Having a blast at the Overlord show

THE fields around Denmead have been filled with the sounds of warfare this weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th May 2017, 07:11 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:27 BST
A battle display at the Overlord show Pictures: Habibur RahmanA battle display at the Overlord show Pictures: Habibur Rahman
A battle display at the Overlord show Pictures: Habibur Rahman

But the public need not fear an invasion – it’s the annual Overlord Show which sees more than 300 military vehicles and about 500 re-enactors come together for the bank holiday weekend.

The show, which is organised by the Solent Overlord Executive Military Collectors Club, displays vehicles from the First World War through to the present day.

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And across the weekend, the re-enactors put on skirmishes and scenarios for the crowd’s entertainment, with thousands coming from across the country.

A plane on display at the Overlord ShowA plane on display at the Overlord Show
A plane on display at the Overlord Show

Dressed in period uniform and even smoking a pipe, Simon Ulrich, from Rustington brought his 1917 Ford Model T to the show.

He originally bought it as a rolling chassis and has painstakingly restored it to how it would have appeared during the First World War.

‘I bought it about five years ago and got it ready in time for the 1914 anniversary. I take it out to lots of shows and it’s done a lot of film work too.

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‘I’ve loved Jeeps and tractors since I was a kid, so I’m lucky, I’ve been able to combine my hobby with my work, I’m an agricultural engineer.’

AT EASE Catherine Taylor, Paul Kodak and Jack PittmanAT EASE Catherine Taylor, Paul Kodak and Jack Pittman
AT EASE Catherine Taylor, Paul Kodak and Jack Pittman

Brad Till, 33, from Portchester was there with his children, Elsie, four and Woody, three. He said: ‘I brought Elsie last year, it was only because I was driving past, saw it and was curious.

‘This is the first time I’ve brought Woody and he’s loved it.

‘He’s been out on the four-wheel-drive, and they love looking at the old vehicles and the plane. We’ve been having a great time.’

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Emma McCartney, 38, from Waterlooville, and her son Jake Shaw, 20, are regulars at the event.

One of the displays at the Overlord Show, called Just Ordinary MenOne of the displays at the Overlord Show, called Just Ordinary Men
One of the displays at the Overlord Show, called Just Ordinary Men

Emma said: ‘I’ve learned so much today, I love it. I’ve been trying all sorts of stuff out and asking lots of questions – people love to tell you about these things.’

The Red Ball Express team brought about 15 vehicles. Group member Mick Wilson, from Farnborough, said: ‘We’re really into the vehicles and the maintenance, but then we got into the battles and blowing stuff up — we’re basically big kids playing with big kids’ toys.’

The show has its final day today, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

For more information go to overlordshow.co.uk

Related topics:DenmeadRustington