Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome holds Living History Weekend

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STOW Maries Great War Aerodrome went back to 1916 as living historians recreated the site's wartime past.

The World War One Living History Weekend saw the aerodrome turn back time to its days as home to the 37 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, who defended the country against German zeppelins and Gotha bombers.

Sick berth attendant explains battlefield casualty care in 1916 (Image: T. Stone)

Visitors interacted with different groups of living historians, each specialising in different aspects of Great War history.

Some visitors took the opportunity to join members of 399 Detachment, Royal Naval Division as they demonstrated the birth of battlefield casualty care.

The living history group represented a camp of Sick Birth Attendants, refreshing their skills before heading to the frontlines, and told the little-known story of the RND, Churchill's own band of 'sailors-on-shore'.

Flying historian Kelsey with Ellen Joy of the Lufberys (Image: T. Stone)

Leon Seccombe and the 54th Field Ambulance, part of the World War One Medical Services Living History Society, explained treatments available for wounded servicemen once they had been brought back from the frontline.

Neil Bond from Past History appeared as a British Army Chaplain for those in need of a blessing.

The Lufberys RFC Living History Group represented Royal Flying Corps personnel.

Reproduction G-Drei flown by Richard Vary (Image: T. Stone)

The event also featured guest appearances from Kelsey Ellington, known on Instagram as The Flying Historian, and author David Dunford, who was signing copies of his new book Ogres in the Sky: Zeppelins Over Essex in the First World War.

Richard Vary also made a special appearance in his famous Fokker Triplane, painted in the scheme of the infamous Red Baron.

Ian Flint, chief executive officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, said: “The weekend, bathed in gorgeous spring sunshine, gave visitors a window into the past to see what life was like when Stow Maries was at its busiest, ready for war in the air and on the ground.”

The next event at Stow Maries is The Stow Maries Motorbike Show on Saturday, May 16, when around 200 bikes will be displayed on site, and visitors can enjoy a barbecue, bar, and bike-themed trade stalls.

Then, on Sunday, May 24, the Wings and Wheels event will take place, where hundreds of vintage cars will be joined by historic aircraft displaying overhead, weather permitting.

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