Battle for the Airfield

October 10, 2021 — It was the third event I attended at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts, this season. This realistically staged reenactment of a tank battle between Allied and Axis forces in World War II raged back and forth over a large field behind the three exhibits that make up the Collings Foundation complex, the Heritage Museum, Historic Aircraft and Classic Car Barn, all open during this two-day event.

Before the battle, the Allied and Axis encampments are widely separated at opposite ends of the field. Each side has a collection of authentic tanks, cannons, small arms and memorabilia from the WW II era. We could explore each camp until they cleared the field of spectators to prepare for each battle. There were two battles a day. Reenactors and other experts, in the authentic uniforms of their nations, were happy to answer questions about their vehicles, weaponry and history.

The battle was realistic. Explosions were loud and ear plugs were recommended and for sale at the event. Prior to each battle, an honor guard marched out, there was a brief ceremony, and an announcer gave an encapsulated history of the war. The announcer narrated the action throughout the battle which took about 45 minutes. Between battles, there was a roundtable in a tent with seating for an audience where two WW II veterans recounted their experiences in the war.

Videos and photos of the event can be seen at this link, but they hardly do it justice. You have to be there. Watch for it next year.

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/airfieldbattle/