Re-enactors bring World War heroes back to life for event

Heroes of both world wars were brought back to life for hundreds of visitors.

Richard Dellingpole, Christopher Edwards, Richard Newman and Steven Fairbank at the Trenches Through The Ages WW1 and WW2 exhibition

More than 50 re-enactors gathered at Park Hall Farm, near Oswestry, to take part in the event, which tells the stories of normal soldiers from all over the world.

Re-enactment organiser Peter Wood, 22, said they had wanted to draw attention to countries outside of the usual German or English sides.

Michael Hayes and David Clarke at the Trenches Through The Ages WW1 and WW2 exhibition

Other countries represented included France, Italy, Russia, Bosnia and Hungary.

Peter, who is training to become a teacher, said: "It's been packed – there's been a lot of interest from the public.

"We have had people come from as far as Carlisle and Cambridge. I think it's because we've represented all different nations.

"We've had about 50 re-enactors on site, showcasing both the First World War and Second World War. We've had more that weren't booked in just coming to support the event."

Peter, from the Axis-Allied reenactment group, said it had taken nearly four months to organise the huge event.

Ivan Pavolvich Krotov representing the 13th Regiment Russian Army at the Trenches Through The Ages WW1 and WW2 exhibition

"We wanted to show people living in the trenches, doing things like cooking. It lets the public see how people lived – that's what brings it home.

"We started with a site visit last July, and then another in January. Organising the set up, working out the scenarios has taken four months. It's been virtually every evening and weekend, getting things set up with small details all the way through."

Despite some bad weather on Saturday, Pete said the re-enactors had enjoyed their time visiting Park Hill Farm, and that they may try to hold future events. They enjoyed a dry day on Sunday, although the prospect of a washout yesterday meant they packed up and called it a day early.

John Sewell, Barry Shakles and Liam Shakes representing the 9th Infantry Regiment US Army at the Trenches Through The Ages WW1 and WW2 exhibition

"We've had re-enactors come from Ireland, some from Kent," he said. "They don't get paid, but they travelled, brought original equipment, spent the weekend in the rain. They're all here and they do it for the passion and love of the hobby."

He said a mixture of bad weather and long distances to travel home meant the decision was made the third day of the event, set to take place yesterday, had to be cancelled.

He said: "There was a heavy downpour, they were soaked wet through, and half the groups were unable to do it for various reasons.

"It's a shame that things have cropped up, but we didn't want the few of them left to get caught up in the bad weather."