'Weathered' British Airborne Helmet

Ok, so some of you may know about my liking of all things 'weathered', that's 'weathered' NOT 'aged' (and its a personal preference, not a group preference). After being inspired to weather my Airborne helmet after seeing the work of Greg from Texas who makes and weathers his own range of helmets (If anyone has a link or contact details for Greg, please let us know). Although his work is outstanding, unfortunately his prices (for me) are a little prohibitive so as I had my own Pegasus Militaria reproduction helmet I guessed it'd be simple enough to do the weathering work myself. Here's my efforts, minus any stampings which I need to make for the inside. The Glider Pilot helmet is on course and I'll have some updated photos asap so watch this space. Cheers Matt.

Battlefield History TV Release Another Market Garden DVD Cover

The chaps over at BHTV were kind enough to send me another DVD cover design for the second (or third) part of their soon to be released Market Garden trilogy. The first part should be available by the end of January 2012 with parts 2 and 3 following (see previous posting for Part 1 DVD cover). If previous BHTV publications have been anything to go by (The Glider Pilot Regiment and Pegasus Bridge) then this MG trilogy should be worth adding to the collection, along with the fact that a certain GPR living history group, with friends, took part in the battlefield reenactments! I'll keep you all updated as to release dates etc. Cheers!

Glider Pilot Helmet

Yes, I've actually started the project!! Its my intention to make a replica of the helmet worn by Glider Pilots in flight (this was removed and replaced by the standard airborne helmet once the aircraft was on the ground). I've managed to source an original 'C' Type RAF flying helmet, mask and earphones which will form the basis of my replica. 'All' I need to do now is fabricate the helmet shell and inner! Easy! :) Watch this space for more....

At Last Pics of Chalk at the Victory Show!

As some of you might know, I foolishly forgot to take photos of our own group at this year's Victory Show duh. However, Chalk member Ethan managed to remember and has supplied me with his photo's which I've now aged and posted for your enjoyment. There are also a number of photos of Chalk that I found on Facebook, I'm afraid I don't know the photographer so if its you or you know who it is please let me know. As usual, clicking on the images will open in a new, larger window. Matt

A Couple Of Extra Victory Show

Just a couple of extra Victory Show pics. New visitors scroll down for more... Cheers

A Couple Of Extra Varsity Pics

I just gave these pics the same treatment as the Victory Show set and thought I'd stick em up here.

Victory Show British Airborne Display Success!

Chalk teamed up with other like minded individuals last weekend for the Victory Show 2011 to recreate the Oosterbeek perimeter which was set up outside Arnhem during the ill fated Market Garden operation of September 1944. The display was absolutely superb, everyone pulled together and the standards were extremely high. As a participant I'd like to say how great it was to work along side everyone involved, it was a great opportunity to meet new folk and catch up with old ones. If you weren't able to see it, then you really did miss out and shame on you. Fortunately we're already discussing next year's show so if you watch this space... Here are just a few pics of the event - we were so busy answering questions from visitors that I literally couldn't get any more photos! Clicking on the image will increase its size. Enjoy.

The New Batch of Rangercamp Denison Smocks

Chalk haven't seen one in the 'flesh' yet but we have been sent these images of the latest batch of Denison smocks from Richard at Rangercamp. You'll see that they now produce the 2nd pattern smock as well as the 1st pattern and a full zip 'officer's' version. Personally, I'm happy with my Rangercamp smocks (although I know some of you aren't too keen on the colours), I think they look particularly good once slightly weathered in and when I need another (as you do) I'll be sure to order one! Orders can be made through Rangercamp's UK agent Ellen Yao by emailing her for payment and delivery instructions at: springwestlake@googlemail.com

Chalk Prepares for Victory Show!

The Victory Show once again opens its doors at 9.00am on September 3rd for what we hope to be another first class event. This year Chalk will be joining forces with other British Airborne groups to recreate the Oosterbeek perimeter. We hope to have as many British Airborne as possible for this one so if that's what interests you then please come along and see us! We'd be glad to see you. For further information please visit the website: http://www.thevictoryshow.co.uk/ Cheers, Matt.

Chalk Shares First Place with Just Ordinary Men at W&P 2011

As mentioned earlier Chalk as guests of Just Ordinary Men shared in first place for best small display along with VERA and Battle for Europe at this years War and Peace show! Well done to everyone that took part and thanks to Ian Pope of Just Ordinary Men for letting us have a copy of the certificate! Matt

A Couple More Pics, Courtesy of the War and Peace Show

I had a little look through the War and Peace Show photo gallery and lo and behold I found some of Chalk lurking in there!! Ain't they purty? Matt

Chalk Takes Part in Market Garden DVD

Some time ago I contacted Battlefield History Television after seeing that they were intending to make a series of documentary DVD's dealing with Operation Market Garden. I offered our services (and VERA's) as a living history group specialising in British Airborne troops circa 1944. We eventually agreed that the War & Peace Show would be an excellent location for the filming to be done, and also this way we would be able to involve some of the other British Airborne living history groups who were attending; Just Ordinary Men, Battle for Europe and of course VERA. The DVD should be launched in the new year 2012 by Pen and Sword so make sure you look out for it. Below is an example of the cover that BHTV have prepared. Cheers Matt.