Temple at War 2025

Hello there! Earlier this month I attended a re enactment show which was held in Essex. This made a nice change to having to travel a far greater distance to visit.

I had a look inside this 'Sdkfz 221' and it was a converted car. However it was perfectly suitable for re enactment. Complete with radio frame and fitted with blank firing machine gun it was a highlight of the battle scene. 

The other side of the battle re enactment was an American group and the bazooka did work eventually! After many attempts!

There was also a German mortar providing fire support. It was a sunny day, as you can tell by the over exposure! 

An American jeep was also present and had a 30 calibre machine gun fitted to it.

The German side also had a tripod mounted MG34,(?). Although the 'battle' was popular and drew a large crowd, I have to echo the words of another spectator behind us in that, 'once you have seen one battle you have seen them all'

This was an interesting display, mainly because I have a number of figures to paint in my metal pile of shame.

Relatively common at re enactments, but that belies the amount of work required to keep these vehicles going after all these years.

Here is a close view of what was used in the battle earlier.

I have seen a figure supplier provide a crewed version of this in 20mm, probably FAA, many years ago. 

Another camp had numerous zeltbahn set up which was very useful for a painting reference.

There was a Russian presence at the show as well.

Part of the show covered a woods where a number of camps had been made. Under cover was this Dodge truck.

A change from the usual this od Alvis was complete with a gentleman in contemporary RAF officers uniform. 

This car was in pristine condition and was also a runner.

There always appears to be a proliferation of American vehicles, at all of the shows I have been to. I wonder if it easier to get spares for American vehicles or that they are more easily maintained that British and Commonwealth vehicles?

Thankfully there were also some GIs on display as this coincides with some forthcoming painting work for a friend. 

I  must have photographed these Bedfords on many occasions but these and such well preserved and well presented exhibits.  

And a couple more pictures suitable for my next project.

There were a number of Bedform MWD present at the show. Many were from the local area. This was lucky as they all drive but cannot get above 40 mph with out suffering some fatalities. Good considering they are 80+ years old!

This was a wireless version of a Bedford and I have seen this at a previous show, (probably the Suffolk show last year). Its in an immaculate condition and is the result of many years restoration.

Here is a round up of other vehicles spread across the show.

On the Sunday there was a Spitfire flypast and on the Saturday there was a Hurricane. While the photographs are not great I felt that savouring the moment as opposed to taking loads of photos and not 'seeing' the flypast was preferable.

The best bit of the day was the great tea and cake in the garden cafe, which was a very modest price as well. Normally there is a charge for the stalls at the show and with a commensurate high price for food but here it was a pleasant change.

The weather was great, although a bit too hot, food and displays were very good and there were many helpful and approachable particapants.