Show exhibitors are in the wars

Some of the biggest battles in history were shrunk to miniature proportions for a military display in Wolverhampton.

The West Midlands Military Show, held at Aldersley Leisure Village, featured more than 50 displays covering everything from the English Civil War to the Victorian era.

Around 800 visitors to the centre in Hugh Porter Way yesterday saw a group dressed as British soldiers who fought the Zulu tribes in Africa in the 1870s. The 80th Regiment of Foot group came from Stoke-on-Trent to display their replica uniforms and real rifles.

Phil Joynson, aged 57, is a warehouseman by day but was dressed as a private for the event. He said: “We all just love the Victorian period. I think we were all influenced by the film, Zulu. We go to a lot of shows like this and take part in six or seven re-enactment camps every year.”

John Vaughan from Wolverhampton brought the 1943 Willy’s Jeep he has spent 16 years refurbishing as well as a WLA Harley Davidson motorbike which was used by the US forces at Arnhem.

The 76-year-old retired builder, of Bee Lane, Fordhouses, said: “I bought them because they are a piece of our history. This make of Jeep was nicknamed the Gold Devil. They were built to last and with a bit of work this one is still going strong. I drove it over here today. It doesn’t need a trailer.”

The war games featured at the event are usually based on throwing dice to determine what advantage each player can get.

Friends Nigel Bayley and Kevin Reynolds formed the Wolverhampton War Gamers.

Their game is based on the Battle of Stalingrad in the Second World War and features buildings more than many other board based war games. Warehouse worker Mr Bayley, aged 47, of Pickford Road, Fallings Park, said: “Some years I’ll spend £1,000.”

Father-of-two and forklift driver Mr Reynolds, aged 47, of Manston Hill, Penkridge, makes the journey to his friend’s house for games.

Paul Yates, secretary of Walsall’s Alumwell War Games Society, which organised the fair said it was the biggest of its kind in the West Midlands. Yesterday’s event was the 31st held at Aldersley.