Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Living History event

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome hosted the successful event at the weekend.

There were demonstrations and displays across the two-day event at Europe’s largest surviving First World War aerodrome.

Demonstration- part of the flag parade (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Dinner- crews getting dinner (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Loading- Paul Wilkinson watches the loading of a Vickers machine gun (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

One family, Mattis and Henning Wuelker and friend Frank Becker travelled 600 miles from Hamburg in Germany specifically for the event.

Mattis was excited to be at the museum and said: “Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a well-known place to us in Germany.

“We watch all of the YouTube videos and have been following the project for a number of years.

Aircraft- Frank Becker Henning and Mattis Wuelker with SE 5 aircraft (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Drills- Bayonet drill with Nimy Coy (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

“We arrived yesterday and will go home after the event tonight.”

Historians battled on despite the weather to make sure the visitors enjoyed the day. Visitors got a rare glimpse into the past with demonstrations led by the museum's long-term partners the Nimy Company.

There were recreations of historic events, including the weekend in 1914 when the armed forces of Great Britain were mobilised to defend Belgium and France.

Parade- Sunday church parade (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Tea- members of the 10th Essex Batt enjoying a cup of tea (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Flag- flag parade present arms (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

The fundraising event supports the work to preserve and protect the historic aerodrome.

The largely untouched site features the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world.

The site continues running and holding events with the help of more than 100 volunteers.

Vehicle- visitors Luke and Rebeca looking at a Humber car (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Army- members of the 10th Essex Batt (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Chief executive officer Ian Flint, who donned period clothing himself for the event, said: “On Saturday, the heavens opened but our visitors were undaunted – they just dressed for it.

“The living historians pulled out all the stops, really giving their all despite the rain and wind.

“It was amazing to see their dedication. Of course, Sunday was a bright, dry and sunny day and that meant that they had a chance to put on even more top-quality displays.

March- members of the 10th Essex Batt march on (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Planning- officers make plans for the next move (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

Historic- members march past the crowds (Image: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome)

“Our visitor feedback has been outstanding – they were really pleased. We can’t thank the historians enough for their exemplary work.”

More information about Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome can be found at stowmaries.org.uk.