Military and civilian re-enactors will help you experience life as it was during World War II. Visit a 1940s general store, toy shop and kitchen. Experience an air raid and take cover in our shelter...
Around 150 re-enactors both military and civilian will help you experience life as it was during World War II. Visit a 1940s general store, toy shop and kitchen. Experience an air raid and take cover in our shelter. Sing along to the classic songs of the 1940s with Tricia Dibb. Kids can make a gas mask, supervised by the Royal Gunpowder Mills Education Team. Take a Land Train guided tour of the Mills (subject to availability). Test your skill at the Airsoft shooting range. Shop for goods at our Traders stalls. Each day ends with a 'live firing' battle.
Grace Spitfire Display - Monday
For Monday only, Carolyn Grace in her Spitfire, will perform a spectacular aerial display, weather permitting. Time, approximately 1.00 pm. Read more about the Grace Spitfire...
A dedicated stand selling Grace Spitfire memorabilia will be available over the weekend.
De Havilland Vampire Display - Sunday
Cancelled
We have just been informed by the Vampire Preservation Group that this display is cancelled. This is due to technical difficulties with the aircraft.
There will also be an opportunity to meet the pilot of the Vampire, Matt Hampton, at the Vampire Preservation Group Trade Stand after the display.
Photograph Competition
Your photograph of WZ507 displaying today could win you a flight in the aircraft! Simply submit your picture to the VPG via the website – the winner will be announced in October 2008.
Read more about the de Havilland Vampire...
Please visit us at: www.vampirepreservation.org.uk
The Hummingbirds
The Hummingbirds present 1930s and 1940s nostalgia with close harmony vocals, Andrews Sisters Style.
Cathy Edkins, Jenny Ewington and Jill Luff are all trained singers and met through the ‘Cappella Singers’.
The Hummingbirds began in 2000, when Jenny penned some arrangements in the style of the Andrews Sisters and asked Cathy and Jill if they fancied having some fun trying these out. They found that not only did they have fun but that their voices blended well together. So today they perform many standards as a group or as solo numbers from that golden era of music and the silver screen.
Home Front Friends
Visit the Home Front Friends website.
The Ray Sears Collection of Waltham Abbey Photographs
Extra Free Parking will be available for this event at the Lee Valley Park Showgrounds, a 10 minute walk from the Royal Gunpowder Mills.
Many visitors will be aware of the storming of the Merville Battery by the 9th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. This famous battle, fought in the early hours of 6th June 1944 - D Day, was won by the guts and determination of Lt Col Otway’s gallant few.
The Battalion, now numbering only 170 all ranks, were kept in the line by necessity. On 10th June the Battalion’s "C" Coy were detailed to seize and hold the Chateau St Come, in the woods before Breville, a strongly defended German HQ. Truly, they were required to “hold until relieved”. The mission was achieved.
The enemy launched numerous counter-attacks during the following three days, with mortar and artillery support, but the Battalion’s defence was so strong that a German commander captured during the battle reported that his unit had been wiped out. They were relieved on the 13th.
The re-enactment battle, using men, vehicles, blank ammunition and pyrotechnics, at Royal Gunpowder Mills VE Commemoration 2008 seeks not to glorify war, but to do honour to all ranks of the 9th Battalion, and their supporting arms, by a demonstrating only a little of what they were forced to endure at St Come in June 1944.
Allied Units
Ox’s & Bucks Light Infantry
Royal Norfolk A Company - http://www.royalnorfolks.com/
1st Allied Airborne Army
US 29th Infantry Division - http://www.29th.co.uk/
1st SSF
Gold Beach LHG
Hatfield Armoured
Just Ordinary Men - http://www.justordinarymen.org.uk
The Forties Family
Battle for Europe - http://www.battle4europe.co.uk/
514th Log - http://www.514th.co.uk
39-45 Living History Society - http://www.39-45society.com
Polar Bears
Axis Units
Green Devils
Der Fuhrer
Feldgendarmerie 39-45 - http://www.fg3945.org.uk
FJ Stug Brigade 12 - http://www.stug-12.co.uk
Grossdeutchland - http://www.gdrecon.co.uk
Lutwaffe Appreciation Society - http://www.luftwaffesociety.com
Afra - http://www.afra.org.uk
Junkerschule Bad Tolz
2 Koy Pz Gren Regt, GD
| Saturday 3rd May & Sunday 4th May | |
| 12.00 pm | A 40 minute performance from the Hummingbirds of WWII songs and songs from that period. |
| 14.30 pm | A second 40 minute performance from the Hummingbirds of WWII songs and songs from that period. |
| 15.15 pm | The battle commences on the events ground. |
| Bank Holiday Monday 5th May | |
| 12.00 pm | A 40 minute performance from the Hummingbirds of WWII songs and songs from that period. |
Between 12.30 - 13.30 pm |
Ten minute aerobatic display by the Grace Spitfire over the events grounds. |
| 14.30 pm | A second 40 minute performance from the Hummingbirds of WWII songs and songs from that period. |
| 15.00 pm | The battle commences on the events ground. |
| 16.00 pm | Presentation of the "Best Display" award. |
Vampire Preservation Group (Sunday only)
Website: www.vampirepreservation.org.uk
Automobile Association
Emergency vehicle breakdown cover
Mobile: 07917591498
Email: Automobile Association
Website: www.theaa.com
Maggie’s Pet Rescue & Rehoming Service
Registered Charity (1065027)rescue & re-homing service, selling china cups, dog ornaments, brushes, mini soaps, books, dog rugs, pens, etc.
Phone: 01268 559811
Mobile: 07850 125 201
Email: Pet Rescue
Website: www.maggiespetrescue.co.uk
Soldier Magazine
Produce and distribute the in-house journal of the British Army.
Phone: 01252347352
Mobile: 07748182215
Website: www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
Kiddy Leisure
Battery powered mini off-roaders and go-karts for the entertainment of children.
Phone: 01562754594
Mobile: 07843020406
Email: Kiddy Leisure
Website:www.kiddyleisure.co.uk
Airsoft Force
Airsoft Shooting Range
Phone: 01268473490
Mobile: 07813216968
Toys For The Bigger Boys
Airsoft guns. Over 18s only.
Mobile: 07833652664
Michelle's
Reproduction 1940s Clothing & Accessories
Phone: 02476610115
Mobile: 07730617222
Mike's Models
Selling Diecast Models
Phone: 02082028482
Mobile: 07906723126
Email: Mike's Models
Suffolk Gifts
Victorian boxes, pearls, Suffolk bean
Phone: 01394282878
Email: Suffolk Gifts
Techpro UK
Selling Natterjack Cider
Phone: 01379788614
Mobile: 07985054200
Email: Techpro UK
Cornerways
Handmade - window chimes, magnetic Hummbugs, children's hairbraids and friendship bracelets
Phone: 01394283051
Email: Cornerways
The Crepe King
Savoury & Sweet Pancakes
Phone: 10284750961
Mobile: 07817891806
Email: The Crepe King
XS Military Ltd.
Clothing and camping / survival equipment, as well as children's clothing.
Mobile: 07899980523
Website: www.xsmilitary.com
Email: xsmilitary@aol.com
Richard A. Underwood
Original and replica uniforms and equipment for re-enacting.
Mobile: 07958449161
Website: www.richardaunderwood.com
Kabrit
WWII
Phone: 07788860018
Motion Picture Props
Reproduction clothing and equipment.
Website: www.motion-picture-props.com
Quartermaster Stores
WWII US military uniforms and living history equipment.
Mobile: 01992280787
Matthews & Dukes
Militaria, uniforms, badges and civilian clothes.
