Bowes Railway 1940s Weekend - June 13/14th The Bowes Railway event was brought forwards by two weeks this year, I think to avoid clashing with local Armed Forces Day events. Perhaps this was the reason they didn't get the baking hot weekend like usual. While it was bright enough on day 1, there was a cold 20+mph wind whistling up and down the rail yard, spreading grit and coal dust over everything. I took the Jeep for the first day and was pleasantly surprised to see two new vehicles on display, neither of which I've seen in the region over the last 21 years. They were an RAF marked Dennis Max truck and a Bedford tanker.

There were four other Jeeps on show, two Kubelwagons, a motorcycle and side car, an Austin K2, Bedford MW and a tiny Fiat car.

Spread around the various museum buildings were re-enactor displays from British, American, German and Russian forces.

Many of the troops were seen marching around the site across the weekend or performing weapons drill.

On the second day, I took the Dodge. To save assembly time on Sunday morning, I fitted the bows, but not the canvas. The Dodge looks a bit odd like this. Within an hour or so of arriving on Sunday, it clouded over and looked like it was going to rain, so the canvas was fitted. It did help to keep the wind out while I was sitting in the truck.

Many of the re-enactor groups were also involved in the battle each day. There was a late morning firing demonstration and then a full battle around mid-afternoon. For these battles, the Germans, some Russians and British were involved.

The battles took place amongst the rail lines in the yard and as I've mentioned before about this event, it brought back many memories of 1960s and 70s war films.

I came home very tired after both days, I think as a result of the battering by the strong winds. Due to the dust storms, I think both vehicles need washing, especially as they will both be used for my daughter's Prom in early July.

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