Tanks, guns and helmets in Swords

People dressed as Vikings and Roman warriors mixing with modern war weaponry and a stand selling Nazi-era medals. The Salute military show is about 'bringing everyone together', its organiser tells Ciara O'Brien

IT’S A sight seldom witnessed outside of a battlezone. Two large tanks are standing guard at the entrance to the field, with several other military vehicles close behind.

Vikings are camping alongside Roman warriors. First World War soldiers vie for space with redcoats. Napoleonic army drills are being demonstrated in the centre of the field. In the background, you can hear the clank of the armoured personnel carriers and tanks in the nearby gravel arena, watched by US troops with replica guns.

This isn’t a film set – it is the National Show Centre in Swords, Co Dublin on an August weekend.

The Salute military show, organised by the Irish Military Vehicles Group (IMVG), attracts exhibitors and military-history enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend dedicated to battle re-enactments and exhibitions of military vehicles, equipment and other collectors’ items.

Between 60 and 70 vehicles are on display at the show, from tanks and armoured personnel carriers to UN jeeps and military motorbikes.

Now in its third year, the show is not intended to glorify war, but instead provides a chance for people to learn about history in a living context.

IMVG spokesman Sean Curtis says the show is about bringing everyone together.

“We want to build a national show for all re-enactment and military vehicles clubs so that they can have a show where everyone can come to it and enjoy themselves, where everyone can display their equipment and possibly get new recruits to their era of history, and where they get to show the general public what things were like maybe 500 or a thousand years ago,” he says. “It’s all about showing people the history of Ireland, Europe and the world.”

Much of the world’s history is represented in the various camps. The Fingal Living History Society has set up camp as Vikings, with authentic tents, food and craftworkers. The Roman area is full of soldiers in full armour. Authentic military tents from every era are scattered around the exhibition area.

There are plenty of young families wandering among the vehicles and stalls, some carrying army memorabilia. Exhibitors are on hand to answer any questions people have about their particular era.

The day has been meticulously planned to ensure there is enough to keep all members of the family entertained. For those less interested in the military history side of things, there are plenty of stalls to browse, with books, handmade jewellery, military surplus gear and clothing.

It’s a recession-friendly shopping spree, with people picking through an “everything €5” pile of army clothing, while second World War era music blares over the tannoy.

Netanya Curtis is manning the cake stall for the day, decked out in a vintage dress for the occasion. She is already planning for next year’s event, with talks on food rationing and dealing with blackouts on the agenda. “There is so much military stuff here, someone has to do civilian life,” she says.

For children, go-karting is provided on site, while those interested in giving Airsoft – billed as “paintball for grown-ups” – a try can enter a firing range and take a shot at a target or two.

Most people are content to wander among the different exhibits. Russell Boland from Blackrock in Dublin has brought his young son Harry to the show for the day. “We were here last year and liked it,” he says. “I’m into military history and model building.”

Both Curtis and his wife Eileen, who own an impressive collection of military vehicles between them, including the two Chieftain battle tanks, attended the 65th commemoration of Normandy this year at the invitation of the US and French presidents, as part of an Irish contingent.

The event also features some German re-enacters, which can generate some controversy. “How can you have a battle if you’ve only got the winning side?” says Curtis. “You’ve got to have both sides, and these guys are brave enough to put on the uniforms and answer the questions.”

There is also a stand exhibiting a collection of Third Reich and Nazi-era memorabilia, from the Iron Cross to social-welfare medals. Collecting the items is a hobby for the trader, who preferred not to be named. “This is history. It’s for collectors, not neo-Nazis,” he says. “Collectors have no sympathy towards the Nazis and their actions.”

However, a certain amount of caution has to be exercised. Not only is there a stigma attached to Nazi collections, but it is also difficult to be sure that the items are not fake.

“There are an awful lot of reproductions around. People are afraid of it,” he says. “The hits are heavy if you get caught.”

The collection has been a long-time hobby, he says, and has appreciated in value over the years, with the pieces on display at the show worth about £20,000 (€22,740).

“It’s better than putting money in any bank,” he says.