RE: Re-enactors, Actors and medals
Well, it seems I have struck a chord here, and about time too.
Just for the record, I never have & never will show any disrespect to veterans, rank, insignia or uniforms. OK, that’s out of the way.
I too am an ex serviceman of the 1980’s, and so, there is absolutely no way I could have even been thought about in the 1940’s. Whilst serving, it was also drummed into us “Don’t wear uniform in ‘Civvy Street’.” For obvious security reasons.
I equally agree that there is nothing better than having a re-enactor taking on the role of an airman (or soldier) at an airshow, to answer questions put to them by the bystanders, be them veterans or youngsters, so long as his outward appearance is authentic (and passes the 3ft test).
The group I am associated with, ensures that each of it’s members who take on a particular role actually get to know all about the intricacies of that role, for example our Navigator is fully conversant with a Navigators duties, same with our gunners, wireless operator & so on.
We have formed a crew, each member of our crew wears a rank which is appropriate to his outward appearance, this is simply for authenticity. After all, it is no good having a sixteen year old portraying an Air Vice Marshal & equally it would be pretty unauthentic having someone aged 55 portraying an AC2. Most of our group have some military background, be it armed forces or one of the Cadet organisations, so drill and discipline are not an issue. Hair & jewelery are always checked for accuracy, and so are the uniforms.
Our “Skipper” wears the rank of Squadron Leader. He does this for a number of reasons: He also runs the group, organises everything, is responsible for “hiring & firing” of members, he is easy to direct to, and finally judging by his outward appearance, he more than likely WOULD have been a Squadron Leader at that time. Now then, here’s the crux of the matter… Also on the “Skipper’s” uniforms, both battle dress & service dress, he sport’s a DFC ribbon! Again, his reason for wearing the ribbon is simply that on the ballance of probabilities alone, by his age, rank & experience, he probably would indeed have been awarded a DFC. This is in no way a matter of disrespect, nor is it a snub to the many many aircrew who did not recieve an award for bravery, but it is purely a part of the overall role he portrays. Our “Skipper” is on his second tour with Bomber Command & everyone concerned with our group agrees that this is truly an authentic portrayal. The Skipper incidentally is the only one who is wearing a ribbon.
Our crew has been seen & spoken to by a number of high ranking currently serving RAF officers & dignitaries, all who thought our portrayal was genuine, the same can be said by the many veterans who meet our group, they all think our portrayal is authentic.
There are never any REAL medals worn, we have no requirement for that, and would have to refuse anyone’s request to do so, there is just the one DFC ribbon.
We only wear the uniforms at organised events such as air shows and re-enactment weekends, so, the question is again… “Are we offending anyone, if so, why, and is there any legislation around to cover this subject?”
All your comments to date have been super, please keep them coming in & I will do my utmost to come back with answers.
Halibag
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