Some week ago I joined a bunch of friends from the Perth regiment – reenacting unit representing one of the many Canadian regiments that fought in WWII, and took part in my first WWII reenacting event.

Our role was mostly to provide opposition to a composite group of German infantry during two field exercises. For someone like me who was never in the military, this was rather unique opportunity to experience what it is to hold a rearguard action against a German platoon or to perform a frontal infantry attack through open field on a prepared and well camouflaged defensive position. Somehow it is different to read about it and to be there – and still, there were no bullets whizzing around my head. Should this be for real, I would have been a goner few times.

Respect for anyone who goes through this in real – yesterday or today!