|
If
you have such an interest in history that you take up the hobby of
re-enactment, there are all kinds of groups which do many different
things. Within World War II you will often find various
British, American or German army units. Some do Home Guard.
You will even find groups who re-enact as Royal Navy or RAF
personnel. And many different civilians ...... whether just
housewives, Spivs, Land Army girls, firemen, or ARP wardens.
But within Britain there are very few re-enactors who portray
Luftwaffe pilots. With a formidable track record proven in
Germany's involvement in the Spanish Civil War in 1937, the
Luftwaffe's ability to attack enemy targets with rapidly delivered
firepower was further demonstrated in the swift invasion of Poland,
Denmark, Norway and the Low Countries. Luftwaffe aircraft
pounded Germany's neighbours with such intense ferocity that vital
defences were knocked out, making it easier for land invasions to
take place.
Such was the plan for Britain, but the Luftwaffe met formidable
resistance from the Royal Air Force. The summer of 1940 's
Battle of Britain has become a famous chapter in WWII history, as
the might of the German onslaught was held back by superior pilot
training and discipline, faster and more maneuverable aircraft, and
a whole lot of sheer luck! By 1941, waves of Luftwaffe Heinkel
and Dornier bombers were flooding the skies of Britain, raining down
death and destruction on both military, economic and - unfortunately
- civilian targets.
Kampfgeschwader 55 was one of those Luftwaffe units, involved in all
the major conflicts from the invasion of Poland onwards. Its
pilots were amongst those involved in raids on British cities
including London, Coventry, Sheffield, and as far as Liverpool.
Later in the war, on the Eastern Front, KG55 even had its own fleet
of Bf109 fighters for both attack and defence purposes.
Therefore, re-enactors within our group can be either bomber crew
OR fighter pilots.
Our group's aim is to give an insight into what those Luftwaffe
pilots were like. How they dressed, what equipment they had,
how they behaved whilst waiting for the call to action ....and how
they reacted once shot down and arrested on British soil.
We
put our clothing and equipment on static displays for members of the
public to see, and we provide "downed pilots" for other re-enactors
to capture and interrogate. Phil Allen also cuts a dash as the
Luftwaffe's commander in chief, Hermann Goring.
We
don't condone any of the death or destruction caused by German
bomber crews, nor do we share any of the political views of the Nazi
regime that controlled them. We are simply historical
militaria collectors who are willing to show our collections to the
public at organised themed events and museums.
If
you are a serious collector, have Luftwaffe gear like us and want to
join in this fun hobby, please contact us.
Email: markanthonycraig@***ntlworld.com (remove the
three asterisks which protect this email address from spam
harvesters)
|
