Battlegroup North

May 9th and May 10th, two days that turned the clocks back to the 1940's and wartime Britain, Time Was indeed!!

We were at the Yorkshire Air Museum which over the last two days has been holding the annual Battlegroup North gathering of over 200 military vehicles, mainly Second World War, and assorted infantry in full battledress representing the many armies of the time, the Allies, the British, American and Russian and against them the Germans, I didn't see any Italians or Japanese there, but all factions seemed to get on together very well, as long as you didn't mention the ...!

There was also the Home Guard, complete with Captain Mainwaring, local Spivs, the Police, Ambulance and Fire personnel, women in 40's period dress, complete with seamed stockings, looks like those spivs did some brisk business. It all gave the feel of turning the clock back.

We were there along with a handful of traders in the Hangar housing many of the Museums collection, including the Halifax and Mosquito. Demonstration wargames were being played, including a very large representation of the Raid on St. Nazaire, and a highly detailed, but with very small intricately painted figures, Battle of Waterloo Game. Some traders had to rough it outside in the wind and rain of Saturday afternoon, shame... The sun was not too kind over the two days.

The two days saw, or more appropriately, heard the live firing of 25pdr cannons, which were situated just outside the Hangar. On the Saturday afternoon a single Spitfire overflew the airfield, a very impressive sight that of course emptied the Hangar.

Sunday and the UK Tank Club demonstrated their brilliant radio controlled tanks in a mock battle.

Loads of things were going on to make a great day out for any family. All in all an enjoyable couple of days. Anne didn't enjoy it too much as she was frozen for almost all of the Sunday, having had a warm day in the shop on the Saturday.

Ohh and we did quite a bit of business to!!