TWO days that have celebrated and commemorated everything to do with the UK’s efforts during the Second World War have brought thousands of people to the Vale.
Live battle reenactments, living history displays and military camps brought back to life in a tangible and vivid way the intricacies of 1940s Britain with the Wartime in the Vale event last weekend, at Ashdown Farm, Badsey.
One of the main attractions was an extensive collection of vehicles from members of the Military Vehicle Trust – the largest organisation of ex-military vehicle owners and enthusiasts globally.
There were also trade stalls and a military market where enthusiasts could buy anything from 1940s clothing to military vehicle parts and collectibles.
Two reenactors were Jacob Broadfield, 16, and his dad Scott from Bromsgrove who were dressed as 79th Volksgrenadiers, an German infantry division who were attending their third living history event. Scott said he got involved because of his son who has ‘an amazing, historical interest in Second World War battle reenactments’.
“We got involved with a reenactment group at the Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove, who have taken us under their wing and got us involved in all of these kinds of crazy things.”
Jacob, who has just finished his GCSEs – including history – and plans to keep studying the subject at A level said: “I would like to join the Royal Marines and after that go to university to study history.”
Visitors enjoyed dancing to live music and singing from a number of performers.
Organiser Emma James, said: “I think the weekend has gone really well. The weather didn’t put anyone off coming, we had lots of vehicles and reenactors, and everyone seemed to be having a really good time.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended as without their support we would have no event. Also to the team behind the scenes as we appreciate everyone’s efforts to help make the show possible.”
Wartime in the Vale has ran since 2007 and plans are already afoot for a 2026 event when it will be hosting the 85th anniversary of the Diamond T Trucks – a heavy tactical truck built for the United States Army during the Second World War.
