Re-enactment – what is it all about

Re-enactment – what is it all about?

This weekend, more than 60 years after hostilities were formally ended, thousands of men across the country will be donning battledress and reliving the events of World War II. And they will not be alone – their partners and children will be dressing in the clothes of the period and reliving the events of the Home Front.

Elsewhere, the English Civil War will be fought again, Normans and Saxons will trade blows and knights will do battle on the jousting field.

Welcome to the world of the historical re-enactor – men and women dedicated to bringing history back to life. They are culture of hobbyists who form the backbone of what is becoming another British institution – the nostalgia weekend.

One such weekend is Ramsey 1940s Weekend, an event that is fast becoming one of the country's premier events dedicated to reliving what, for many, is golden age in British history. It is also reflects one of the most vibrant areas of the re-enactment scene – World War II.

"The re-enactors are an absolutely vital part of the weekend," said Andy Elsom, of the weekend's organising committee.

"Our charity event is dedicated to raising money for good causes by bringing the 1940s back to life. While that means recreating things like the food, music and dancing, it's the people that really make the event."

The re-enactors are a vital visual tool for events like Ramsey, adding an irreplaceable sense of authenticity to the day. They also add a living history aspect to the event – one that has a big impact on visitors, especially youngsters.

"For a kid who's only read about the war in books, seen it in films or been taught it in the classroom, bumping into a walking, talking paratrooper or commando is something that really brings people – their beliefs, hopes and dreams. Being able to talk to a re-enactor brings that history to life," Andy continued.

"History isn't about stuffy dates, it's about people and events like ours bring that home to kids and, I hope, spark an interest in the past that they will pursue in their later lives. In an age of PlayStations and satellite TV, anything that sparks any kind of academic interest in our children has to be welcomed."

But what about the re-enactors themselves? What are their motivations?

One re-enactor is Paul McAllister, a member of the 21st Army Group Provost Living History Society. The group portrays members of the Corps of Military Police (C.M.P) during the 1939-1945 period.

The social aspect is important, says Paul, but so is a sense of duty: "The other members of my group, and people from other groups I have got to know over the years, are my closest friends and so the cameraderie is very important.

"Because I am so fascinated with history I gain a lot of pleasure from passing this knowledge on and if someone walks away from our display thinking "well I never knew that" then I feel I've achieved our aim. I love Military Museums, but you can't get up close to the artefacts stuck behind glass – with living history re-enactment you can, we are a museum without cabinets and glass.

The living history and hobby aspects are not the only motivation for re-enactors however. While their ranks encompass most walks of life, a significant number are former servicemen – both regular and territorial. For them, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their countries is very important.

"Honouring the veterans and all those who lived through World War II is a major factor and has become increasingly important to me over the years, it is something that I am passionate about," explained Paul, who served in the TA.

"We owe them so much, and there is a danger that in the modern world their sacrifices will be forgotten as the veterans pass on. I'm 35, and that means that I am a member of the last generation whose parents were born in wartime. My parents were both East Londoners and have their own personal memories of being on the receiving end of air raids – experiences like that will be forgotten if people like me don't pass it on."

As the re-enactment scene has grown and changed, so have the reactions of veterans to the re-enactors.
"In the past, most World War II veterans were either disinterested and ignored you, or were outraged that you dare to wear a uniform that they wore "for real'," said Paul.
"In a lot of cases they had every right to be upset, because standards of authenticity were pretty low and 20 years ago World War II re-enactment was mainly about mock public battles. History never really entered into it, it was about public entertainment."

However over the years standards have improved beyond all recognition and the living history aspect has come to the fore. Also, the veterans have got older and have grown to realise that the vast majority of living historians have the utmost respect for what those men and women and are trying to keep their memory alive. This, says Paul, means that most veterans broadly support what the re-enactors are doing and trying to achieve.

"We also learn a good deal from them," Paul continued. "They will be quick to point out if you are not wearing your uniform correctly and they will ask you some pretty searching questions on occasions to test your knowledge. The general attitude I find now from veterans is one of pleasure that people are taking an interest and they are often very surprised at how in-depth the living history re-enactor will research their subject."

Although you could be forgiven for thinking that the re-enactment scene is all about the military aspect, the Home Front is also well-represented. There are several groups which specialise in recreating the domestic arena of the 1940s. Dancing and dancing groups are particularly popular – as can be seen at Ramsey's famous hangar dance. There, up to 1,000 people dance to a live big band sound in one of the venue's large former RAF hangars.

"While the weekend is full of fun activities and nostalgia, the drumhead ceremony essentially underlines why we're all there," said Andy.
Certainly, at events like the Ramsey 1940s Weekend, the interaction with veterans is one of the most important aspects of the event. The event is run over an entire weekend, and the Sunday features a drumhead remembrance service conducted by a local vicar. This ceremony, featuring standards carried by the British Legion, re-enactment groups and local youth groups like the Scouts, is a chance for all sections of the weekend to come together and pay tribute to the fallen. It has become a highlight for both the re-enactors and the veterans.

What is clear is that the groups and individuals attending events like Ramsey are a dedicated bunch because the re-enactment business is not cheap. Around 10 years ago an athentic battledress jacket was £1.50, but you would be lucky to get much change from £75 now. Similarly, trying to get your hands on authentic 1940s civilian clothes is also tough, with prices rising as the scene becomes bigger and bigger.
One alternative is the growing number of firms producing superb quality reproduction uniforms and equipment these days, which is in most cases a cheaper option. Even so, to equip yourself in the basic uniform of a World War II British soldier would cost at least around £250.

Add in extras like a weapon and more personal equipment and the bill could easily top £1,000. Added to the cost of the initial purchase of your kit, the individual re-enactor is responsible for its upkeep – if you wear out your boots you can't just pop along to the Quartermaster's stores and exchange them for a new pair.
Many groups and individuals own their own vehicles which they use as part of their re-enactment, and you will find in private collections everything from a pushbike to a tank. These don't come cheap, the famous "Jeeps" will set you back £8,000-£10,000 and a tank or armoured car £20,000-plus.

It's this dedication by the re-enactors that has fuelled the success of Ramsey and other nostalgia weekends – and led to a rekindling of interest in history, in particular World War II. That is surely a battle worth fighting.

For more information visit Ramsey 1940s Weekend out.

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