70 years ago today...

Today is the 70th Anniversary of the start of WWII. Britain’s then Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, declared war against Germany because of the refusal by Hitler's Government to give assurances that it would withdraw from Poland. What followed was six long, hard years of warfare which resulted in between 50 to 70 Million deaths. What I always find staggering is the fact that Military deaths only account for about 21-25 Million (a huge number in itself) but that civilian casualties - including Holocaust victims - number between 40-52 million.

I listened to an article about Neville Chamberlain on Radio 4 last week in which is was asked, was war really inevitable? Was the policy of Appeasement really the only option open to Chamberlain and the other European leaders? Seventy years on this is still an important question because if History teaches us anything it is that History repeats itself.

Update: There's an interesting article on the BBC website today discussing the legacy of Chamberlain and the reputation he gained (fairly or not depending on your point of view) as a result of the Munich Accord and its subsequent failure.

Military Odyssey 2009

On Bank Holiday Monday I went to the Military Odyssey Living History event at the Kent County Showground. I've been to this event several times and this was the events 9th year. It features re-enactors and traders covering a wide range of periods.

As well as larger battle reenactments there are also much smaller displays such as this one by the Hopolite Association.

Of course the more popular - and therefore larger - periods are represented very well at an event like this. This American Civil War display was demonstrating battlefield drill.

Although much smaller in number I thought the WWI re-enactors put on one of the best demo's of the day. The British were represented by groups like The Birmingham Pals & the 10th Essex. The massive German army was represented by about 8 re-enactors from Infantry Regiment 28.

The thing I like about this event is that there is always something to surprise. And the quality of the recreations is always very high. This year the event seems a little slow and didn't get busy until after lunch. I spoke to several traders and they said that business had been brisk over the weekend. Maybe the weather (which started off a bit gray) put people off.

There was a distinct lack of Armour at this years show. The only WWII tank (on either side) was a Pz.Kpfw. IV (medium tank). We saw this vehicle a couple of weeks ago at the Damyns Hall Display. The Panzer IV was the mainstay of the German Panzer Divisions during WWII, in production - with various upgrades in weapons & Armour - for the whole of the conflict.

I'll try to post some more video from the event in coming days but in the meantime here's a link to my Picasa Web Album for this event.

The day after Odyssey

I went to Military Odyssey yesterday and of course shot a load of pictures and some Video. As usual I'm still working my way through them, editing out the rubbish and cropping, enhancing & labeling the best pictures. Once completed I'll post them here. In the meantime here's a bit of video I shot of the event.

This was the march past at the end of the WW1 Battle recreation. Unfortunately I was standing directly below the public address system... Try and enjoy the video and ignore the announcement about some woman who's lost her husband.

He's not lost dear... he gave you the slip.

Order of War

I don't play many computer games these days, I just don't have the time to devote to them in between all my other hobbies. But now and again I am tempted play some digital warfare. One game that looks cool is Order of War.

"In the summer of 1944, the Second World War entered its end-game when the Allies launched two major operations that would drive back German forces on both the Western and Eastern Fronts at once. In the ultimate test of military strategy, ORDER OF WAR will challenge you not only to lead America’s finest to victory in the West, but also place you in command of German forces charged with repelling the Red Army’s seemingly unstoppable offensive in the East.Even the keenest military minds will find that it’s one thing to make history, but quite another to change it. Do you have what it takes to command?"
(Source: gamershell.com)

The screenshots look stunning although I was struck by the very cinematic feel of the images.
I saw this short video for the game and thought it worth posting. The vid is embeded so just click the play button and it should work... hopefully.

Order of War is due for release on September 18th.