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09 Aug 2011 • 495 views
 
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photoblog image The Battle for Bastogne

The Battle for Bastogne

 

US troops take cover behind a German Schwimmwagen Type 166 during the Battle of the Bastogne scenario at the War and Peace show.

 

The Schimmwagen is an amphibious car produced by Volkswagen during World War II and The Type 166 is the most numerous mass-produced amphibious car in history.

 

The show is held at the Hop Farm in Kent and is in it's 29th year. It is billed as the Largest Military Vehicle Spectacular in the World. There are several thousand militarty vehicles, re-enactors and Living History displays in the best part of 400 acres that forms the hOp Farm.

 

The battle scenario was one of many that were held over the five days of the show and set out to recreate a small encounter during the Battle in the winter of 1944, complete with artifical snow. The re-enactors included an M4 Sherman tank and US jeeps firing and causing large bangs as the battle progressed.

 

sherman

 

jeep

 

 

The Battle for Bastogne

 

US troops take cover behind a German Schwimmwagen Type 166 during the Battle of the Bastogne scenario at the War and Peace show.

 

The Schimmwagen is an amphibious car produced by Volkswagen during World War II and The Type 166 is the most numerous mass-produced amphibious car in history.

 

The show is held at the Hop Farm in Kent and is in it's 29th year. It is billed as the Largest Military Vehicle Spectacular in the World. There are several thousand militarty vehicles, re-enactors and Living History displays in the best part of 400 acres that forms the hOp Farm.

 

The battle scenario was one of many that were held over the five days of the show and set out to recreate a small encounter during the Battle in the winter of 1944, complete with artifical snow. The re-enactors included an M4 Sherman tank and US jeeps firing and causing large bangs as the battle progressed.

 

sherman

 

jeep

 

 

comments (7)

Very good shots - nice to be a "war correspondent" without the danger!
Les Auld: Thanks Elizabeth, the only danger I was in was from the other photographers trying to get their shots.
  • Chris
  • England
  • 9 Aug 2011, 07:18
All very realistic Les. The real battle of Bastogne was hell on earth
Les Auld: It was indeed Chris, I have read much about the battles and appreciate the hardships and dangers to both sides. Thanks for the comment.
Nice shots Les, I've got doubts and misgivings about these reenactments, with what's going on in parts of the world, is it not just big kids playing games, I stopped this when I was about ten years old, I can understand the fascination of all the machinery of war, but playing at it? I hope I've not offended you Les, as I know you are just recording the events.
Les Auld: I do understand what you mean Frank and it is a case of boys playing with their toys, although I am always surprise just how many women take part as well, especially in the battles.

I suppose I have always been fascinated by the machinery of war, dating from early days constructing Airfix Kits and playing with them. It is just interesting to see how they were used as well.

No offence taken though, I do know others share the same view, and it has been expressed before. I find it is a challenge to photograph these events and I do like a challenge.

Thanks for the comment.
  • Linda
  • United Kingdom
  • 9 Aug 2011, 12:15
They really do put their hearts into these reenactments, very good shots Les smile
Les Auld: They do spend a lot of time working on them Linda, thanks for the comment.
I bet you didn't know which way to point your camera first at this place Les, good shots once again.
Les Auld: Plenty going on Brian, thanks for the comment.
Hi Les, on reflection, I shouldn't have posted my comments this morning,people are free to do what they want, which is why we fought the war after all, also on thinking about it I was being hypocritical, as I enjoy watching many war films, and TV series, which is really the same thing, so ,I can only hope you will accept my apology, and the next time I'll engage my brain before opening my mouth , best wishes, Frank.
Les Auld: No apology needed Frank, your comment came straight from the heart and I do appreciate the feelings behind it. Sometimes you do need to say what you feel, the first impression is usually the right one.
I wonder if anyone ever re-enacts wars they lost?
Les Auld: If you look at it logically Bill they do as there is always a wining and a losing side to most battle re-enactments. Thanks for the comment.

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