As I review my photographs from Temple At War, the thought occurs how each living history show that I attend has its own unique character and flavour. For Temple At war this is a focus on 4 main periods of history, these being WWI, WWII, Vietnam and Modern. Logically the living history groups are set up in chronological order, starting with WWi as the visitor enters the show.
Last year domestic matters necessitated me missing the show, but in this 1-year gap, I’m pleased to say that the show has lost none of its appeal. As ever the reenactors are massively knowledgeable about their period (more of which anon), the battle is still impressive, the food and hospitality stalls are plentiful and the overall welcoming and friendly nature of the show persists. Development of the show continues year on year, and 2024 saw the attendance of a militaria specialist from the Antiques Road Show, in the form of Mark Smith, giving visitors the opportunity to bring along and discuss their own items.
And so without further ado let’s move on the pictures…
Victorian and World War 1
I never fail to learn new ‘stuff’ when visiting living history shows, this year at Temple At War, I learned a good deal about the Vickers .303 machine Gun from its very knowledgeable ‘gunner’, sadly I neglected to catch a name. The weapon was an amazing piece of kit, with this example having seen action and bearing a patch on the water jacket from bullet damage.
The main groups displaying were the 10th Bn the Essex Rgt, a very professional group that I have met and photographed on many occasions, and the 8th Bn Royal Sussex Rgt (Pioneers).
Also worthy of note, was the single Victorian soldier wearing the bright red jacket of the period.
World War II
As is often the case, the largest single period represented was WW2 with a range of reenactors, including the Suffolk Home Guard, USAAF Rivenhall, Afrika Korps 200FG, the 1 Fallschirmajager Division and many more. From this period my ‘big learn’ came from a young lady wearing Home Guard uniform, from whom I learned that women wearing Home Guard uniform was informal rather than official and while not common did in fact happen.
Vietnam
One of my favourite periods of reenactment is Vietnam, possibly because the start of the war was when I was a small boy of just 8 or 9 and I watched it on the news of the day. The camps are invariably colourful with music from the time and, on some occasions, even anti-war protesters. For this show I particularly liked the beach scene, as well at the authentically adorned ‘grunts’ with playing cards pushed into helmets.
Modern
Sadly, I have not done justice to the modern period with my photographs and seem to have taken far less photographs than the other periods. My apology to all the reenactors representing current times, I’ll try to do better next year!
The World War II Battle
For me the highlight of any living history show is the battle(s) in the arena and Temple At War did not disappoint. Although, regretfully, there was no commentary, I visualised a meeting engagement between lightly armed, mixed reconnaissance forces in Northern Europe in late 1944 / early 1945.
Once battle commenced, spirited attacks went back and forth with the Germans supported by a heavy machine gun, PAK anti-tank gun with mobility supplied by a Kubelwagen and motorcycle, while the Allied forces had bazookas and jeeps.
The result of the action was inconclusive, with both the German and Allied forces taking casualties while maintaining their positions.
Show Guide
A full colour show guide was on offer, providing details of the reenactment groups and arena activities..
And Finally…
So that was Temple At War 2024, a living history event that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll finish by saying a great BIG thanks to all the reenactors who made the show what it was. For those that posed for my photographs, a special thanks and for those that I snapped without their knowledge an even more special thanks, usually I ask before pointing the camera, but sometimes the most natural shots are when the ‘subject ‘doesn’t know that he/she is being snapped. If you recognise yourself in any photographs and would like a copy, without copyright, please do drop me a line at webmaster@trainstanksandplanes.com and I’ll be happy to oblige.
Finally, I admit that any errors on this page are mine and mine alone, if you spot any goofs relating to you or your group, including caption errors, please do reach out to me and I’ll do my best to correct.
Trains, Tanks & Planes 