Why we are nostalgic about war

We have just returned from the Pickering War Weekend he made reference to.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) put on this event each year to remember and honour the staff and civilians who worked on the railways in World War Two – not purely for nostalgia.

There were excess of 33,000 railway personnel and civilians who died during WW2 carrying out their duties transporting troops and equipment around Britain.

Mr Mead asks is nostalgia necessary and questions such events. Well in this case it creates necessary revenue to the railway, which is also supported by many railway volunteers, and also much appreciated extra revenue to the shops and cafés in Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont, stations along the NYMR line.

The organisers of these events do so without payment and at great expense to themselves, as do the re-enactors and military vehicle owners.

Most of the vehicle owners and re-enactors wear original uniforms and civilian dress with great respect, and yes perhaps a little humour.

All that is asked is that visitors give complete respect for the history the railways played during WW2 and pay homage to those who worked tirelessly, sometimes in dire conditions, both in the services and as civilians.

As regards the crass comment about ‘ill-fitting uniforms’, there are some visitors who have yet to get their outfits just right but all credit for trying.

The military vehicles are collected and maintained with passion, and the joy it gives to many – not just the owners – is reward enough for the time and expense it takes to preserve them.

Many of us WW2 enthusiasts visit Europe to go to WW2 events, and the question is often asked why their events are much larger than ours. The answer often given is “you were not occupied”.

Mr Mead says, ‘one real wartime weekend would put an end to synthetic recreating’. Surely you would never wish for the devastation and deaths to return just to prove your point?

Pauline and Bob Parkins, Spennymoor