Armisticeeventbackonthecalendar

Armistice in Cambridge is back in business, boots ‘n all, after a twoyear hiatus.

The annual event – scheduled for November 5 & 6 this year – commemorates the association of Cambridge with the French town of Le Quesnoy, liberated by Kiwi troops from German forces in the later stages of WWI, and the signing of the Armistice document that brought an end to the ‘Great War’ of 1914 -1918.

In previous years, the Cambridge event has grown to be a focal point for military vehicle and re-enactment groups, attracting thousands of visitors to Mighty River Domain at Karapiro.

Organising committee chairman Paul Watkins says the 2022 event, following two years of Covid disruptions, looked like being a good one.

‘‘We’ve had two years where we haven’t been able to do anything due to Covid and the event funders have had nothing to provide money for – so we have been able to receive funding easily this year. Everything we asked for we got. As a result we’ve been able to make this year’s event free to enter for the public.’’

The central theme this year will be the 80th anniversary of the arrival of American troops in New Zealand during WWII. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in Hawaii in December 1941, up to 45,000 American troops were based in New Zealand until mid-1944, often for R&R after fighting in the Pacific.

Most of the troops were in camps around Auckland and Wellington but some were lodged in the Waikato. As well as soldiers and marines, many US naval and merchant marine personnel spent time in this country.

‘‘The American re-enactors are probably the largest group we have,’’ Paul says.

‘‘We also have Romans and the Norse who will act out their battle scenes on the lower field. The Norse will create a shield wall and the kids will have fun trying to push them over.’’

There will be more than 20 interactive activities available to all ages, including archery, Airsoft target shooting, WWII Jeep rides, driving an RC tank and more.

‘‘We’ve had a lot of support from the Royal New Zealand Navy. One advantage we do have is water (Lake Karapiro) and visitors will be able to have a ride in a steam pinnace (ship’s boat).’’

Paul says visitors to the twoday event will be able to watch famous historical battle reenactments – including a Pacific Battle, the Battle in the WWII Market Garden operation, a Boer War re-enactment, WWI scenes, North Africa focused on the battles around Tobruk, and the

Vietnam War era.

Armistice in Cambridge visitors will be able to walk around historical display camps, chat to the re-enactors, and check out the huge collection of historic military vehicles and artillery that will be on display.

Re-enactment organiser Brad Taylor said mock battles chew through a prodigious quantity of (blank) ammunition; each battle can cost up to $1500. Luckily, as Armistice in Cambridge 2021 didn’t happen due to Covid, the organisers already had the ammo supply on hand – thousands of rounds which are mostly handloaded by one member.

‘‘Mock-battles can take between 150 and 300 participants. They’re slowly getting bigger and bigger.’’ Brad says people get into military re-enactment out of interest and to show off their collections. It was also to help educate the public and allow the kids to play games.

‘‘We firmly believe that to learn about our history, we must interact with it. Armistice in Cambridge is an action-packed two days of fun for the whole family.’’

❚