The Lucky 13th issue of Back Street Heroes

The 2010 War and Peace Show starts on the 21st of July, and features a series of special events in
celebration of the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The end of July once again saw the Hop Farm in Kent hosting the military vehicle spectacular that is the War and Peace Show. 100,000 people walked through the turnstiles during the five days of almost uninterrupted sunshine. The storm clouds gathered only once, on the Friday morning, reducing numbers for the annual ride-out from 40 to a mere 12, plus the Field Marshal’s bike – the ominous 13th vehicle. For a while, classic bikes were ditched in favour of MT350s, with riders skidding around Kent in mud, rain and wet underwear. Now, 12 bikes do not a ride-out make, but hats off anyway to winner Philippe Deschaumes with his Norton. Philippe rode his bike all the way from Censy, in north-eastern France, dressed as a British paratrooper; who said the spirit of a united Europe was dead? Thunderdome, Norfolk’s premier – and only – Mad Max re-enacting group, brought the showground to a halt dressed in outfits that wouldn’t have looked out of place at a sadomasochistic orgy. Ever wondered what it takes to unnerve a Nazi re-enactor? No, neither did we, but we do now; shoulder pads, studded codpieces, dog leads and hockey masks! The attention to detail was disturbing – these aren’t outfits you can buy at Matalan – and a fitting tribute to the pre-bonkers Mel Gibson!

With BSH now the favourite motorcycle publication of the Second Battle Group, the Field Marshal was again invited out for the last skirmish of the show. And again, he went in disguise to avoid his long hair and goatee spoiling any video footage. War wounds don’t come any more trivial than a hot MG34 cartridge down the sleeve of your camouflage jacket, but at least you know that this correspondent is prepared to suffer in pursuit of a good story... Next stop, Basra.

Words and photos: THE FIELD MARSHAL