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Updated 15/07/24
Information for groups
attending
The Battle
of Britain living History show 2011
Printable application forms now
available
in PDF
Re enactors
link
Trade stands
link
Military Vehicles
link
and word
Re enactors
link
Trade stands
link
Military Vehicles
link
Updated
3rd May 2011
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Thank you for visiting the
Battle of
Britain living history show webpage, firstly let me assure you our aim is to put
on a well organised friendly show with the emphasis given to the enjoyment and
satisfaction of the attending re-enacting groups. I have displayed my Spitfire
at many of the major and minor events over the last two years and I hope I have
come away with the good points from them all. I know it pays to look after the
re-enactors requirements as well as possible.
Contact Graham
Although subject to improvements I
intend to have two camps at each end of the arena one Axis and
one Allied, each group will be able to camp with their set up
and equipment, fires will be allowed. Each group will be
allocated plenty of space. There will be full access to the
arena from each group. Each group or groups will be
allocated a time slot for access to the arena in turn as
required. You can use the arena space to drive and display
your vehicles and equipment. Engage in minor skirmishes as
arranged by yourselves with other groups present, carry out
drill or whatever is appropriate for your group or display.
There will one Battle
each day controlled and organised by a top Pyro and
re-enacting expert, full briefings will be given well in
advance to participating units. The Battle in line with the
shows theme will involve at least on Spitfire firing its 20mm
cannons. I will not give away the full scenario but it will
unique, hard hitting and spectacular which will hopefully
instil a sense of respect with the members of the public for
what the brave Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors sacrificed
. If you want to take some part in the Battle it may
be possible but you must apply well in advance as we are
refining plans now and everything has to be approved by the Pyro expert.
Contact Graham
There will be an aircraft construction gang preparing the
grass strip with an old working steam roller and the three
fighters of the RAF will be incorporated into the allied camp.
I am hopeful I may get some Axis aircraft to join their camp,
or possibly a VI. There may also be additions to the RAF
fleet.
I also want to welcome particularly Home guard and units
depicting WWI, the WW I re-enactors will get their own area to
re-create trenches and set up their displays. I am hoping a WW
I Bi Plane Fighter will be on site.
Contact Graham
We have a fantastic party planned for Saturday night with a
great line up and 1940s theme. We are using the facilities of
the local Rugby club for the party only 200 yards from site.
Professional badged Security men will protect the site during
the party. Rest assured it is a very secure site with only two
accessible entrances by foot or vehicle.
We will provide plenty of toilets and there will be stand
pipes on site for water.
Bill Green a
Battle of Britain Hurricane Pilot
will be attending the show and will be available to sign your
items for a small charge which be donated to a charity of his
choice.
Please be aware that bill is 92 years old and so signing times
may be limited.
Read about Bill here
link
Gp Cpt Billy Drake DSO, DFC*, DFC (US)
Joined the RAF in 1936
and was posted to No 1 Sqn in 1937 flying Furies. In 1939 he went to France
with No1 Sqn as part of the AASF flying Hurricane's. In France on Apr 20 1940
he shot down a Bf 109 and possibly another, on May 10 a He 111 and on May 13
he shot down a Do 17 and probably another. He was then jumped by Me 110's and
shot down. He baled out wounded and was taken to a French hospital and then
back to the UK.
After a period on instructor duties he was posted to 213 Sqn
at Tangmere on Oct 2 1940. Three weeks later he was posted to 421 Flt (Later
91 Sqn)at Hawkinge as a Flt Cdr.
In 1941 he was posted to East Africa to command 128 Sqn
flying Hurricanes. In Apr 1942 he was posted command 112 Sqn flying Kittyhawks
in the Western Desert.
Promoted to Wg Cdr he was posted to Cairo. In June 1943 he
began his third operational tour as Wing Leader of a Spitfire Wing based on
Malta for the invasion of Sicily. In Nov 1943 he was posted back to the UK
where he led 20 Wing on Typhoons for six months.
Drake finished the was with a score of 24 1/2 and 9
probable, he also destroyed 13 on the ground with 3 more probable.
Flt Lt Keith Lawrence DFC
Born in New Zealand on Nov 25 1939.
After gaining a Short
Service Commission in the RAF he left New Zealand on Feb 1 1939. After
Training he was posted to 234 Sqn at Leconfield on Nov 6 1939. The Sqn then
had Blenheim's but began to receive Spitfires in March 1940. Lawrence shared
in the destruction of a Ju 88 on July 8 1940, the Sqn's first victory. On
July 12 he damaged a Ju88, on Aug 24 he damaged a Bf 110. On Sep 7 claimed a
Bf 109 destroyed and damaged a Do 17. On Sep 9 Lawrence was posted to 603
Sqn at Hornchurch and on the 15 claimed a Bf 109 destroyed and two more
damaged. On Oct 8 1940 he was posted to 421 Flt (with Billy Drake) then
forming at Hawkinge. On Nov 23 he damaged a Bf 110. On Nov 26 he was shot
down over the channel by Bf 109's and baled out. He was picked up by a Mine
Sweeper and taken to Ramsgate where he was admitted to Hospital.
Trade stands will not be mixed with the living history
displays to try and create as an accurate atmosphere as
possible to the 1940s.
More will be added to this page as plans develop and be
sure to get in touch with your, requests for further
information, intentions to attend and requirements.
Contact Graham
updated 14th April 2011
The West
of England military vehicle driving competition taking place
at the Battle of Britain living history show.
This competition is a time
trial around a carefully designed obstacle coarse in the
arena. Its not about speed its about driving skills. There
will different classes to accommodate different vehicles from
Jeeps to tracked vehicles to be anounced. There will be CASH
prices for the top three winners in each class. With a special
prize for champion of show. The heats will be on Saturday with
the finals and presentations on Sunday.
Our coarse will involve you
completing a mission. On leaving our simulated landing craft
you will be expected to navigate your way around the coarse
incurring as few penalty time points as possible. Obstacles
will be based on Wartime scenarios and will test your driving
skills to the max. Of coarse we will not include anything that
could potentially damage your vehicle. Each class will be
briefed and walked through the coarse at the start of the day.
Spaces may be limited and are open to all military vehicles to
date so please apply now.
click here
Notes can be found on the vehicle application forms available
for download on
page 1.
A limited supply of FREE firewood will be provided.
The Battles
There will be one Battle each day and will involve an
airfield invasion scenario groups wishing to participate
should contact me ASAP I will contribute to ammo and small
piro costs.
ring Graham on 07540530645 or
email
Thank you Graham Adlam
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