Tramps in Armour, Living History Group

British Vehicles From The 1940's Restored For Action".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Are We?:

We are a group of WW2 vehicle enthusiasts and re-enactors closely allied to The East England Military Museum as their  living history' display team and portray typical troops of the Armoured Brigades during WW2.

Our members help to staff the museum and to maintain the vehicles and by reciprocal arrangement the museums vehicles are available for use at displays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Vehicles Can We Field?:

These include, a 1945 Comet tank, two Daimler Armoured cars, 2 Dingo scout cars, 3 Universal carriers, and various other 3 and 1.5 ton trucks and motorcycles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Mission:

We do not glorify combat but intend to entertain and educate with families, students, vehicle enthusiasts and ex-service personnel .

And aim to give opportunity to audiences of all ages to reflect and learn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why 'Tramps?':

Close study of contemporary evidence and the first-hand testimony of veterans, shows that vehicle crews at the sharp end' often had a grimy and dishevelled appearance.

The smartness of the parade ground was soon eroded by realities of being in action for long periods in difficult conditions. This is the period image we strive to replicate, but it is never used as an excuse for historical inaccuracy or sloppy-ness.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Personnel:

We are a dedicated team who ensure that all vehicles are in good order and fit for display.

Displays are enhanced by attention to every detail regarding uniforms and personal equipment, giving a convincing impression of 1940's front line servicemen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But  we do not limit ourselves to armoured vehicle crew, Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Engineer fitters or  women of the Auxiliary Territorial Service are just as likely to be seen working on the vehicles.

We are keen to highlight the essential role of women's forces during this era and we have a number of Auxiliary Territorial Service (A.T.S.) personnel in support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Displays: 

Besides the usual static or moving vehicles, an encamped area is also often provided.

This includes appropriate period tentage & equipment and/or support trucks; thus enhancing the ambience of the display.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In no circumstances do we engage in battle reenactment.

 

 

The Daimler Fighting Vehicles Project

 

Reenacting & The Tramps in Armour

EXTERNAL LINKS, DON’T FORGET TO BOOKMARK www.daimler-fighting-vehicles.co.uk

BEFORE NAVIGATING AWAY

 

43rd Reconnaissance Regiment Living History Group

 

The 43rd Recce are another excellent group who possess a good selection of original vehicles.

 

These include a Daimler Armoured car, 2 Dingo scout cars, Universal carrier, Morris light recce car, 3 ton truck, 15 cwt trucks, jeeps and motorcycles.

 

They have a strong will to "do it right". And all group members are encouraged to use only genuine uniforms, equipment and weapons, or use only the best reproductions when the genuine article is not available.

 

They believe that we owe it to the Veterans to portray them as accurately as possible, and that means down to the last detail.

Tramps in Arnhem 2009

In September 2009 members of the Tramps took a half troop of armoured and other soft skin British vehicles to Arnhem for the 65th anniversary of Operation Market Garden.  

One of the Dingo’s was driven all the way from Great Britain and then back, 400 miles with no mechanical trouble.  ( The same cannot be said for the crews behinds or backs).

 

It must be said that the reception we received from both the Dutch population and veterans who we met was simply fantastic.

 

 It was an privilege to provide our vehicles, to honour those who took part in the campaign.

What is reenacting?

 

When displaying a military vehicle at a show, it is not considered appropriate to wear modern civilian clothing. Photographers and others have paid there entry fees and want to see the exhibits as they were in service. Not covered in children and with crew wearing jeans etc.  

 

Therefore many vehicle owners wear something green. And those with an eye for detail will wear a uniform correct for the period of the vehicle and bearing the correct regimental and divisional insignia.

Once clad in uniform the wearer has entered the ‘reenacting scene’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reenacting, like the restoration of historic vehicles is a hobby, and both fit neatly together

 

World War 2 reenactors bring the period events to life for the entertainment and education of the general public. They spend much time and money in accurately recreating the look and traditions of the times in order to keep the memories alive.

 

This does not  necessarily  mean that we run around with guns and pretend to shoot things.

It is more likely that we will demonstrate a Bengazi cooker, to strip and assemble a Bren gun, or display and explain the everyday kit, food and accoutrements of the WW2 soldier.

 

Reenacting enthusiasts are always keen to hear from veterans, in a quest to further improve the accuracy of their display.  Many have formed strong friendships with those that they represent and are invited along to regimental reunions to display there kit and vehicles.

In return veterans often get free entry to shows and are sometimes plied with free beer! a tried and trusted method of getting them talking!.

 

Some WW2 reenactment groups can be hired for film or TV work.

The benefit to the producers being that they already have their kit and don`t need to be instructed in looking the part.

 

It is also increasingly common for reenactors to be paid by Her Majesties Armed Forces for the provision of vehicles and equipment for such commemorations as the 60th anniversary of the end of WW2, The Lord Mayors Show etc.

 

Fees gained from TV work or paid by the Army  (after deduction of expenses )are then donated to charities concerned with the welfare of members or ex-members of the armed forces.  

 

In addition many reenactors are engaged in activities to collect for the same charitable organisations.

Photo courtesy of John Blackman.

 

 

 

The Guards at War 39-45 re-enactment Group

 

The Guards at War 39-45  portray the Household Brigade during WWII comprising some of oldest and most famous Regiments of the British Army, The Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Welsh Guards, Irish Guards and The Household Cavalry.

 

The Group originally started as the 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards and It was decided to seek official permission to wear the uniform and accoutrements of the 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards and to portray the WWII British solider as accurately as possible.

 

The group was granted written permission by Regimental Head Quarters in February 2009.