Yes, Eyewitness – what can I say about it, or rather, what can’t I say about it? That we’ve got nothing to do all day? On the contrary. Eyewitness in Overloon is organised every two years, and what an event it is.

You’ll find tanks on the move, a mock battle three times a day – including tanks – and a huge variety of re-enactments and displays. There’s also a militaria market, and all of this takes place in a museum park. I arrived on Friday afternoon and immediately set about pitching my tent. One of our other members didn’t turn up until later that evening. As soon as we arrived, it was all handshakes here and hellos there. As I’ve been involved in the re-enactment world for so long, I’ve got to know quite a few people by now. After we’d settled in on Friday evening – and one of our members realised he’d forgotten his tent pegs, so we’d put him up in a pop-up tent – we went to bed on time after a bit of a chat.

After a night’s not-so-great sleep, the alarm went off at 07:00 on Saturday morning. Time to get dressed, make the bed and grab my mess tin – breakfast was waiting. The kitchen lads had sorted it out, and the menu consisted of bread, a boiled egg and pancakes. After breakfast, it was time to continue with the preparations and to welcome two of our German re-enactors who were to play the part of prisoners of war during the day. As we had set up a Military Police display, they had secured a good spot with us. At about a quarter past nine, the tanks began to roll, and we, as the MP, were tasked with keeping the crowd that had already gathered at bay whilst two Shermans, a Sexton, two half-tracks and a Churchill tank passed by. All in all, a magnificent spectacle. Especially when you’re standing a metre away. Once the tanks had driven off towards the battle site, we also headed there, as our job didn’t end with letting the tanks pass. Our next task was to ensure that the public didn’t climb over the fences to watch the mock battle amongst the re-enactors. That’s what the stands were for. During the battle, an American observation aircraft and a Spitfire flew overhead, and the amount of pyrotechnics transported the audience back to what it was like in 1944. The mock battle was also accompanied by a script read out by a narrator, which really brought the whole experience to life. After the battle, we returned to the crossroads and let the tanks pass by safely once more. During the quieter moments, we set up our display, which was very well attended by the public.

After that fantastic first day, the German lads went back home, whilst those of us who stayed on site took the opportunity to relax a bit by having a beer and enjoying a very well-prepared evening meal. Our mess tins were absolutely packed.

On Sunday morning, the alarm went off at 07:00 once again, and we were visited by one of our new members. He was to help us out during the day as an American MP, which gave us a bit more flexibility and peace of mind. This time, breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, fried bacon, white beans in tomato sauce and bread. Today, the schedule for the tank parades and battles was to be brought forward by an hour. It was actually much the same routine as on Saturday. However, around the start of the afternoon, we were invited by Queen Wilhelmina and her delegation. (In the Netherlands, there are a few people who portray these figures, including a young man who bears a striking resemblance to Prince Bernhard.) We went there for tea. However, it took quite a long time to make the tea, so we drank some fruit syrup instead. Queen Wilhelmina was interested in what we, as MPs, actually did, so we gave her a brief explanation and she chatted for a while with the other lads who were with us. It was a pleasant change from our routine. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay too long as we had to get back to work. In the afternoon, we once again had a large number of visitors and got a lot of ‘work’ done at our display. Any of the MPs not on display were busy at the crossroads directing the public in the right direction and, whenever other American re-enactors passed by, occasionally checking that they had their papers – such as ID – in order. A few re-enactors looked at us in surprise because they didn’t know we carried out such duties. We simply let them carry on their way with a warning. After yet another very busy day, following the final mock battle and having let the vehicles drive past for the last time, we were given the chance to pack up our things and head home. As I write this after-action report, I’m still savouring the memories of a more than successful weekend that will certainly hold a special place in my heart.