A Squadron of WW2 re-enactors camp set up camp on the Airfield at the Goodwood Revival 2015. Authenticity and attention to detail are paramount. Surrounded by Spitfires taking off and landing, the re-enactors undertake and follow a 1940's military lifestyle. These series of portraits capture some of the faces and uniforms in a moment of reflection in between drilling, air raids and various daily activities.
The photographs form part of a 5 year project depicting WW2 re-enactors.
As the WW2 generation are dying out, a post war generation in Britain are keeping history alive.
Like many people of the post war generation , I was saturated by WW2. I grew up playing with soldiers, tanks and action men figures. I read war comics, WW2 books and seemed to have watched every black and white war film ever made. Furthermore my grandfathers first hand stories the war and his collection of photographs permeated into my imagination.
I realised these re-enactors were maybe like me, perhaps inspired by film, combined with a fascination and passion for history, from seeds planted in my youth.
The photos are inspired by cinematic moments frozen in time. To me, British War films seemed to a celebration of Britishness and British life. Depicting its character, heroism, stoicism . The photographs also convey British eccentricity and obsession, a small WW2 community and sub-culture.
