Back to work today after a very busy weekend. I actually blew out two games - one with the Rejects and one with the Delvers - for a bank holiday weekend of family activities. Saturday we visited a local City Farm and had a relatively slow paced and relaxed day taking in the good weather. Sunday we were at the Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey for their VE Day celebrations and yesterday we visited the market and Promenade Park in Malden in Essex. I was also treated to a quick visit to the Combined Military Services Museum, so all in all a pretty good weekend.
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| Part of a large private collection of historical weapons held at the Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey |
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| Willy's Jeep next to a German MG42 |
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| A replica SdKfz 222 built on a Land Rover chassis |
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| A WWII German Motorbike & Sidecar (I think its a BMW) |
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| Equipment of an Airborne field medic |
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| A British PIAT ( Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank). |
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| A selection of bombs and bomb disposal equipment |
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| Highlight of the day was an excellent aerial display by a Supermarine Spitfire Mk XI - PL965 from the Hanger 11 Collection based at North Weald |
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| There was also a WWII reenactment battle at the end of the day - Reject 'Smiffy' checks his weapon. |
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| The next day we went to Malden in Essex for the Bank Holiday Market. After spending a few hours shopping, and letting the young padawan have a few hours in the Park we went to to the Combined Military Services Museum. This is their Chieftain Mk 10 in 'Berlin' Urban camouflage pattern. It could do with a repaint but its still an impressive vehicle. |
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| Me standing in front of an ex Iraqi T69 captured during the First Gulf War. |
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| Unfortunately pictures are not allowed inside the museum but its still a great collection and well worth a visit. |
Interesting stuff. One quick question is the Red turret on the T69 part of their camouflage scheme or is it Red oxide primer?
ReplyDeleteIts Primer. The museum has a small group of volunteers who are working to clean up and repaint the tanks and other external exhibits all of which have suffered a bit from being exposed to the elements.
DeleteGreat stuff, Lee.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to see how other nations deal with VE day celebrations and remembrance for past conflicts. Rather relaxed I presume. Very sympathetic.
Cheers
Stefan
This event is very much a family oriented and relaxed event. It does obviously have a Military theme but as well as reenactors representing all the participants (on both sides) in the conflict there were also displays and activities aimed at telling the wider story of how ordinary civilians coped with the war. So there were various performers entertaining the crouds with wartime songs and dancing; displays showing how to cook while food was rationed; arts and crafts for the kids; Morse code lessons; and even a few traders selling 1940's fashions. Add to that the fact that it was a beautiful sunny day and I think everyone had a great day out.
DeleteVery nice pics!
DeleteSounds like an excellent event and a good chance for a day out with the family. Seems to be a bit like the Militracks event in Overloon, Netherlands.
DeleteHere WW2 remambrance is dominated by feelings of guilt and pious commemoration. Of course the horrors of the thirties and forties may not be forgot but I would appreciate a chance to experience this era's history without being embarrassed by it. To my mind a soldier's life and his daily routine isn't necessarily linked to atrocities...
Fortunately at least that works well with German ancient to napoleonic history... ;-)
Cheers
Stefan
Nice one Lee, looked like a damn good weekend in fact!
ReplyDeleteIt was. Pity I had to miss the games but we had a nice weekend together as a family and everyone found something they liked to do. Next weekend I'm decorating!
DeleteNever seen that urban camouflage before. Really striking! Excellent pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that it was a very very busy week-end !
ReplyDeleteimpressive collection of weapons.