The busy Lithgow Living History group were a highlight of the day at the biennial Warbirds Downunder air show 2013, held at Temora. This is the only major air show of its type in Australia.
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Lithgow Living History is a new group in the re-enactment area, coming up to its first birthday. Their activities, always in appropriate period costume, branch into local history as well as military campaigns.
“We took the recently completed Bofors 40mm (gas firing) anti-aircraft gun. An odd thing you might think to be invited to a display of historic aircraft,” Living History group member Ian Rufus said.
“As the planes roared overhead, the gun crew tracked them across the sky and blazed away at the attackers. Troops also fired anything available, even rifles and pistols. Many aircraft trailed smoke after passing overhead, but none were seen to crash. More training is obviously needed.”
The group has 20 members, they have been a part of events for the recent Celebrate Lithgow, social occasions and photo shoots at Lithgow’s Blast Furnace Park, Ironfest and were a major part of the 150 year celebrations and re-enactment of the Ben Hall Gang raid on Bathurst.
A multi-talented bunch, not only can they fire guns and look dapper in vintage dress, members can also sing and play music.
On the event day in Temora, the doors opened for visitors to enjoy the museum's and guest's exhibits and aircraft, as well as vintage and military vehicles. Aerial action showcased the Museum's world class collection of aircraft in flight, Navy helicopters and RAAF jet fighters.
The Temora Aviation Museum is built on the site of the biggest and longest lasting RAAF Elementary Flying Training School of World War II, where 2741 pilots were trained on Tiger Moths.
“We brought along our mechanics to keep the guns and aircraft going, and also entertained visitors. Besides the uniformed members, we also took backup people to assist in the operation,” Mr Rufus said.
Casualties on the Temora airfield were light, although sunburn and thirst were evident as the day warmed up. While not under attack, the troops demonstrated a selection of weapons used by all the major countries involved in the war.
The performance ended with a bang, as a long volley of rifle shots pierced the evening sky, showing how the guns would be protected from close aircraft and ground attack.
“We have all the legalities of firearms and such covered. While authenticity and safety are prime factors, we focus on enjoyment for our members and our audiences,” Mr Rufus said.
Lithgow Living History can be found on Facebook. Want to try your hand? Contact Ian Rufus on 6351 2095.
