Buckfastleigh 2008

July 12th 13th

Celebrating

Castle Drogo September 15/16th 2007

40 vehicles and 8 motorcycles turned up for the weekend with well over 200 personnel putting on various static displays, including a weapons demonstration talk and a battle re-enactment, and with just over 2500 visitors to the event over the weekend it was very enjoyable for all concerned.  Meal vouchers were provided by the National trust for a midday meal in one of the cafes, and we had our own NAAFI which provided us with breakfasts and evening meals, aswell as coffee and cakes throughout both days.

Saturday started well with Bacon and egg sandwiches.  John Brown gave us a demonstration of the various types of small arms used by both sides during WW2.  This including firing off a few blanks for the entertainment of the public.  This was followed 2 hrs later by a full scale battle re-enactment (organized by Mike Ford).  We had 2 field guns firing blanks, a .50 cal machine gun mounted on a Dodge weapons carrier and  a set of quad .50cals AA guns (all gas firing), and many different types of blank firing small arms from the colt .45 to the German FG34 assault rifle.

There was a croquet game organized in the evening for all the exhibitors to take part in with prizes for the winners.  The evening saw us all eating Chilli and rice in the NAAFI, followed by a band playing various songs from all eras.  

Sunday morning was started with a full English breakfast.  John gave his weapons talk again, and there was another battle, it was decided that due to the battle plan and the available weapons the Allies would win the battle again on the Sunday, but it was agreed next year the Axis can win.

All in all it was a fantastic show, and one well worth visiting for the weekend.

Paul Sleep