On 21st September the Redline Home Guard had the pleasure of attending the Abingdon Air and Country Show. Our display showed a field office. It was complete with a wide range of equipment and weapons used by the Home Guard during World War II. Despite the weather being a bit unpredictable, the day turned out to be an incredible success, with plenty of enthusiastic visitors stopping by our display.
Setting Up
We arrived at the airshow bright and early, and started setting up. Our display featured a variety of authentic equipment and weapons. It included communication devices, road blocks, and anti-tank devices. There was also a wide range of the weaponry available to the Home Guard over the course of the war. The aim was to give people a real sense of what the Home Guard was like during those challenging times – how they operated, the tools they relied on, and the crucial role they played in Britain’s defence.
We had many conversations with members of the public about the Home Guard’s history. Visitors shared stories they’d heard from grandparents or other family members who served during the war. It’s always wonderful to see how much interest there is in keeping this important part of our history alive.
A Hurricane Backdrop
One of the standout features was being positioned right next to a life-size replica of a Hawker Hurricane. One of the most iconic British fighter planes from WWII provided a great backdrop to our display. This added a real sense of wartime atmosphere allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Many of the public enjoyed getting photos with both our display and the Hurricane replica, creating a perfect combination of land and air history.
Real Hurricane in Action
As well as the replica Hurricane, we were treated to an air display by a the real thing. Watching it soar through the skies, with the unmistakable roar of its Merlin engine, was a spectacular reminder of the power and agility that helped turn the tide during the Battle of Britain.
Weathering the Elements
The weather wasn’t on our side at times. There was drizzle and occasional heavier spells of rain. However, it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd or our team. We managed to keep everything dry and operational. This was thanks to some quick thinking and the classic British “make do and mend” attitude. In fact, the unpredictable weather seemed to add to the day’s authenticity. After all, the Home Guard would have faced plenty of days like this during their wartime patrols and duties.
Engaging with the Public
The best part of the day was undoubtedly interacting with the many members of the public. They stopped by to chat, ask questions, and take a closer look at the equipment. There’s always a great sense of community at events like these. People of all ages are eager to learn more. They share their own connections to the war. It was heartwarming to see children fascinated by the displays. They asked questions about the weapons and uniforms. They gained a real sense of the Home Guard’s role in protecting the country during difficult times.
A Successful Day
The day was a great success despite the occasional hiccup with the weather. We left feeling proud of the Redline Home Guard’s contribution to the Abingdon Air and Country Show. Our display, combined with the Hurricane replica and air displays created a truly memorable day for everyone involved.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the Abingdon Air and Country Show team for hosting us. We also thank all the visitors who took the time to stop by and say hello. We hope you enjoyed the display. We certainly enjoyed putting it on. We look forward to bringing more Home Guard history to life at future events!
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