What would be expected of you?
From our point of view commitment is one of the main things that we should expect. Obviously we would like people who could attend every meeting as it gives a chance to pass on information and take part in drill exercises forming what is generally known as a team spirit. Members who say they will turn up and then do not only cause bad feeling. The more time you give the more you will get out of the group and the more the group is given to do.
To take part in any of the shows each member needs to have the correct uniform and this you are expected to buy for yourself and must be appropriate to the service requirements. Some may find difficulties in gathering all that they need but this can probably be overcome from within the group where there are a number of spare items available.
Location
We are probably luckier than many groups in that over the years we are very fortunate to have been accepted by The Historic Dockyard at Chatham as one of its own re-enactment groups and we are therefore privileged to be able to work in what was one of the countries major naval bases.
Although sadly much reduced in size the dockyard can still lay claim to some fine buildings such as the covered slip ways so the setting is a fine one for us.
The Dockyard can also boast that it displays not only the last World War Two Destroyer in Britain, H.M.S. Cavalier, but also the Submarine 'Ocelot' and the Victorian sloop 'Gannet'. With the permission of the Dockyard Trust we have been granted access to these fine vessels which act as a constant reminder of the nautical past.
However, having Chatham as our 'Home Port' does at time have its drawbacks as this has meant that the group is often under the eye of veterans who served at or sailed from the base and who will soon tell us if we are doing things incorrectly. In some ways this is a good thing as it keeps us constantly on the alert as to mistakes and improvements to our display.
Past activities
Over the past few years we have made it our priority where possible to attend shows at the dockyard after all we do utilise it as our base but we are by no means restricted to it as our past calendar would show. War Weekends and displays have allowed us to be seen in various locations about the country where occasionally we have been chosen to act as Aides to retired and serving Officers or as Honour guards for veterans, where without being conceited we were complemented on both our turnout and performance.
Like many re-enactment groups we like to take part in filming when the opportunity arises which unfortunately is not frequent but we have done our share. Our two main claims to fame in this area was firstly the filming on board the 'Belfast' for the death of the Sharnhorst, secondly the evacuation of Dunkirk where all of our vehicles were used and most of the members.
During the winter period of 2004 and 2005 members donated a great deal of time in helping to restore two major projects at the dockyard and it is hoped that in the coming seasons these will be completed and incorporated into the displays.
One was the restoration of a mobile office which had spent many years in the open and was used by the Admiralty Constabulary. The other was a well wagon on which a Naval 12pdr was place. Originally the wagon was fitted with a 6inch Naval gun. Our intention is eventually to get the gun proofed to fire blank rounds.
