2014 was yet another rewarding year for the Battlefront Living History Group, which brought with it new challenges and exciting opportunities to improve the groups' World War II re-enactments. The overseas events which Battlefront members were invited to, brought with them fruitful collaboration with other World War II re-enacting groups as well as strengthened ties with other enthusiasts and historical associations.
Following the successful summer events in Sicily and Italy held last year, Battlefront was also invited to participate in another distinguished event at Monte Soratte, located 50km north of the city of Rome. Italy, being one of the most popular sites for such events and also due to its geographic proximity from the Maltese islands, offers the opportunity for Maltese World War II re-enactors to combine the Mediterranean scenario exhibited by both countries during the same period. Thanks to the hospitality of the well-established 'Historica XX Secolo' association, Battlefront members had the opportunity to explore parts of the underground City built underneath Monte Soratte, originally used by Breda as an ammunitions factory and shelter, but later served as the HQ for the German Supreme Command of the South. The theme of the re-enactment was: "Oberkommando Kesselring", in which the aim was bring to life the bunkers at the time of the take-over by Field Marshall Albert Kesselring, commander in chief of Mediterranean theatre of war and defence of Italy, at Monte Soratte. . Battlefront members attended this historical reconstruction, along with other professional re-enactors, while original vehicles and ordnance added to the historical context of the event.
At the same time, 8300 miles away stands a city outside Chicago, Illinois, in which every year a World War II event is organised, bringing many groups and vehicle clubs from all over the United States into a large-scale re-enactment. Battlefront members had the golden opportunity to be part of this event exploring the grandiose open air museum, with its woods and town, which set an excellent historical scene. Some of our members representing the German section were attached with a Fallschirmjäger (German paratroopers) regiment consisting of veteran re-enactors from the USA, portraying an authentic role in the field of re-enactment. Additionally, as compared to both local and European events, memories were cherished by those who attested to the presence of World War II veterans, in particular a visit from a Fallshirmjäger veteran who was in combat during Operation market Garden (Holland) and a Canadian tank crew who fought from D-day till the end of the war.
Needless to say, France was also another favoured location to be explored by members of the British section, especially in the light of the 70th anniversary of the famous Allied liberation of Europe, Operation Overlord (better known as D-Day), which took place on 6th June 1944. Battlefront members visited key sites in Normandy that tie with them historical occurrences and stories for both the allied and axis side; attending participants set a world record of the largest motorcycle convoy in Normandy.
World War II re-enactment is a globally renowned pastime that has also developed quite extensively within the Maltese Islands. The members are avidly in constant research of the units portrayed in order present authentic scenarios to the general public, making it fun not only for the public but also offering the opportunity for others to become Battlefront Living History Group Malta. Our members are always willing to help educate the public, and apart from regular public displays, the group conducts presentations at educational facilities such as schools and colleges. It is a hobby that requires discipline and an initial investment, but is great fun and renders much satisfaction. It is therefore i a worthy consideration for history lovers out there, who are always most welcome!
If you feel that you are up to it, or would like to know more about Battlefront Living History Group Malta, contact us via e-mail: [email protected]. BLHG is also present on Facebook, featuring regular updates and upcoming event details at: www.facebook.com/battlefrontmalta