HISTORY lovers from across the south came together last weekend as a country manor returned to World War II.

The Mapledurham estate hosted its second re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday, with hundreds of volunteers representing all aspects of the six-year conflict.

Tents were pitched throughout the estate’s gardens – where the 1976 film The Eagle has Landed was partly shot – as officers camped throughout the Easter bank holiday using the kit 1940s soldiers would have used, to offer an added sense of authenticity.

Visitors were taken back through time as they rode in vehicles, admired weapons and uniform, watched battles and explored Berkshire’s involvement in the war. Volunteers represented British soldiers, nurses and influential figures – such as former Prime Minister Winston Churchill – as children learnt about their forefathers and created their own dramatic battle scenes in a laser tag arena.

Claire Peters, from Southcote, helped run the medical tent and said: “It’s important we remember what happened.

“A lot of people did so much for us and it is tough to really understand some of the sacrifices. I guess these sort of days help us realise what it all meant.”

Volunteers playing the part of American and German regiments were also on hand to give accounts of how their countries affected the war.

Liam Collins took time away from his job as a road safety officer at Essex County Council to take part in the event, manning a trench. He has been involved in re-enactments for 10 years and said: “It was something my friends at work were doing and just asked me to come along – I loved it straight away.

“It’s been great so far here and brilliant to see so many people out learning about the war.”