"I bought a hat, then got a little carried away"

In 2015, John bought an original WWII Royal Navy cap, unaware of the adventure it would ignite. His sons quickly persuaded him to purchase a 1937 Bedford MWD after they spotted it at the War and Peace Revival in 2016. With the help of friends, John spent the entire winter restoring the vehicle to working condition and decided to paint it as a Royal Navy Beach Commando (RNBC) vehicle.

Understanding that no wartime vehicle is complete without a proper uniform, John gathered the basics of a WWII uniform. His enthusiasm quickly spread to his sons, and they attended their first shows together. It wasn’t long before others joined them in uniform, and a group began to form.

Since then, the group has collaborated with schools, film and entertainment companies, and attended numerous events across the southeast. The camp has significantly expanded, now boasting two trucks, two motorbikes, ten or eleven tents, complete with stretchers, telephones, beach obstacles, markers, a machine gun nest, and a minefield, plus a myriad of other wartime artifacts. The group's growth and dedication ensure a comprehensive and authentic historical experience at every event they attend.

  • A black and white photograph of an older man in military uniform, wearing a peaked cap with an insignia, standing outdoors with a serious expression. He has a rope tied around his waist, and is holding a firearm.

    Lieutenant

    John Ruffhead A.K.A Skip

  • Black and white photo of a man wearing a vintage military or police uniform, including a cap with an emblem, a coat, and tie, with a serious expression.

    Sub-Lieutenant

    Robert Blackadder

  • A black and white photograph of an elderly man with a beard wearing a military uniform and hat. The man appears serious and contemplative.

    Cheif Petty Officer

    Andy Meredith

  • Black and white photo of a man in a military uniform and cap.

    Petty Officer

    Sam Bromley

  • A young soldier in uniform holding a rifle, standing on a narrow wooden plank across a small trench, in a wooded outdoor setting.

    Leading Seaman

    Jack Ruffhead

  • A man dressed in a World War I military uniform, sitting outdoors against a backdrop of open countryside, with a serious expression and wearing a cap labeled 'H.M.S.'

    Leading Seaman

    Martin Dewhurst

  • A man wearing a black sailor hat with 'H.M.S.' embroidered in gold, a white shirt with navy trim, and a beige backpack, standing outdoors in sunny weather.

    Able Seaman

    Alan Reynolds

  • Black and white photo of soldiers in uniform with helmets, sitting outdoors, some holding rifles, appearing to be resting or waiting.

    Signaller

    Pete Fletcher

  • A man with a beard wearing a black hat with 'H.M.S.' embroidered on it, a brown leather jacket, and a military-style patch on his sleeve.

    Able Seaman

    Max Baber

  • Military soldiers in uniform during training or combat, with one soldier aiming a rifle while crouching on grassy field.

    Able Seaman

    Steve Allnutt

  • A young man in a military uniform with a black cap labeled 'H.M.S.' and a brown coat, looking at the camera with a serious expression.

    Able Seaman

    Adam Kerr

  • Able Seaman

    Thomas Collier