Living History Brings World War One Back to Life

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodromewas a hive of wartime preparation at the weekend as groups of living historians demonstrated what life was like back in 1916, when the site was an active Royal Flying Corps base.

Now the best-preserved World War One aerodrome in Europe, the Accredited Museum'sWW1 Living History Weekendon Saturday and Sunday turned the clock back to when Stow Maries was home to 37 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, defending the country against German Zeppelins and Gotha bombers.

Visitorsenjoyed interacting with the different groups ofliving historians on site, all specialising in different aspects of Great War history.Quite literally "learning the ropes", some museum-goers took the opportunity to join members of 399 Detachment, Royal Naval Division as they demonstrated the birth of battlefield casualty care and the littleknown-story of the "RND", Churchill's very own band of 'Sailors-on-Shore'. The living history group representeda camp of Sick Birth Attendants, refreshing their skills before heading to the frontlines.

Leon Seccombe and the 54th Field Ambulance, part of the WW1 Medical Services Living History Society, treated visitors to an explanation of the treatments available for wounded servicemen once they had been brought back from the Frontline, whileNeil Bond from Past Historyappeared as a British Army Chaplain for thosein need of a blessing. The Lufberys RFC Living History Group were in attendance as Royal Flying Corps personnel.The event also featured guest appearances from Kelsey Ellington, known on Instagram as The Flying Historian,and author David Dunford, signing copies of his new book Ogres in the Sky: Zeppelins Over Essex in the First World War. Another extra special treat was the visit of Mr Richard Vary in his famous Fokker Triplane, in the paint scheme of the infamous 'Red Baron'.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "The weekend, bathed in gorgeous Spring sunshine,gave visitors a window into the past to see what life was like when Stow Maries was at its busiest, ready for war in the air and on the ground."

Thenext event, on Saturday 16 May isThe Stow Maries Motorbike Show, when around 200 bikes will be displayed on site, and visitors can enjoy a barbecue, bar and bike-themed trade stalls. Then, on Sunday 24 May, one of the highlights of the year is Wings and Wheels, when hundreds of vintage cars will be joined by historic aircraft displaying overhead (weather permitting), creating a fantastic family day out.

2/… The Stow Maries Motorbike Show tickets cost £12 for adults, children 0-1 free, children 11-15 and concessions £9, available online or on the gate. Tickets for Wings and Wheels must be booked online: Adults £25, children 6-15 £12, children 0-5 free, family 2+2 £65, plus small booking free.Please note that The Airmen's Mess café is open to ticket holders only duringboth of these events.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 4pm. The new family-friendly pricing structure for 2026 means that children aged 0 to 10 are now free on all standard admission days, and prices for adults and concessions have been frozen. For more information, to book tickets for any event or to sign up to the monthly newsletter, visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.