Operation Varsity – Easter 08

After jumping with Pathfinder into Arnhem, Holland for the 63^rd anniversary I now understood what it was like to jump into battle but not what battle would be like. An opportunity came up for a living history battle and I took that opportunity to find out what that would be like.

Operation Varsity took place on 24 March 1945, led by the British 6th Airborne Division and the US 17th Airborne Division, in co-ordination with a ground offensive. In all nearly 5000 British and 10,000 American troops were either dropped or flown in. Called "perhaps the most successful Allied airborne operation in Europe" it demonstrated primarily that extremely weak opposition is the only real guarantee of success in war.

I arrived at Fort Amhurst in Chatham, Kent for the battle – this would be a bit difficult to arrange in Germany where the original battle took place so some details had to be changed.

Fort Amhurst is a Napoleonic era fort built to protect Britain from the marauding armies of Napoleon, in the end it was never challenged however a British army report into the fort pronounced it impregnable and we as the attackers would have to overcome and entrenched German army. Some parts of the fort where used by the ‘Lady of the Lamp’ – Florence Nightingale where she tended the injured troops returned from the battles of Waterloo.

Its currently in a dilapidated condition and overgrown with brambles and ivy, this gives us a multitude of hiding places and routes through windows, half blocked up doors, crumbling brickwork to climb, gulleys to hide in, pits & trenches – nothing like some of the modern battle arenas with pristine grass and hay bails to ‘hide’.

I met up with Ian for the first time since we had jumped together in Holland, we are like old friends already. I was introduced to my fellow troops from Just Ordinary Men (http://www.justordinarymen.org.uk) and then set to getting us prepared for the Easter weekend activities. Lucky for me Ian’s my section commander so he’s making sure I know what I’m doing and doing it properly.

The 6lb gun was placed in a superb attacking position and we had the ramparts of the fort to view the German position in the ‘impregnable’ central fort. From this position we could see an external view of their defences, however what lay inside would have to be found out as we attacked.

“The 6lb-er in action”

Ian, Pete & I where to be located away from the main party so we could check any attack from the side and hopefully use this position to ‘recce’ out any information on their positions. Luckily Ian had a tent otherwise it would have been a much colder night outside than it felt within the tent. At least set-up happened whilst the sun was shining and the wind howling up the river Medway at us.

Remember that Goretex hasn’t been invented yet so layers are the key to warmth. I’ve got six layers on my top half to keep warm – 2 thermal tops, a shirt, a jumper, battle dress top and my Denison smock.

Ian hands me my ammo – 9mm blanks – for the Mark 5 Sten he’s lent me and a side arm just in case I get a jam in the Sten. I’ve got a bandolier which holds 7 magazines each with 25 rounds in them. Up to now I still haven’t fired anything other than a bow and arrow as a kid and a home made cross bow, you can’t count fair ground guns or computer animated shoot outs as they’re not the real thing.

Ian gives me a basic guide to using the Sten and loading the magazines with a special loading tool and leaves me too it. Funny how some things just have to be learnt quickly so in no time all 7 magazines are loaded and in the bandolier, the side arm is on my belt ready for deployment just in case.

Lunch time has come and gone – this is a reality of battles and prep – the chocolate rations I brought with me are well received by my stomach. Looks like I’ve brought way to much food if this carries on.

We get word from above and Ian gives us our orders to make a reconnaissance patrol over the side to see if we can spot any activity, not to engage in full battle with the enemy but fire off a couple of rounds if an opportunity arises. We set off setting our weapons to ‘Live’ keeping our distance and watching every possible way for enemy activity.

We me up at the side of our front position and can see some activity, I’m in a perfect position to make my first ‘kill’. The Sten is loaded, set ready but will it fire – Bang Bang – I set two rounds off and get my first ‘kill’. The German is miffed but hey that’s the fortunes of war. We have a few small encounters but nothing on a large scale, tomorrow will be a long hard day I’m sure. Because the fort is situated just off the centre of Chatham and next to Army barracks we have to stop firing at 18:00. This doesn’t mean all clear, either side can carry out raids to try and snatch someone back. Just a night falls along with the temperature we finally start settling down. Cooking is with a small army Tommy cooker which is surprisingly efficient and before long my gourmet 40’s rations have been knocked up in to a 3 course dinner, soup, bully beef with beans & a fruit desert all followed by coffee & biscuits – the reality belies the imagination of such a feast when you remember the wind is howling up the fort ramparts and is close to freezing point already not forgetting we don’t have lights as that would be a big give away to our position.

Ian & Pete plus 2 more from HQ platoon go on a reccy into the German position to see if they can get a snatch. I have to stay and keep guard for 2 reasons, first as the position has to be held and secondly as we have some expensive kit lying around. I was wondering why Ian told me to bring a cork with me, unfortunately it wasn’t to come attached to a bottle of Chianti, the cork was duly burned and then used to black out their faces not forgetting behind the ears – the most forgotten part allegedly. The guys slipped away around 21:00 and then I was on stag (stag is the army name for watching out!) making sure I wasn’t going to get snatched.

Being on stag on my own with the wind howling up the ramparts left my imagination in overdrive. Every rush of the wind – is it footsteps? , rain starting falling on the tent and that’s more possible imaginary footsteps, wait there’s movement in the bushes ahead – it could be …no….its just a bush. The temperature has dropped so I quickly brew up – ahhh – lovely hot coffee. My eyes are heavy being on stag and its passed 01.00 when Ian and Peter return –at least no one sneaked up on me and I heard them coming. They regale stories of just missing catching someone on two occasions and that they’re sat round a fire – SAT ROUND A FIRE !!! and I’m freezing on the side of a castle – the joys of being the defender.

I’m dead beat and fall asleep in my sleeping bag , apparently there’s a truce for now so we all can relax. I’m not to cold however I’m wearing everything but my Denison smock!.

I wake first just after daybreak and put the kettle on - well sort of – light the old Tommy cooker and a mug of steaming coffee. Breakfast is a masterpiece, porridge and condensed milk all made over my Tommy cooker.

Ian goes over to HQ to report on our status and check for today’s orders. We are off on patrol at 08:30, no firing till 09:00. We creep out of our position keeping as low as possible using any available cover to move round the side again. As we move out it starts to hail and sleet, the ground is already wet so I suspect will I very soon.

“Keeping cover on recce”

We stealthily move across the uneven ground using what bushes and tall weeds we can for cover, one part is wide open and we have to run across keeping an eye out for the enemy ready for covering fire. I make a fatal mistake and get caught out in the open, I get down and stay still and the German officer just can’t see me – very lucky – as soon as he moves off I get into a better position and crouch down behind a bush. Ian leads off the patrol and we come to the flank of their position. Ian crawls forwards using every blade of grass to his advantage. This is where patience counts, quick movements may give the game away so everything has to be done carefully and slowly. Pete & I are just covering and watching the enemy position for movement. I can see several enemy pop up however they’re looking at our forward position unaware we are over at their flank.

Ian gets my attention and directs me to a forward bush to hide and take a peek at their positions. I can only go so far then it has to be a run and dive, from a crouched position fully laden I have to sprint only for 5 metres and dive down behind my cover then crawl into the bush and start gathering info. Its wet on the floor – Very Wet. I can see two bluffs in use so i watch and wait. Pete has also come forward, 09:00 and the whistle goes – now we can let off a few rounds. The Germans on the two bluffs are easily picked off and they haven’t a clue where we are. Ian gets me to throw a grenade over from my position , more easily said then done – these aren’t pull the pin out and throw grenades as they would be kind of dangerous – they’re more of a hand held firework. You have to break the sticker holding the cap on – try twisting it when your finger’s are wet and cold – its easier to break the seal then it pulls off. Then you use the top off the cap to light like a match, it fizzes and you’ve got about 6 seconds before it goes off, I kneel up and throw it – badly – but it makes a superb bang in the gully echoing across Chatham.

We move back and find a different position to keep picking them off, its sprint and cover for the next hour or so. Hiding behind anything that gives you cover making sure you’re not open to an angle form the side. I open my first chocolate ration of the day and munch through it whilst the rain is falling on my back. I have to keep the gun breach dry or it will jam so my other hand covering it from the rain, oh and hail now too.

We withdraw back to the tent, the first thing I do is reload my magazines whilst watching out for any enemy patrols. Were off again and join up with the rest of the group, were readying for an attack.

Whilst we have covering fire we climb over the parapet and down some ladders to get into the enemy compound by the buildings and tunnels. We all walk as quiet as possible and move to the door way. Although this is a re-enactment I let my head slip into the ‘what if this was real scenario’.

“After you…”

The 6lb cannon opens up, the 3” mortar opens up, there’s covering fire from our front line & the 1^st grenade goes in the first room – BOOM! . The first two go in , we cover and the noise is incredible, its bouncing off all the walls, shouts for forward, your go, I turn into the door frame, blast a couple of rounds down the corridor , the ejected cases bouncing off the walls around and run round the corner to cover myself and stop at the next wall. There are windows above and I’m covering those, the next pair come in and the front pair move off, more grenades. We clear the first few rooms and clear the obstacles left to slow us down. The way out is a winding tunnel, we turn the corner and it’s a final flight of stairs to the outside world. I’m in the middle of the group and providing fire support out of the opening, we know they’re there in numbers and I have 1 last grenade in my pocket, I pass it up the forward position and its thrown out –BANG! And we charge out………….

When it goes silent I’m allegedly injured in the stomach so get sent to the first aid post in the old Armoury – at least I’m alive. Dickie is the chief surgeon (his Grandfather was a surgeon at Arnhem in Field 181 Ambulance) he sees my wound and just tells me to wait over there……

“Head wound (L) & broken leg (R)”

“Dickie giving fair treatment for all”

Miraculously I recover and end up with a head wound but I’m sure that’s just for the photos. Dickie’s kit is laid out with all the scary tools of his trade ready for use – if needed. At least I get a cup of tea to warm up.

Throughout the whole of the attacks I’m trying to work to how many rounds I’ve shot, the last thing I want to do is turn a corner and go ‘click’. It’s an in joke with the guys all counting up to 25……

“1,2,3,4…..”

“Run – I’m coming in ready or not!”

Back up top after reloading my magazines we prepare for another attack, same idea via the buildings. As we progress the enemy come through fast with their helmets removed – if your helmets off your injured or dead – basically not playing at the moment.

I discuss with Ian –if we go out the front we are going to get clobbered again so we change tack. The group splits up – Ian and I hold the tunnel entrance laying covering fire and making as much noise as possible. A grenade comes down the shaft and we withdraw then go forwards again. We decide to make a tactical retreat and climb out of the buildings and hide in an ivy filled trench. My Sten is aimed at the window and we wait to see if we have been spotted.

We sit there in the trench listening to the building be re-secured by the enemy. Ian decides its time to move – he was worried I was bored – We know there are two guys in there and take a window each. I get a clear shot at the first German and take him out, My cover is blown and I have to move. I’m back inside and they know I’m here, I play cat and mouse with the other German but he catches me – my back was to the window and he could see my shadow. The German I shot says what a superb shot it was taking him out as it try to set my Sten on safety with hands shaking with all the adrenaline.

Ian is still hidden as his cover hasn’t been broke, the second German comes by and he’s taken by Ian – Ian’s first prisoner. The prisoner is taken back over to our lines where he would be interrogated – being nice guys we try to break their spirit with numerous cups of tea – very civilised.

As soon as I return to HQ I reload my magazines and check my kit again.

I’m on the front parapet watching out for enemy attack when unbeknown to me two Germans had sneaked up onto our line. Pip had spotted this manoeuvre and managed to shoot the rear German. I pop my head round the gun placement to check what’s going on and there’s two Germans there, the 2^nd with his helmet off, the forward one taking aim at our command post. I coolly ask him, as he’s only 3 feet from my position, if his helmet is on or off, he replies it’s on so I say bang or surrender! (you can’t shoot that close – its just not cricket!) He surrenders so it’s a prisoner for me too today although I think it’s really half each with Pip as I learn later he shot the other German. – the fog of war!. As I’m marching him back to the interrogation room – ‘no, no, just no more tea!’. Some people can see us from the safe area and he suggests I pretend to frisk him then push him towards the interrogation area. When they’ve gone we chat informally – I’m pleased to take a prisoner – if you put it back to reality, when this is over he will go home not be buried on the field.

“Under ‘information gathering’ from the sergeant”

Whilst waiting for everyone to reload the insults are thrown….’Hitler he had one……..’ It harks back to primary school teasing but its fun. Rations are shared and go down well when offered.

“German holding lookout for us”

Another attack is brewing and this one is going to be both platoons at once, the first platoon break over the parapet and scale down the ladder collecting another as they go. They clear through where Florence Nightingale worked and creep under the bluffs to the enemies flank. We set off and join them, I’m tail end and watching everywhere in case we are seen. I’m trying to creep as quiet as possible but underfoot is anything and everything that could make a noise – or at least it seems that way. As I make the far corner the ladder is propped up against the first part of the wall and half the group is crawling up over the bluff, a proud site to see. Above us is a machine gun post and we don’t know what’s there or even if they have figured out where we are.

I climb up last and fan out to make sure we are spread out as a best offence we can make, the machine gun post is un-manned and the gun left for us to plunder. We crawl slowly – in fact I crawl on my front for most of this exercise – there’s little cover here. There’s lots of gun fire and bangs as we advance – at least we had the element of surprise, so much so that one group was caught together and we despatched them all in one go with a grenade and firepower.

There’s a rifle crack to my left and one of us is hit, i see where the shot came from and despatch him quickly. How many other battles happened like this I don’t know, all I know is my own private battle for survival.

We advance down the hill using the tree stumps as cover, I crawl forwards down the path to see if any positions are still held. We come across their jeep draped with swastika flag – war booty!.(only the 2^nd time they’ve lost it – 1^st time to the Russians) We keep checking that the perimeter is safe and Ian cuts the flag off the jeep, we now start the most dangerous part – withdrawing out of enemy territory. It starts to snow and it created a surreal scene, beautiful white flakes over the field of war.

“JOM with the captured flag cut from the jeep”

Because we didn’t come flying in from the front door as expected the Germans are a bit miffed so we agree to attack from the front, they withdraw to some positions further in the compound and we move in again. Ian and I are covering each other and make great headways into their lair. We move from cover to cover without seeing any movement.

Ian makes a dash fro a far tree and an SMG opens up, he makes a beautiful swallow dive. I can still see him falling in slow motion. I know where they are now and open up with a full magazine.

The sense of fair play seems to have gone as they don’t accept a fair hit. I just stand up and think its time to finish for the day when fair play isn’t being followed. I report in and reload for the next attack but the whistle blows for 18:00 and no more firing.

Because it’s got colder – just below freezing – we are all sleeping in the old armoury tonight. It’s a clear night and the puddles of water have set hard. Food is very welcome and we all take turns with the cooker eating well.

We all sit round sharing jokes and drinking our tea – hardened drinkers are we! Then settle down for another cold night. I wake at 06:00 and venture outside, the clouds look heavy with snow and we didn’t have to wait long to see if they where.

Because of the bad weather and traffic warnings the German groups decided to call it a day so we had to also. I helped Ian with a few tasks and then it was time to set off home to see my family. Apparently there an Easter roast waiting for me at home and a bath and central heating.

On the way home through the snow the weather person proudly says ‘Coldest Easter for 40 years’ – don’t I know it and I wouldn’t have had it any other way

[Photos from Myself & Chris Just Ordinary Men (http://www.justordinarymen.org.uk) and Nick Halling (http://www.nickhalling.co.uk/)

Thanks to JOM for having me, particularly Ian as he made sure I had what I needed and loaned me the Sten, the guys being the enemy and my wife & family for letting me go off for the weekend.

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The 29^th Infantry - Yanks                   Paul, Ian & Peter

The Welsh Borders                                        The ‘Enemy’

Chris

‘Slow down dear chap, I’m trying to change my magazine’

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Tilford / Trucks-n-Troops/ War on the line

(http://www.shepheard.plus.com/rlc/)

The Rural Life Centre is a country life museum set over ten acres of field, woodland and barns. It covers many aspects of village and rural life from the last 150 years so makes an ideal setting for a WWII event

Bring "Trifle"?

Well that’s what the text said from Kevin – OC of Just Ordinary Men.

I arrived late as I wanted to see my daughter perform a dance at her school fete. I’m just getting my kit on when I hear some jeeps start up, I’m thinking that they must really be after my trifle!. I get called over to the jeep convoy and have to run and jump on the back of one of our jeeps for the convoy through Tilford , we brought the local cricket match to a standstill with our 10 jeep convoy, and the best bit driving through the forest which looks just like Arnhem over in Holland. We didn’t go flat out as it was a convoy but it had potential for some serious playtime with big puddles and rollers as Paul’s passengers found out when he ploughed right through the puddles engulfing them all in oily muddy water.

Back at Tilford we settle in for the remainder of the afternoon and the departure of the public.

The yanks turn up – eventually as we tease them.	Home Guard Ian & I went looking for a Dummy Tank (one of ‘Hobarts Funnies’) and failed to spot it until it was pointed out…
…..‘Its behind you!’	Petrol crisis – so that’s where its stock piled!

Coffee & Doughnut’s – American style

My garden shed – I wish!

‘Lucy’ the Dorset’s lorry Martin

As soon as they’re gone the modern chairs come out and the beers get snapped open, it’s a glorious weekend for once and we can relax in the early evening warmth. As nightfall comes the dance starts and provides a great atmosphere whilst we discussing who did what when and did Ian come out with the immortal line in battle "Get Some! Get Some!!!!!". Our conversation is broken when we realise the singing coming form the dance hall isn’t a record but ‘Memphis Belle’ sultrily singing ‘A Nightingale sang in Berkley Square’ followed by many more – she got a rapturous applause from all of the people inside & outside. I wake first around 05:00 and it s another lovely morning. I get the pleasure of sitting down with a hot cuppa and watch the sun rise through the trees. Kevin wakes and as I have got the kettle on the jokes start about getting promotion as Ian (Kevin’s batman) was still sleeping – but not for long as he woken up by the teasing.

The sun is beating down and its not long before the BD jackets come off and the sleeves are rolled up on the KD’s. Ian decides its time I learn my basics, not boot cleaning although I’m sure they could be a little shinier – Rifle Drill. Any one who has experienced this for real will have a wry smile curling from the side of their mouth. I wont go into detail of al the moves as I’m sure i will explain it wrong, however I get the idea of the moves but linking it to the commands as well keeps everyone bemused – no wonder it took weeks to learn it properly. Ian organizes a Sten magazine loading competition under the pretence that if two of you are cornered and need to reload, you need to be quick – dammed quick as your life depended on it. Pete had a go and set the early lead of 16 rounds loaded within 30 seconds, Tony’s son had a go and did a superb 10 baring in mind he hasn’t got much experience of this, I manage a 13 so this leaves Ian to go one better, in fact he did, literally one better and got a 17.	Sunday morning service in the old chapel. WRAF observer
Caught red handed on the calendar – don’t show the wife	Later in the afternoon an air raid siren sounded and charges where set of around the museum to simulate some bombs exploding. One allegedly hit the site air raid shelter with smoke billowing everywhere. Ian , Peter & Paul ran to assist the casualties. The smoke was so thick they started authentic coughing.
Before long its time to go but before I go Paul , Ian & I decide to check over my ongoing project – Alice – well ‘Naughty Alice’ as she’s known now. Paul bring’s over a couple of crow scarer’s and well of course she needs christening. We load her up and fire them off, the second one we get politely told off for firing out of bounds – hence ‘Naughty Alice’.	‘Naughty Alice’
24th, 25th & 26th May - Trucks-N-Troops, Beaulieu motor museum
	Paul cleaning the barrel
Simon on the other end	Kevin arrived first then Issy and I went to help set up. Guess what gets priority? the kettle for a brew up of course. Pete arrives and we get his tent set up before departing for the evening. Kevin – The OC or ‘Sir’ as we affectionately call him.
The next day the suns up and I spend the day showing the odd guest our bits and pieces. Although it’s quiet it gives us time to relax together and chat about our travels NAAFI wagon time	There’s a dance held in the restaurant which Michelle & I pop along to, first I get the chance to introduce Michelle to the guys but only after being teased for turning up in my best RAF gear – well one does like to look smart. The next day Issy and I get dropped off early, Issy spending the entire day running and rolling around with Paul’s daughter Emma. The day rolls by with lots of public asking questions which keep us on our days as some of them really push my limited knowledge. Michelle comes along with young George and gets to meet all the other chaps wife’s and settles in really well.
George meets grass for the first time.	We decide to dine as a group so it becomes the infamous ‘All-in-Stew’ for dinner. If your wondering what all in stew is it’s just a collection of all the rations we have left including garlic and Guinness. I have to say they seem to turn out well and your not left hungry. George falls fast asleep in his pram leaving us to enjoy tales of daring do and enjoy the traditional Port and Stilton – you’ll be glad to hear in true tradition that the bottle doesn’t go down till we have shared the entire contents.
21st & 22nd June – War on the line – Watercress Railway
	Chris’s jeep ‘Gwen’
I get set up and show the guys my ‘finished’ mortar (there’s always some more modifications or kit needed). It gets the thumbs up which after the hard work I’ve put in is just what I wanted to hear. This is a much busier public interaction show which makes for a great and tiring event. Local children playing evacuees, the day prior 200 local children came and learnt what may have happened to them back in the war.	‘Alice’ and Paul’s 6lb anti tank gun.
Simon ‘The chef’ with Chris on his ‘Folding Para Bike’ I spoke to an RAF ground crew veteran and he gave me tales of maintaining a fleet of Spitfires, Mosquitoes & Hurricanes with the odd Lancaster thrown in. When they talk of the old times the years lift from their faces and I’m sure they can see some of the happier times they played a part in. The showery weather dampened the public urge to get off the train but as I was stood in the rain awaiting some more ID cards another veteran came up to me with a broad smile ‘That’s the first time I’ve seen a rain mac since I left the army back in ‘45’ and called his wife over to show her.	I’m on 1st guard duty which means I can ‘harass’ the public for their ID cards which where handed out with their tickets to see if we will let them up into the display area , Top Secret!. Some of the more elderly of the public brought their original WW2 id cards which makes this part all the more interesting. At lunchtime the local Normandy Veterans turn up for lunch and it’s a great honour to meet them as they arrive. I think the old time setting with us our period gear makes them feel a little younger as when the beer start to flow the singing starts and the air turns a pale shade of blue, much to their wife’s embarrassment. An ENSA group called ‘Blitz & Pieces’ performed the old songs and the noise from the old gents became louder.   The event brings all the characters and one of everyone’s favourites has to be the ‘Spiv’ & he has the old fashioned patter to go with it too. He has silk stockings too for the ladies in your life….
The clouds cleared late in the day and the public went home. Pitched up my tent next to the kit so I could listen out for anyone playing with it just in case. Then its time to chill out in more ways than one. Simon , one of JOM and an excellent chef, not only cooked lunch for the veterans but also cooked for us as well – a Chilli. Plenty of free beer was supplied from the railway – real ale of course & not to be outdone by the veterans we had our own sing song too, the same songs again but also some with the words changed. As darkness falls the searchlight can be turned on, luckily times have changed and there are no enemy aircraft to find, just a rookery which was woken up much to their squawks of complaint.	‘Viv-the-Spiv’
	What is becoming part of a tradition with Paul, I & the group now, is the consumption and sharing of a large bottle of Port with a side serving of stilton – of course. The rain fell hard through the nigh and woke to find a drip off water coming from the roof of the tent during the heaviest squalls – ah the joys of camping. Morning starts to the sound of the steam engines being prepared for the day, the black smoke looming in the early morning air. We start a tidy up from the night before and get ready for the publics arrival, I enjoy my breakfast of croissants sat on one of the cannon spars watching the steam engines go looking for their carriages.
Today starts busy and stays busy all day long, the sun is out – for once – which brings the public out in force.	I find myself going through endless chats with public, people in or just left the services and more veterans. I see Paul chatting to two old veterans which we have all met before at previous events, They even mange to recognise some of us as well. We talk for over an hour and show them our 6lb gun, Mortar, Sten’s & Enfield’s all bringing tales and memories for them. One of the chaps opened up to me the events of those 9 days which I wont write down here as they where quite horrific just suffice to say of the noise smell and waiting for the mortars falling in patterns towards you. Remembering that when he was there he was only 17 years & 10 months old, he ended up being rescued by the Royal Guards.
Paul & I with the veterans	I spend the rest of the afternoon either on guard checking ID cars or going through the weapons and kit we had on show. One small boy asked me what this particular item was – I explained that’s my water bottle and did I need it that day with the sun beating down on us. I finally got a leave pass and jumped on the train with my wife and children, I think I deserved that little break. I dint mange to have time for a full run as it was time to start decamping the kit – till next time.
The new signal box, so new and shiny all the levers have to used with a cloth to keep them clean.	“Look daddy it’s my new toy"

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War & peace Show 16-20 july 08

Now isn’t that confusing, no wonder I got confused as to which show it was!, depending who you talk to you get a different name for the show.

The event ran from the Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th July. I was able to attend Friday & Saturday.

I had to arrive on site before 09:00 or I would have to carry my kit, that’s incentive to get up early and hope not to get caught up in a rush hour traffic jam. Plus I didn’t fancy carrying all my kit and the mortar all the way.

I arrived just after 08:15 and signed in, security was very tight and there where loads of marshals directing the cars and foot pedestrians.

I call up Ian and he gives me directions, go through the gate turn left at the block, look out for the crashed spitfire, drive passed it and keep the tanks on your left, when you reach the Kosovan checkpoint go right, drive passed Vietnam , keep going past the Vichy French, not forgetting the Russians. Germans and allied entrenched on my right. Then head into the woods – too right its dangerous out here!.

The guys are already dug in and I dump my gear in the camp and move the car back to the car park, decided against trying to nip in front of the challenger tank and followed it for a while. I drove on for endless displays of trucks, jeeps, lorry’s, artillery and a biplane before reaching the car park. I stroll back quite astounded by the amount of kit all in one place. The event covers WW1 upwards.

I get back to our camp and get into my kit for the weekend then start digging in my mortar position in behind a felled tree and find as much camouflage as I can to make the position less obvious – but still open for the public to see. There’s one piece of final reality that’s needed and it doesn’t take long to look the part, my shiny boots are soon covered in mud along with my battle dress, finishing off with charcoal on the face, ears and hands.

I’m soon at home with my modern Tommy cooker (Hexi cooker) and brew up, whilst the tea is brewing I load up my magazines with my pistol ready just in case we get jumped by the opposition. Either weapon, normally both will be within hands reach at all times this event.

My ‘home’ with my 3" mortar

The scenario is Arnhem or more accurately Oosterbeek in the woods with the British airborne fighting against the German airborne – Fallschmiger’s. The front lines are no more than 20 meters apart which was similar to the real battle, the woods providing both cover for us and worst of all for them too. The ground between us is uneven, littered with fallen trees, branches and high level weeds, it is dipped slightly in no man’s land which gives the troopers higher up a slight advantage for firing. Pete’s got the front Bren position and I can just catch sight of him from my position.

Pete with the Bren

Ian showing us the way……

The public are able to walk safely between the two camps by a muddy track which is luckily dry today. There is an agreed scheduled battle between us and the Germans for 17:00 however we like to spice things up and will attack them when the opportunity arises. Not forgetting at all times there will be public around seeing the equipment and understanding how it works. The public rather enjoy seeing us in a real environment with mud, brewing up, loading up magazines –any pictures taken are a close resemblance to reality – no modern items apart from phones and cameras which are well hidden.

I spoke to many serving or x serviceman and when I explained that we do ‘Stag’ – overnight patrols , WWII style rations – ‘Bully beef’ & ‘Spam’ they where seriously impressed. The x-serviceman know how our weapons work and tell us stories from there own experiences, the modern soldiers need to be shown the intricacies of the old Sten’s and Enfield’s.

Ian, Colin & I go out on patrol with the aim to jump them from the rear, we set off through the woods to make a nice circuit to pop up behind their line. Some time later still creeping through the woods we arrive in the wrong field to chorus of amusement from the Americans camped there. Now we at least know where we are and head straight to our real destination. As we close in we start creeping, rolling the foot down and avoiding any ground twigs, the low branches are snagging on you and occasionally snap running the risk of being caught out. We creep closer and closer and as we near in we find ourselves surrounded by stinging nettles – ah well, how much can a thousand stings hurt your hands. We reach the back of the German camp and wait patiently for the right moment, 3 members of the public spot us but luckily guess the ruse and step away to the side guessing they’re in for a treat.

Ian throws a grenade and we charge out , as I am running I see the fizzing grenade and kick it straight into the German dug out. The skirmish lasts no more than 60 seconds but creates a lot of drama. The lucky public caught in the middle are genuinely impressed by the reality of the scenario just played out in front of them.

Back in my mortar pit I actually have time to warm some food up and have a brew up, however we have to be on our toes as I expect some sort of retaliation. I’m half way talking to a group about the weapons on display when we get a ‘Stand to’ so I have to take a defensive position, the group find this is what to expect from a living history scenario. I follow the guys in to battle and Pete goes down, time for a bit of play acting. I roll crawl and jump to where Pete is rolling around on the ground still providing covering fire and tell Pete I’m dragging him out. He leans on my shoulder as the guys cover us and we stagger into the nearest trench for safety not before I just had time to empty a whole magazine from the Sten one handed – pure Hollywood!

The only problem with being in the woods is the ‘Stuka’ dive bombing midges – well they seemed that big and I have the bites to prove it, 10 on my left hand and forearm alone.

As it gets closer to the scheduled battle we are given 100 rounds of ammo and given the tactics. Being with the mortar means I get one of the rear positions until I’ve fired my rounds.

By the time of the start there are lots of people squeezed into the safety zone. The battle commences.

I’ve never fired ‘Alice’ so this will be fun, I throw the pyro down the tube and wait ……….BANG………then Paul’s 6lber goes off BOOM ,Alex & Matt’s mortar position BANG, then Pete starts up the Bren gun, Colin is letting fly with his Enfield, Chris is ready with his Sten. Kevin & Darren work on the pyro synchronisation with the artillery fire.This continues for several minutes. Ian then leads a charge out of our position and we all follow letting rip with magazine after magazine. The Germans are firing back and all hell is broke loose, smoke fills the air from the grenades and the smell of spent gunpowder hangs in the air. The battle continues to and fro before the whistle goes and we all stop. The crowd breaks out into a spontaneous applause. We assemble at camp and do a full weapons check to make sure we have no rounds left in the breech, this is very important as though they are not full live rounds they are still blank ammunition.

At 18:00 we stop any scenarios as the rules of the site stop us firing till 09:00 tomorrow morning.

The evening is centred around the fire where tales of daring do are shared. We cheat for tea and have fish n chips – I missed Paul’s ‘all in stew’. Ian draws up the rota for Stag and I get the 05:00 – 06:00 which to me is great as I’m an early riser anyway. We all sit and chat in the smoke from the camp fire in the vain hope it keeps the midges away.Even with the music from across the field sleep comes easy and before long zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Pete gives me a call, its 04:50 – 10 minutes and you’re on. I get dressed best you can in a ‘bivvy’ tent and Pete hands over to me. I think I’ve got the best time as it’s lovely and quiet with just the fire for company and the odd wren breaking a twig to keep me on my toes. I cook my breakfast in the embers at the side of the fire with a steaming mug of coffee followed by tinned fruit – a real treat back then. I take the odd patrol around the woods to check all is ok and don’t see anyone till 06:45

Breakfast by the fire..or is it in the fire?

By 09:00 the public are streaming in and are looking around and asking questions, Ian is busy cleaning his gun, by 10:00 the place is deep in mud as the heavens open with a massive downpour. At least it gives us time to relax. I take the opportunity to sneak a peak at the arena where the tanks are arriving for battle, but only after they’ve been sliding in the fresh mud. It’s the first time I’ve been next to a working tank and the hum from the large engines makes you reverberate in time with it. I bump into people I half know they ask how the battles are going and comment on the near constant activity and noise coming from the woods, I just smile like a Cheshire cat.

As soon as the rain clears masses of people come to see our scenario and throughout the day there seems to be more and more people coming in.

Ian and I sneak off and go round the other side to yesterdays attack, this time its going to be coordinated with a frontal attack at 11:30. we creep round the back fighting through waist high nettles. As we close in we creep in trying to avoid twigs but they snap loudly under our feet CRACK!, we stay still hoping we haven’t been caught out – nothing stirs and we can se one of the enemy oblivious as to where we are. I tell Ian to wait still as I can hear armour and a helicopter coming, we use the noise to stifle our own movements and we make the back of their camp, its only 11:10 so we wait and wait , we hear sporadic gun fire but not the raid we are awaiting. Tick-tock-tick-tock we wait….Gunfire and we charge taking them completely by surprise, another successful flanking manoeuvre much to the delight of the public who happened to be there.

Today’s scheduled battle is for 14:30 and I haven’t eaten a thing since breakfast, I open up my bully beef and sit in my mortar pit eating it straight from the tin much to the delight of the old soldiers, shouts of I hope thats bully beef responded with a thumbs up and a smile.

Alex & Matt having a break

The battle time approaches and the public are now crammed in and we have to cram them in further to make sure they are in a safe area. I move my mortar out of position to create a safety distance between the mortar and the public.

Before we start we have a song about battles with pyro’s, apparently its Baldric’s from ‘Black Adder’in WWI – it goes a bit like this, but with some sort of musical tempo…...BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM! (it needs Paul’s booming voice to do it properly).

‘Stand too’ and ‘Fire’ are bellowed out, I light my first pyro and drop it down the tube, Matt does the same and Paul with Alex open up the 6lber. Pete is having a great time with the Bren gun and his position is littered with spent rounds. I turn round to see how Matts doing just as the pyro goes off simulating a near miss on his position, earth goes flying and caught me over 10 metres away – this is feeling very real, it certainly sounds it. I fire off my 5th pyro and grab my Sten to join the charge

Matt with our other Mortar

I follow Matt in the charge forward, he flies over the mound forgetting he has to land and slides down the other side into a tree – apparently the crowd loved it and asked after the battle who was the superb stunt man.

We regroup and I fall back to my mortar, I chuck two more pyros down the barrel startling the crown nearby who had though id run out of charges.

We charge again and Chris charges forwards and does a wonderful flying backdrop to simulate being shot.

The battle wages backwards and forwards for about 15-20 minutes until the whistle goes and the order given to stand down. The crowd erupt into a massive applause as we line up for a weapons check with streams of sweat pouring down our faces. The crowd walk by and thank us for such a good honest display, they commented on how loud the guns where and started to appreciate how scary a battle is.

German medical officer arranging a wounded swap.

Everyone is still on battle awareness even though we’ve been stood down, it doesn’t take long and ‘Stand to’ is bellowed out. The Germans and us are clearing our ammo down and a massive unscripted fire fight starts. After much too and fro-ing I find myself sharing a slit trench with Paul – very cosy. I get a shout from behind, ‘Trooper Fielden – German to your left’, he had tried to sneak around so I let off my last few rounds.

Exhausted I have to pack up and leave as I only had a two day pass. Oh and remember all that charcoal on the face – I drove home without taking it off ;-). Before I left I found the NAAFI & sneaked in for a bar of chocolate – mmmmmmmm - final ration.

The Sunday’s battle was very poignant as the scenario was the last day of Arnhem as the Germans overran the British positions. It was also Kevin’s last day in charge so emotions ran very high across the group.

The guys sang the unit song;

Bless 'em all

They say there's a Whitley just leaving Ringway
Bound for old Tatton Park
Heavily laden with parachute troops,
Bound for a jump in the dark.
There's many a soldier who has jumped before,
There's many a one had a fall,
But you'll get no promotion if your chute doesn't open ,
So cheer up my lads Bless 'em all.

Bless 'em all, bless 'em all,
The parachute packers and all,
Bless all the sergeants and their paratroops,
Bless all the packers and their statichutes,
Cos we're saying good-bye to them all,
As out of their Whitleys they fall,
You'll get no promotion if your chute doesn't open,
So cheer up my lads Bless 'em all

And the Germans shouted across, then the final battle commenced…………

The guys with ’Molly’

I find myself lucky to find something about the fear and pride of the Airborne unit, however grateful that I’ve never had to face the true events as back then.

Dear Mum and Dad, This is the first time I have had chance to send you a letter since we landed 3 days ago. I received the fags and socks just before we went. Give my love to the family. T.T.F.N. Love Peter. PS Could you send some cake if you can.

6lber

Shell cases

The way to Arnhem….

Gerry in his pit

The opposition…

Pictures from around the show,

Nice ‘Pin up’               

Bren Carrier                                        Russian tank that fought in Berlin ‘45

Truck delivery targets.                             German trench

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This is to be the last public event of the ’08 season and is also going to be an emotional one for the group.

I arrive early on Saturday morning and drive in, I pass WWII Germans which wasn’t the least bit surprising then onto WWI – ok getting surreal again – now I’m in the Napoleonic era and heading for the medieval era – gone too far……I reverse back through the time tunnel and find our camp area, ready to de-bus.

ww1 Biplane

Odyssey’ is a living history show unlike ‘War & Peace’ so focuses on the people more than the vehicles and covers history from cavemen upwards. There are displays from medieval knights with jousting, Napoleonic battles, American civil war, WWI & WWII. I get my tent up and get kitted up in my uniform hiding any modern kit away in the tent. I set the 3"mortar up and then make sure I’m presentable for the public and veterans.

Cara, Ian’s better half, is on duty with the kettle and makes us all a drink as she will all weekend.

I meet Gary for the first time, catch up with Ian, Pete, Colin, Paul (& Debbie & Emma) & of course Kevin. We group up and discuss the weekend’s event, rules to follow and the 3 battles that are planned over the weekend.

Ian decides a bout of parade drill is in order which we a duly line up for, I know most people whinge and groan at the thought of this but when you don’t know how to do it and the likelihood of needing it this weekend is high its worthwhile.

We learn about feet placement, thumbs down the seam of your trousers, which way to turn, which foot to lead off, which foot to stop on, when to salute and it goes on.

Kevin arranges a pay parade where we will be given our invasion money, we each take it turn , left foot off, march to the correct point, Ian watching nervously in case we make a mistake, Kevin hands out the pay and we receive it in our left hand , count confirm and sign for it, stand to attention then march off back to our place in the parade.

We then have time to learn a little about weapons safety , I say a little as you always need to learn more about weapons safety, even if its just a refresher. Kevin tells us that each time a weapon is passed the receiver should ALWAYS check that it’s unloaded with nothing in the breech. He shows us how to strip down an Enfield No.4 for cleaning then reassembles it.

Simon teaches us about mines and how to retrieve a wounded comrade, Ian is volunteered to be pretend to be wounded in the jeep after driving over a vehicle mine. To find the mines we had to gently lower ourselves to the ground making sure we had no loose items as they could set off a mine. As we got closer to the ground we have to use our bayonet to search for any possible mines. Every inch has to be checked , you slide the bayonet in at 45 degrees checking for obstructions, then you hit something hard, is it a stone or is it………! Gary follows the tracks to the jeep to check on Ian’s condition, I follow always making sure we are not in a trap. Gary and I manoeuvre Ian in to the back of the jeep as Pete follows up and carries Ian out of danger.

All these activities keep the public amused, some reminiscing about their youth remembering the very same routines.

Americans on Parade

Lunch break at last and a chance for a quick wander round the show. I take a quick tour of the medieval area and get shown their cannons as they are very similar to my mortar. They also have a much larger array of nasty looking pikes and swords. Back at camp its battle prep time, we are each given our rounds, 150 of 9mm rounds in my case. I load up my magazines and place them in my bandolier. I load up my pistol magazine and place it in my holster. I raid the fire for some charcoal and black up my face ready for battle. Colin is in charge of the jeep mounted Bren gun and loads up the magazines, then test fires it.

The Americans start up there 6 wheelers and half tracks, we squeeze into Paul’s new Airborne jeep, the other groups get their jeeps going , the Bren gun carriers are ready and were off in convoy.

We drive round the far side of the event field and dismount, then wait for the battle start time. We can see the Jerrie’s hiding in the ‘village’ waiting for the attack. We have a prep talk for the attack and then its countdown to the battle. The groups are sat waiting and its now you can see the reality dawning, its the last cigarette, the nerves become real, each of us checks our weapons, makes sure there’s nothing loose on us…just waiting for the off……

The radios crackle into life and Ian calls out ‘Advance’ to the infantry, they start the slow walk into the German ambush as we mount up and star the Recce manoeuvres to find out where the enemy are.

I take the safety off and start loosing off some rounds, Pete is behind me and empties a whole magazine, I can see the spent shell rounds flying through the air. We jump back in the jeeps and drive further into the battle, we run at the artillery position taking it out , we regroup and start moving forward to the next objective. I bump into Matt who is with the Essex regiment – he’s gone through his magazines already.

After much to-ing & fro-ing a loud noise starts to get closer, it comes from round the corner – it’s a Tiger tank – its time to withdraw – we make a swift change to a new position further back and the Tiger can’t follow us here. An armoured car does chase but we take it out.

The steaming tin mugs are awaiting our return as we check our weapons again and start cleaning them up before putting them safely away. I put the mortar safely away in the tent so it looks like I’m sleeping with ‘Naughty Alice’.

Alex and his wife arrive and get themselves sorted, now we have two jeeps for the battle.

Its getting close to Dinner and the conversation starts, takeaway (cheating I reckon) or ‘All-In-Stew’ – I vote along with Paul for all in stew but we lose out – its take away – which was actually quite nice – still cheating I reckon.

We get the fire lit and sit with a few beers, well I say a few beers but we are airborne……... The Port follows and after many old stories I call it a night and head for the tent.

Sunday

It starts damp, it rained a little overnight; however the tent kept me dry.

After breakfast we are all up apart from Peter, Ian quietly opens Pete’s tent up before banging a mess tin to wake him up!

We all get kitted up and learn about how to provide covering fire and attack an objective. This involves plenty of running and even though we are hardly carrying any weight we soon tire. The intention is to cover the open ground quickly so that means sprinting 10 yard then stopping in the knelt firing position as the 2nd section follow.

Ian has brought his parachute to show the guys how it opens and demonstrate the drill for jumping. Ian & I demonstrate the drill for exit, hooking up, equipment check and Dakota exit, leg beg deployment and rifle valaise. I get into the smock with the Sten MKV under my chin, we then simulate a chute opening. The static line pulls the first snap chords on the pack as the chute starts to unfurl, then as the whole chute is open the last break string has to open. It’s only a 10lb break string but Ian and I find ourselves playing tug-of-war to snap it.	Wearing the full kit or ‘Who ate all the pies?’
I’m about to demonstrate the PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) as Ian says that this is how most Paras end up with chipped teeth…hitting the Sten on landing – great I’m thinking and make sure its out of the way. I do a PLF then roll over which is much harder than the real jump as now I’m fully kitted up. I get onto my knees and start getting the Sten assembled ready for defence before getting out of the harness and smock.
About to PLF	Getting ready to move out

By now it’s a late lunch and then its battle prep time.

After lunch we all get prepped up and check our weapons again, we split into the two jeeps so it’s not as packed as yesterdays trip. The convoy snakes through the show area and then towards the far side of the battle arena and again we wait for the off.

We all line up and a padre delivers the sermon, you wonder if this is what it was like before going off to battle.

The battle follows very similar lines to yesterdays battle as we start raiding the enemies position, as we bail out I slip and fall out of the jeep flat onto my back – oops!. The battle progresses, Ian’s got his PIAT out and wants to try and take out the Tiger. I follow Ian providing covering fire, Ian gets caught in the open and another Trooper grabs the PIAT, we follow the jeeps and keep making our way closer to the Tiger.

I have to go back to camp to pick an entry wrist band for Michelle who has just arrived. The rest of the convoy heads back round the long way. Michelle is waiting by the gate watching the convoy as it passes looking for people she recognizes, she spots Paul but not me and starts feeling like a war bride, I appear from the other way…………………

We get back and now it’s a mad rush to get ready for our ‘Mess dinner’. The ladies aren’t allowed to help which is quite amusing for Michelle as she has to sit down and have a glass of wine.

It’s a mad rush for us to get the tables out, the area clear and tidy, fire lit, torches lit, tablecloths laid out, candelabras lit, glasses polished etc. Simon has been preparing the food all day and is getting the last bits ready. Then it’s a mad dash for the lads to get shaved and showered in showers that go from arctic freezing to thermo nuclear hot within a nano-second also having to make sure you’ve got the charcoal out of your ears etc. 15 minutes later we are all scrubbed up ready to sit down for mess dinner in the woods. Michelle was worried it was going to be Paul’s ‘All-In-Stew’ but was relieved to hear it wasn’t.

Ian & Cara	Alex & Hailey
Michelle & I – ‘Mr Vice’	Paul, Debbie & Emma
Matt & Alex	Gary & Pete – The happy couple!
Chris and Geraldine	Dickie & Geraldine

Then comes the first knock which caught me out, I have to stand ‘Please be standing, A toast to the Queen – The Queen’ and everyone sits down. That’s followed by ‘Please be standing, A toast to the Regiment – The Regiment’ then ‘Please be standing, A toast to our guests Field 133 Ambulance, Steve & Serena (FJR6) & not forgetting Hetza (the dog) – To our guests’, the final toast being a handover to Kevin ‘Please be seated, Our OC’

Kevin is now in control of the table and makes his hand over speech, This was always going to be an emotional time for all of us but most of all for Kevin as he started the group and is now handing it over to us all with Ian as the new OC, Ian is promoted to 2nd Lieutenant & Alex who has been supporting the group as acting corporal promoted to the full roll, the pride on their partners faces visible to all.

We then adjourn for Port and cheese by the camp and Paul decides to show off his poet skills, ‘Hers a little dity I wrote….its called The Somme’, ‘BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!’ some of s join in as he starts – funny how we know the words.

Michelle and I adjourn before the mess games and I think we had a lucky escape.

Earlier in the day Cara was boiling eggs, not that I knew why, I thought it was for breakfast – little did I know. Anyway Kevin was one step ahead and replaced nearly all of the boiled eggs when no-one was looking so when the game of Russian roulette started with the eggs Kevin knew everyone was going to get egg on their face apart from the odd lucky winner.

Monday

We wake up nice and early and I go to make Michelle a nice fresh cup of tea, we sit quietly enjoying our early morning drink together, a real treat for us. We sneak of for a bacon sandwich then Michelle sets off home. Hailey also makes an exit to collect their children too.

Its clear up time and the guys are busy mucking in, Gary quite enjoyed washing up outside – not quite the same kind of chore as per normal. By 09:30 we have tidied up the mess and got the camp ship shape for the public.

Ian comes out of his tent with his brand new shiny pips on the shoulder to much jesting. I think he’s grown an inch or two?

We have a little time to do rifle drill with Ian and Alex taking the lead. We must have coped well with last nights mess dinner as we do some snappy moves keeping in time.

Lunch seems to come quickly and then its time once again to prepare for the battle. I load up 9 magazines – I’m not intending to run out, I’m taking this battle right to the end.

We are down to one jeep so I choose to run so there’s not too many of us in ‘Molly’.

I walk over to the arena with Matt and the Essex boys, we find ourselves spread out walking in patrol – its becoming natural. As we’ve taken the direct route we have time to sit and chat before the rest arrive.

Luckily for me one of the other Recce groups offer me a lift which considering its going to be 45 minutes of battling will make it a little easier.

The wait for the off seems to last for ages however it soon comes around. Both ‘Recce’ jeeps head off together and we take the forward positions. The melee becomes tough with the battle going every way. Out of the corner of my eye I spot a German falling out of an armoured car on fire, I wasn’t sure if this was real for a split second before he was followed out by a comrade who covered him with a blanket extinguishing the flames.

The Allies are pushing forwards and I move round the lower bluff climbing the rear to take out two Germans trying to sneak around, I then change position following the guys and we start attacking the Tiger and mortar position. The Tiger is hit and with a ‘Whoa Mohammed’ we charge running the mortar position over. I get two prisoners and yell at the top of my voice ‘Get on your knees now’ I imitate pushing the second one down with the Sten and yell ‘Hands behind your head’. I lean forward and quietly say to both ‘Thank you’. Pete is giving some grief to his prisoners too.

We all head back to camp for the last time, not only is it the end of the weekend its also the last event of the season. Ian calls us over for parade before we fall out, Kevin starts to say his goodbyes and there’s not a dry eye around, Ian struggles to order us to attention and fall out.

As the year has progressed the group has become more than just friends, we have become proud of being ‘Just Ordinary Men’.