History in Action
2000
by Steve Vickers
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With recreations of the invasion of Britain by the Romans and the Normandy landings including numerous armoured vehicles and Spitfire fighters, this event is the only one of its type in the world.
This year saw the European Napleonic Society field its largest contingent. The spectacular 1st Battalion found itself facing the mighty 9éme Légèr and the herioc 12th Light Dragoons faced the stoic French Artillery. The ENS is now recognised as the premier Napoleonic re-enactment organisation and true to form there were re-enacters from; Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg.
The event finished in traditional style with the "Battle of Times" where all the re-enactors take the field and produce their own time warp. The most unusual incident was where the 1st Battalion withdrew in loose order from advancing Vikings with an armoured car as support! In the spirit of the engagement the 9é found themselves supported by French troops from other periods. A spectacular end to a superb weekend. The one question on everyones lips is whether there will be a History in Action next year? We all hope so.
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The History in Action event has been held by English Heritage at Kirby Hall, Northamptonshire for 5 consecutive years. For many groups it is the highlight of the re-enactment calendar. For others it is the chance to show off in front of other organisations. History in Action has become the shop window where if you are a re-enactor or a visitor there will be something that will interest you.
With so many groups and only one day to show everything, there were 5 arenas where simultaneous actions were held. Adjacent to these were the period camps where the best groups live 24 hours a day and show life as it would have been during those long periods between the frenzy of battle.
The Regiment de la Reine from New France & Old England and other infantry from later French armies joined forces and formed what can only be described as a French column of history. Neither Viking Huscarls nor the pike blocks of the English Civil War could stop it.