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Although my father was a World War 2 infantryman, I have been
interested in the history of the Royal Air Force since I was very
young and originally this took the form of model aircraft. Later I
moved on to books and films and have probably got every war film
about the RAF on disc now. Since taking an interest in re-enacting,
gathering together memorabilia both original and replica, has taken
over.
Uniform and flying kit has been the main interest as it allows me to
dress appropriately at the events. I have created a set of war
service dress (more commonly called battledress) to represent that
worn by Wing Commander Guy Gibson at the end of his service with 106
Squadron and at the start of his time with 617 Squadron, i.e. before
he was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading the Dams Raid. This is
rounded off with the appropriate webbing belt/holster and a .38
Webley service revolver. To go with this I have a C-type flying
helmet with H-type oxygen mask and a pair of Mk.8 goggles, a 1941
model Mae West and 1941 pattern flying gloves. I am on the lookout
for a pair of the appropriate 1941 flying boots. |
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My
RAF service dress uniform is representative of a Squadron Leader
from the RAFVR. To go with this I have a 1932 pattern Mae West and a
B-type helmet and E-type oxygen mask. The flying boots are the 1936
pattern, all leather sheepskin lined version and I have a seat type
parachute harness - at the moment without a parachute pack and
backpad. These will come in time. I am currently looking out for an
appropriate pair if either Mk.2 or Mk.3 flying goggles and I will
then be able to give a good representation of a Battle of Britain
fighter pilot.
I have recently acquired a Khaki Drill tropical/Desert uniform which
requires a little work and I will then try to gather the appropriate
flying kit to go with it.
I have a quantity of documents and papers some of which are period
and some replica, but I believe our objective is to demonstrate the
period and pass on information and that, in many cases, replicas
suffice for my purpose (and budget!!). Genuine items, which are
fragile, should be museum pieces.
I have also put together a USAAF 8th Air Force dress uniform to wear
when required i.e. when my wife wants to go dancing.
My friend and fellow group member Malcolm Tyas has a nice collection
of weapons, ordinance and other kit which enable us, together, to
put out a nicely balanced and, hopefully, informative display. His
Bren gun and Lee Enfield rifle are particularly nice examples. No
doubt as time progresses we will acquire more ‘stuff’ to the chagrin
of our respective wives who, to their enormous credit, support us by
turning up to the events in the appropriate kit to complete what we
hope is a display which will inform and educate the public and keep
alive the memory of the brave service personnel who then, and to
this day, give everything for us all. |
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"They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We WILL remember them." |
