War & Peace 2009

See the bottom of the Article for a video clip of this Event

I set off from home at 05:00 – I left 3 envelopes at home on the mantle piece for my wife and young children. At least I knew I would be coming home

I arrived at Beltring and drove straight into the woods where I will be for the next 3 days with my group ‘Just Ordinary Men’ and our ‘enemy’ ‘FJR6’. I emptied my very full car of equipment and slipped back 65 years to the 17^th September 1944.

We would have jumped in or landed by glider however that would be pushing living history a bit to far for some (oh and yes I will be jumping on the 17^th September 2009 at Wolfheze, Holland for the 65^th anniversary of Market Garden from a WWII Dakota along with more of my group, the rest will be there to support us).

I managed to get my tent up before the heavens opened for the first session of rain, my mortar pit which had been fairly dry now resembled and sticky bowl of porridge with the mix of mud and clay sticking to my boots and anything that accidentally touched the floor. My ammo boxes where now splashed in mud, my grenade boxes where sodden and I had my cape on with drips and rivers of rain falling from my helmet. My Mk V Sten was hidden nicely from the rain under my cape however the mortar was getting the full wash, I did manage to keep the water out of her (Alice by the way) as I had the muzzle cover on.

"The Mortar pit"

The rest of my group are keeping dry somehow although we are getting wet from the ground up, leather boots even when fully dubbed aren’t the best for keeping your feet dry. The rain stops and battle commences. I keep getting called up to provide artillery support for the front line however im in the front line!. As we are doing Living History as well as the skirmishing we explain to the MOPs (Member of Public) where we are in the scenario, how we would have got here and for the very interested ones how each weapon works. The mortar and Anti-tank gun always create quite a draw and I spend long periods discussing how the weapon would be used and to trained mortar operators the differences between the modern v WWII and how we blank fire with the removable mortar rounds.

"Brian getting ready for battle" The set piece battle attracts a large crowd, In fact a very large crowd all squeezed into a single safe zone. The scenario for the battle was the first day upon landing taking reconnaissance patrols to search out the enemy and find routes to the objective – The Bridge at Arnhem. We have two jeeps in the woods and too many of us to fit in properly so as I wanted to take the mortar in I decided to run with the mortar in to the pit. I left the blank firing barrel set up but hidden and carried the replica barrel. The two jeeps went forward and got ‘bumped’ by the Germans so we pushed them back and took over the position they had held until we rushed them. I run through the bushes and jump into the pit carrying the barrel – thankfully I didn’t have to run too far as its very heavy. I uncover Alice and whilst the rest of the troop are providing covering fire I set off my 9 mortar rounds interspersed with a couple of grenades to give jerry a good old head ache. I then reload the rounds as if I’ve been resupplied and carry on launching the odd mortar and joining in with some firing from my Sten. Paul is firing off his Anti Tank gun and the whole effect even with ear plugs on gives a small window on a battle in full action. After some 10 minutes of frantic activity the whistle blows and the crowd break into a tumultuous applause. Sweat is pouring down from under my helmet and I take the opportunity to remove it and slip on the fabled maroon beret.

The serving guys came over and said how well they though the battle had gone from a MOP point of view and how pleased they where to see a near fully functioning mortar in the battle. After the throng has left I look over top where Paul is and were both still tidying up our positions making sure any unspent rounds are safely disposed or stored away.

The end of the day approaches and find myself alone in the trenches tidying up – something I’ve learnt about having a large set up – it takes a lot of tidying away. The evening is spent by the fire and due to the kit being spread out throughout the woods and its value we take lots for ‘Stag’ over night. I luckily get the 05:00 set which is fine for me as an early riser. Apart from someone letting off a firearm in the main field and a dog wandering through our campsite being chased by Matt calling it some loving names (or more honestly not so nice names) I had a good sleep till my turn. After stoking the fire up the light started to break uneasily through the branches overhead and finally a bit of sun started breaking through lighting up the woods. What a way to start the day!

"Weapons pit just behind the line"

The crowds are much heavier today and a trip out finds the rest of the site covered in a quagmire of mud however with the forecast of sun it wont stay that way for long and the woods are a much pleasanter place to be – plenty of shade.

"Pete retrieving rounds from a rare resupply" Skirmishing happens throughout the day and as im in the front line stuck between the stagnant pond and the dense woods im always on duty. Luckily most of the action is round the far side as each attempt through my sector gets met with a selection of mortar fire, grenade or 9mm. I lob a grenade at one of the approaching FJR6 with it landing right at his feet, the grenade goes off and he takes a great jump and fall backwards, the calls for ’Sani’ (German slang for medic) go out – I move forward to allow him through and just check I wasn’t to close, I apologised for getting the grenade to close and he said ‘No – it was great’ The fact we try so hard to replicate the way a trooper in Arnhem lived really attracts the public through the woods. Finding us cooking and eating within the pits/trenches makes it even more authentic. We did get supplemented by some enemy info and an apple from a Dutch ‘Oranje’ resistance woman – namely Ian’s better half Cara. "Cara – Dutch resistance"

At 12:00 both ourselves and FJR6 lined up for a minute’s silence – we had heard earlier in the day that Harry Patch had passed away in his sleep. Im pleased to say that this was replicated all through the different camps.

The 2nd arranged battle was to follow similar to yesterday but with the front jeep setting on fire and both sides pulling back to the positions we had taken and occupied. To make the battle more realistic Paul & Kevin set up the Pyros around the positions leaving a criss-cross of firing cables strewn across the forest floor – think this could be another loud one.

"Recce being taken for a ride in the woods by Paul"

The scenario being midway through the Market Garden operation with us holding the Oosterbeek perimeter. The battle is loud with plenty of pyros going off, my throwing which let me down badly for cricket at school has come into its own with some long lobs avoiding all the trees landing right at the approaching Germans. Paul is firing some blanks from his AT gun not that I can hear them properly, I just get a waft of smoke drifting over my position. Im finding that im missing so much of the overall battle fighting my own individual fight from the mortar pit, I see the odd forward movement and withdrawal and from calls of mortar support required then it’s the whistle blown to call an end to the scenario.

"Matt’s new mug complete with 9mm holes"

Two serving Mortar platoon troops came over and congratulated me on the mortar firing which is a real compliment and the re-enactment from the whole of JOM – what an honour. The rest of the afternoon is quiet with a few skirmishes however it’s quiet in my immediate area. Another evening sat by the fire and then the draw for ‘Stag’, I get 04:00, several moans from a few but then we need to make sure the kit is safe. Alex does 3 hours covering for some of the group waking me slightly earlier but then that’s fair enough. The woods are definitely darker and quieter than yesterdays ‘Stag’. Brian does the one after me and then I get up to do the last hour again – at least it means I can get my kit ready before the public turn up. The last day’s scenario is where the British troops are running low on ammo before being overrun by the Germans – this isn’t to far from the truth as we are all running low after 2 days battling. Ian dishes out the last rounds to the guys and we all load up and get ready for the last battle. Paul and Kevin have laid out the Pyros and made the one near me much closer, however it is on the mortar pit side and covered with leaf mulch to give a greater effect. This was a non programmed event and word had got round that we would be doing our final battle as the last day of Market Garden on the Oosterbeek perimeter. The crowds came in great numbers and had to be squashed into the safe viewing areas. Many of those there had seen the previous battles and wanted to see the final one as the quality of the re-enactment is rising each year. The battle commenced, I had my last 4 magazines of 9mm, a ¾ box of mills grenades and 9 3" mortar rounds. We where down in numbers and with the perimeter shrinking found ourselves much closer, Pete having joined me in the mortar pit – at least I had company. Jerry called out for us to surrender and go home to our families but whilst we had ammo that wasn’t going to happen. Just as in the film ‘Theirs is the glory’ I threw a grenade and that silenced the speeches.

"3inch mortar in battle"                   "Every last round counts – Alex picking up a dropped round"

"Pauls Ant-Tank gun opening fire"

Paul opens up with his Anti-Tank gun and I followed suit with the mortar firing of 5 of my remaining mortar rounds. The noise even with ear defenders is incredible, I used to think firework displays where loud. There is smoke drifting all over the place, the pyros create a realistic view in front of the mortar pit, I get covered from the pyros next to me each time they go off. I lob a few more grenades over to Jerry getting some air bursts and ground bursts. I pick up my Sten and trying to conserve the last rounds lay defensive fire from the front of the mortar pit. I get called to provide some more suppressing mortar fire – 4 left – I drop 3 down the barrel and call out last mortar round to the OC – I drop the last one…Alice is out of rounds. I throw my last grenades and now im down to my last 2 magazines of 9mm. Ian the OC calls out ‘Fix bayonets’ which we cant actually do as then it gets too dangerous however the call makes the hairs ion the back of your neck stand up. Im using my penultimate magazine and a German stick grenade falls short of the mortar pit, Pete and I both duck down, await the bang and pop right back up firing away.

I change to my last magazine – I know there are 25 rounds in it – I fire away as the enemy is approaching – im counting down the last rounds and guess im down to 5 ….4…3….2…..1….click – dead mans click. 

The enemy are now yards away from us and calling for us to raise our hands – ‘Hande Hock!…..For you Tommy the war is over’.

The crowd break into applause again and congratulate all of us on a superb battle scenario.

Were all thoroughly exhausted after only 3 days with full rations and water the real veterans fought on for 9 days with 2 days of rations and scrounged fetid water to survive. So if you do find a veteran shake his hand and give him the respect he deserves.

www.justordinarymen.org.uk

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Odyssey / Detling 2009

This was my 2nd year at Odyssey so at least I knew where it was this time and even in the dark drew up to our patch late on Friday evening.

Pitching a 7’ by 9’ in the pitch dark is fun however I managed with help from Colin and got my bed laid surprisingly quickly. Then it was time to sit around our roaring log fire with a tin mug full of the un-official ‘Just Ordinary Men’ (JOM) drink – Port!!.

The camp is set 65 years ago prepping for a secret mission somewhere in occupied Europe, we suspect its in Holland but were not told where.

‘Raising the flag’

Morning arrives – well very early morning as I need to get all my kit set up and sorted then on parade by 09:00 for inspection. A carefully eaten breakfast making sure I didn’t get any food on the uniform then a final polish on the boots to get the dust and wet grass off, a final check on the brasses for dried Brasso & then a check for fluff on the beret. We are one of the few groups that go to these lengths judging by a discussion on one of the forums. The OC – Ian wandered up and down the parade and stopped and checked a few of the others. Didn’t get picked up on anything today – Phew! ‘Rifle drill’

After being dismissed from parade its rifle drill which we did very well for a change, this was a pleasant surprise.

Then it was lunch time and our chef Dave (From FJR6) had lunch ready for us

After lunch it was manning the camp and talking to members of the public how things work and what we would be doing 65 years ago. The joy of being in camp means we can have a tea break and if were lucky the odd biscuit.

Then after another quick training session its load up time, I have 3 weapons to load up besides make myself battle ready with helmet, beret, knife (for clearing blockages), etc. I load up my Sten magazines, 25 rounds in each, although they can take a maximum of 32, I fill 7 for my bandolier and 1 extra. I put 8 rounds into my handgun and then load up the 9 mortar rounds plus some extra rounds to reload them during the battle.

My wife, Michelle, turns up to see a full battle for the first time, she missed some of the beach landing this summer so this will be her first full view. As we are in a safe environment for weapons firing I get her to test fire the Sten, she let one round off then preceded to empty the magazine with a smile.

Next I load up the mortar onto Paul’s airborne trailer, basically a shelf on the back of the jeep and fasten her on. With all the weapons now loaded up we mount up and

We move off to the set point to check a suspected mine field but just as we are checking the area the Americans drive through – I guess it must be safe then!. They check another area and a set mine goes off and then both sets of infantry move forwards to attack. We push forwards in odds & evens to a safe position then Paul drives the jeep forward and I de-bus the Mortar and get her set up. I fire off a few rounds to cover the guys and then we meet a strong counter attack and have to bug out rapidly. We regroup and push them back and im able to retake the mortar position and resume firing before ‘EndEx’ is called.

We quickly assemble for a weapons check making sure all weapons are unloaded and none have a round in the breech. Then its convoy back and prep for ‘Summer Mess night’

Back at camp after signing our weapons back into the guardhouse, basically a point where we have all the weapons chained and locked up to avoid any thefts, we start getting the area ready for Mess night. Tables, candles, lamps, Union Flags etc. Only after we have got the area do we run off and have another shave and either a freezing shower or boiling shower – nothing in between.

We all followed afterwards and to be honest we did a very good job, much better than my last trip to church. We then had a few more sermons then the hymn adopted by the airborne ‘Abide with me’, we sang once again many of us finding our voices better then the previous song before ending with the lords prayer from memory.

After service it was brew up time with cake before getting back into working with the public. An Arnhem veteran turned up with his young grandson and started telling us his stories. I took the young lad to one side and started showing him the kit he would

have had to carry and how to do basic weapons drill, he was even more in awe after seeing how much kit his granddad had had to carry. We slipped the old veteran a few cans of beer whilst his daughter wasn’t watching but where soon caught out.

Then before long it was prep for the battle. At least most of the magazines where ready from yesterday so it was much less of a rush and I managed to get things better prepared this time. Same again we riled the enemy with a few songs before arriving at the RV point. Today’s scenario is a full overrun of the Germans.

‘Baz demonstrating the line checks’

After tea break we have to patrol round to Simon’s training camp and have to expect to be bumped on the way. I m lead so I have to take the group up the possible ambush point which was half planned then bug out and go around a different route. Trying to spot possible enemy within the public kept me on my toes. We arrive at the camp and are set a reconnaissance scenario which we get straight into, we have to search for mines and I spot a suspicious tuft of grass. Baz as sapper is called forward to diffuse which he does using a badge pin. We have to use all the skills learnt and things we already know. Ian and Alex go forward with Gary and myself providing cover. I check my field of fire and spot one of Simons mates (a Jerry) hiding round the corner and ‘click’ – I dry fire as were to close to the public for blank firing. Simon calls out ‘EndEx’. ‘Arena battle’

Back to camp and load up for the final battle. We arrive at the RV point and debus in time for a quick game of cricket & why not. The scenario is given that today its the Germans turn to push through. Alex and Paul are eyeing up who can get across the field first, the call to hang on is given to us in the back of the jeeps. Paul gets ahead then when we reach the far side we pull each jeep forward probing for the enemy. Upon contact I pull the mortar off and set her up. I fire off a few rounds and reload the rounds for a counter attack before firing again. The guys move forwards and Alex joined me to drop a round through the mortar, then carries on forwards. I fire off around 40 rounds then before I can join up with my troop they’re caught out and overrun, I end up with a wounded American bugging out, the only two too escape. Before I chuck the mortar back on the jeep I check how hot she is and she’s very hot indeed after all those rounds.

After clearing up its back to break up camp and clear up then set off home. Next time we are all together we will be in Arnhem for real.

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Polish Airborne

British Airborne.

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Market Garden 65^th Anniversary – September 2009.

This was always going to be an emotional trip as long before September I knew this would be my last jump & a major remembrance for the remaining veterans .I’ve had the honour of jumping over Ginkle Heath from a Dakota on the 63^rd anniversary and since then I’ve been preparing to jump on the 65^th anniversary.

Back in April 2009 I went over to Teuge in Holland with Pathfinder UK to re-certify for jumping this year. My jump was eventful as I had my air stolen which means you fall through the air to find clear air, if you don’t steer away you end up leap-frogging the other person down to the ground. We both landed safely but it’s always a good lesson to see what you need to prepare for.

Unlike the veterans who jumped X-Types in WWII without a reserve we have the advantage of jumping steerable rounds MC-1C’s plus having a reassuring reserve strapped tightly to our front. Steerable means avoiding a bit of barbed wire not landing in the centre of the X on the Drop Zone (DZ).

Three members from Just Ordinary Men (JOM) are jumping with Pathfinder this year, Ian Pope the JOM OC, Brian Kealy and myself. Were all on the same DZ’s which means we might be on the same plane loads.

The AN2 returns from Chalk 1, we struggle to our feet and walk up to the plane, the fan from the propeller starts to cool you down and you can smell the aviation exhaust. My heart rate goes up I clamber inside and sit on the floor in reverse stick order – im No4. When the last person is aboard the door is closed as the plane throttles the engine we start to roll, we taxi across the grass onto the runway ,we start to roll down the runway and within seconds were airborne on our way to the DZ. We have 2 AN2’s in formation to create the best display we can, I’m in the lead AN2. We fly on and bounce around for about 10 minutes before we are given a 5 minute warning. Then the order to stand is given by the jump master Brord, we once again struggle to our feet and hook up, we do our equipment checks down the line, I hear ‘5 Ok’ and get tapped on the shoulder , I call ‘4 Ok’ and then ‘3 Ok’ , 2 Ok’ , ‘1 Ok – Stick ready Sir’ is called out. The door is opened and the wind whips round the cabin, we bounce and roll to make sure we are on the right line to be jumped out, the red light is on……then…….we wait……..still waiting……..Green on! GO GO GO.

Im out and I can feel the chute opening, I look up and the canopy isn’t open fully, there’s no panic as this is what I’ve been trained to look out for, I spot the twist in the rigging lines and twist around for the lines to ‘ping’ open just like on a swing, the canopy fills up and I can look around to make sure my airspace is clear. There are 12 of us in the air – all open and drifting in the breeze. I can see the smoke flare on the ground and the wind has come up slightly, I can see the fields we are supposed to land in, the trees to avoid with the reserve field beyond.

I notice that everyone except me is dropping, I’ve hit a thermal and im not dropping as fast or im even rising!. The first field will be missed so im looking at the reserve field over the trees and the extended 1^st field with the barbed wire. I steer to the centre of the field and see some of the stick landing. The AN2 comes round and I wave at the pilot – at least I can enjoy hanging around. I start to come down and everyone is down on the DZ, I turn to land then let the chute come down, when im about 10 yards up the wind just twists me slightly further round so I have to expect a slightly harder landing…….I land and roll…..the chute doesn’t come straight down but stays inflated in the breeze. Im going to get dragged!....I start climbing the risers and pull the chute down, as I climb being dragged I start to feel the chute collapse so I can get up and run around the chute to make sure its collapsed. That drop was 65 years to the minute! Exactly to the minute! & im the last man to land on Wolfheze DZ for the 65^th anniversary – Chuffed and Honoured.

Chutes over Wolfheze (I’m the one hanging at the top) (Photo Peter Dahl)	I gather in the lines to stow away then pack the chute in the bag I’ve jumped with, then its yomp to the RV point and onto the camp site to pack the chutes. After packing the chutes till nightfall at the camp site and getting some food finally Ian and I set off into Oosterbeek for a wander – we want to find the escape route from the Hartenstein museum to the Rhine . Its pitch black at the back of the museum with the odd street light, we work out our bearings and start walking down the slope through the forest and running across the road, the noise of our boots with the hobnails where echoing loudly. If anyone saw us Im sure it startled them, two troops running for the Rhine – I kept looking over my shoulder expecting to see shadows of troops going the same way. We reached Oosterbeek church down by the river and carried on through the fields behind, treading carefully in the dark to avoid stumbling over something, at least we wont find any mines!. We clambered over gates and rolled under barbed wire to reach the Rhine and for some reason dipped our hand into the river. We didn’t swim it in the dark although a Pathfinder member had swam the Rhine earlier in the day. – Nice one Mr Aitken!
We walked back to the church the same way we came then went up the hill to Oosterbeek. As we strolled along the main road we where accosted by a chap who wanted us to meet his father, we went in am met his father, an Arnhem veteran and shared a drink with him before continuing back to the camp site.   Friday 18th Not jumping today so it’s a kind of day off. Ian, Cara (Ian’s good lady) and I go off to see the new Hartenstein museum which is packed out not surprisingly. The new layout in my opinion has lost some of the charm it used to have however has brought some new features to it – I think it needs time to settle in as its only just reopened. We meet up with the rest of the guys from JOM and set off to get some lunch, however Paul in the lead jeep makes a slight detour onto the motorway and when we finally get off after the 2nd jeep overheated (so was Matt – the driver) we where miles from Oosterbeek.	Down by the Rhine
We meander back through some back roads and stumble upon a museum at Deelen airfield, it doesn’t look much from the outside however it’s a must to visit. It’s full of how I could only describe as ‘Stuff’ loads of it and just the way the Hartenstein was, you can touch a real Horsa wheel and see how big they where – well worth a visit.	Jeeps out and about
Part of the new features in the Hartenstein museum	Part of the new features in the Hartenstein museum – Horsa glider
We finally get lunch and then headed off to the cemetery. Ian had ordered up a wreath for the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron and remembrance crosses for each of the Recce lads interred there. We all lined up in best kit, Ian laid the wreath with great respect then we all took a handful of crosses going up and down each line looking for the graves. Some of the graves we passed had new messages from their wife’s, children or siblings, some where empty which was sad to see however they wont be empty on Sunday. When we found a Recce one we carefully laid a cross and took note of the inscription – a very sobering moment.	Part of the new features in the Hartenstein museum – Artillery

Laying a cross

The sun setting over the cemetery

Back at camp the manifest for tomorrow was given out. My last jump approaches.

Saturday 19^th – Ginkle Heath 1200 feet

Up early again and off for a shave again, a rushed breakfast then on the bus to the airfield. When we arrive at the airfield we are lined up in jump order and told to wait. My jump slot is 11:50 so before long its time to kit up. Ian is No6, Brian No7 and I’m No8. We are fully kitted up and checked by 11:00 and sitting in the 24C sunshine – cooking!. At 11:30 the Cessna we have had to substitute for the Dakota lands and we load up, with 12 of us plus a drop basket this makes for a cosy trip. We have two planes again and we fly off in formation to Ginkle Heath. As we approach Ian Marshall our Jump Master shakes each and everyone’s hand to wish us luck then opens the door, he pokes his head out to make sure we are on the correct line up and shoves the drop basket out of the plane followed by the first six, Ian is on his way to the heath. The plane turns circle and Brian moves forward with me on his tail. Ian waits then calls ‘Go’ and Brian is out and I’m straight after him out of the door, my chute opens clean this time and im dropping nicely towards the Heath. I can see the smoke flare to check the wind direction and the large crowd here for the spectacle, around 20,000-25,000. I call over to Brian ‘Bash on!’ and he responds back, I keep an eye on my air space and look for my landing, I turn into wind, feet together, elbows in and land smoothly on the heather. I get straight up and run round the chute, the wind is so light that there’s no chance of being dragged today. My last jump is over, I phone my wife to let her know im safe and that she can relax now. I look around and check everyone else is up and ok then start packing my chute before walking to the RV point. I meet Roy (Pathfinder OC) and help out carrying the drop basket to the RV point.

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