'History Comes Alive' is a bi-annual event organised by the Geelong Branch of the
Military Historical Society (MHS) and the Geelong Military Re-enactment Group
(GMRG) and this year the event took place over the weekend of the 4-5 May at the Barwon Park Mansion in Winchelsea.
The theme for 2013 was 'The Age of Gunpowder' and once again the grounds of the mansion and several out-buildings were transformed into a variety of military encampments and
set pieces, containing a number of restored military vehicles, pieces of equipment and many original and replica items. Helping to provide some context to all of this were 100+ members of the MHS and GMRG, all of which were dressed in period military uniforms dating from the Napoleonic Wars through to the Vietnam conflict.
The sheer variety and number of restored military
vehicles on display - more than in 2011 - was also great to see and these consisted of the following:
This
is only the second time the event has been held at the Barwon Park Mansion and despite the day being very cool and the surroundings quite dusty - due to a lack of rain - it was nevertheless a great day out. The best way of staying warm, was to partake of the tea and scones served on the verandah of the Mansion by the local Historical Society - delicious. http://www.facebook.com/GeelongMRG
A number of military re-enactments were also performed throughout
the day, but the real highlight for me this year was seeing the M3 Stuart Tank in action - complete with operating gas guns - showing off its speed and maneuverability - impressive.
 |
| The Stuart at speed |
Bren
Gun carrier, CMP Chevrolet Blitz Portee with 2pdr anti-tank gun, CMP Chevrolet Blitz, WOT Truck, Daimler Dingo, M3A1
White Scout Car (2), Dodge Weapons Carrier with trailer,
GMC CCKW 6x6 cargo truck, Marmon Herrington, BSA
motorcycle, BMW motorcycle, Harley Davidson motorcycle, Willys Jeep (4), 25 Pounder
field gun with limber (2), Mack NM 6x6 tank transporter, SAS Jeep and LRDG Chevrolet.
