is taken to see the event is successful, in good taste and not just fancy dress.
This is as well as promoting the railway. On the Friday the trains are full of local school children dressed as evacuees. On the Saturday morning there is a parade through the town involving veterans of all services including women of the WRAF and the Land Army. Then there are the military and civilian vehicles plus many re-enactors. Last year 10,000 people turned out to watch it. On Sunday, time is taken for remembrance and wreath laying.
We are aware that memories are still raw, yet so many young people know little or care little about what went on. So much depends on how, when and where.
Done badly such events can become an insult but done well, they can be living history. The horror may be absent though reminders persist. The world moves on, yet without history we are in danger making the same mistakes. Lest we forget.
Don Higham, Secretary, Military Trust Birmingham and West Midlands, Weston Crescent, Aldridge, Walsall.
