Nazi re-enactors fume over 'difficult' decision to ban portrayal of SS units at 'family friendly' festival after controversy last year - but organisers DON'T expect 'all swastikas to be removed'
A furious row has broken out after the organisers of a 'family friendly' Second World War re-enactment festival banned the portrayal of Nazi SS units following uproar over scenes at last year's event.Rules of attendance at the 'Spirit of Wartime Sherwood' event in Nottinghamshire have been changed after participants last May were allowed to fly Swastika flags and wear uniforms resembling those of the murderous Waffen SS and concentration camp guards.Following that controversy, a staff member working for the charity behind the event told participants on Facebook last Thursday that they had taken the 'difficult decision' not to allow 'the portrayal of SS units' at this year's event. The flying of Swastika flags has now also been banned, but the Sherwood Forest Trust does not 'expect Swastikas to be removed' and says 'other Axis units are unaffected'. Susie Johns - the charity's 'community engagement and education officer' and writer of the post - added that the Trust understands their decision may 'cause concern and disappointment'.Her post prompted a fierce reaction from critics, two of whom were seen in their profile pictures wearing the Iron Cross - the German military decoration dating from the 19th century that was taken up by the Nazis.One wrote: 'Such a shame... you cannot delete history and it's there to learn from and not let the same errors happen again. Imagine closing Auschwitz'. Another branded the decision 'quite disgusting' and tried to draw a comparison with survivors of Auschwitz wearing clothes resembling their original uniforms at last month's commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp. Participants last May caused controversy with their choice of uniforms. Above: Some of the attendees Rules of attendance at the 'Spirit of Wartime Sherwood' event in Nottingham have been changed after participants last May were allowed to fly Swastika flags and wear uniforms resembling those of the murderous Waffen SS and concentration camp guardsBut German historian Robin Schaefer said there are no circumstances where it is acceptable to depict units from Nazi Germany.He told MailOnline: 'The idea that parading around in the uniform of a genocidal organisation somehow educates the public is absurd.' Last year, families were encouraged to bring a picnic and soak up the history while listening to songs from the 40s, but a historian slammed the portrayal of German troops.Professor Dr. Waitman W. Beorn, an expert in Holocaust history and assistant professor at Northumbria University, told Nottinghamshire Live: 'You don't need people people dressed up as Nazis to talk about the Nazis.'The academic also said people 'shouldn't be comfortable' dressing like the SS as they need to have a think about the message it sends. The SS - the paramilitary wing of the Nazi party - was the organisation most responsible for the Holocaust. Portrayal of any Nazi groups or the flying of swastika flags in Germany is illegal and punishable with prison time. Ms Johns' post in the Spirit of Wartime Facebook group on Thursday read: 'Good evening. This user claimed to be 'more offended by c*** Allied re-enactors than well portrayed SS if i'm honest' Another critic said: ''Those who whitewash and ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Terrible decision and won't be attending any further events. Very disappointing' Another branded the decision 'quite disgusting' and tried to draw a comparison with survivors of Auschwitz wearing clothes resembling their original uniforms at last month's commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp This user said 'it's history' and branded the decision 'stupid' The announcement came after a re-enactor behind a group who dress up as an SS unit told members they would not be attending. Matthew Gabriel-Smith, who is seen wearing an Iron Cross in his profile picture, wrote: 'Sadly due to the email we have just received AXIS44 will no longer be performing at this event this year… The re-enactor behind the 'Axis-44' group wears a German Iron Cross in his profile picture. The German military decoration dates from the 19th century but was taken up by the Nazis The Swastika flag that was allowed to fly at last year's Spirit of Wartime Sherwood event 'As many will have realised by now, an email has gone out to all Axis groups explaining that this year we have taken the difficult decision not to allow the portrayal of SS units. 'Other Axis units are unaffected, as it is the SS insignia which is particularly inflammatory. 'Those who usually portray SS are able to attend in camo or other uniform without the SS runes if you wish. 'We do not expect all swastikas to be removed, but would ask swastika flags not to be flown.'We absolutely understand that this decision may cause concern and disappointment, but it was not taken lightly. 'Our intent is not to whitewash history or provide a biased view of the War, but it is to ensure the 2025 event is able to continue despite the continuing impact of the media storm experienced last year.'Her post came after a re-enactor behind a group who dress up as as an SS unit told members they would not be attending.Matthew Gabriel-Smith, who is seen wearing an Iron Cross in his profile picture, wrote: 'Sadly due to the email we have just received AXIS44 will no longer be performing at this event this year… Supporters of the ban also spoke up, prompting a debate that lasted until Ms Johns turned off the ability to comment'No SS portrayal this year due to the bad coverage the newspapers gave last year….i hope this is the only show this year that prevents us from attending'I wish the show all the success, now and in future times.'Another critic of the ban said: 'It is stupid that the event won’t allow SS. Its history at the end of the day, just because some snow flake don’t like it. Shame.' A fourth said: 'I am actually more offended by c*** Allied re-enactors than well portrayed SS if I’m honest.'A fifth wrote: 'Those who whitewash and ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Terrible decision and won't be attending any further events. Very disappointing.'But supporters of the ban also spoke up, prompting a debate that lasted until Ms Johns turned off the ability to comment. One wrote: 'Thank goodness wisdom and honoring those who served prevailed. O. M. G.'Another said: 'I’m not a big fan of fellas strutting around in SS Uniform. A military vehicle emblazoned with the Nazi swastika at last year's event 'My Grandparents & their generation fought a war to stop them & quite honestly how does wearing it keep the memory of those who served alive? 'The SS represented a vile political ideal & are nothing to do with Britain.' Mr Schaefer added: 'I have the utmost respect for well-executed living history portrayals. If done right they allow us to experience a genuine connection to a past, which would otherwise be completely inaccessible. 'However, when it comes to World War Two reenactment, particularly the glorification of Nazi troops, I struggle to see the educational side or value of it. 'Camping out in period uniform in the idyllic British countryside, enjoying swing music and bacon butties, hardly reflects the brutal, hate-fuelled reality of this conflict. 'This sanitized version of history, reminiscent of a Vera Lynn song, ignores the genocide, the unimaginable violence, and the sheer scale of human suffering that defined the conflict, especially in mainland Europe.'The historian also criticised the depiction of other German units from the Second World War - such as ordinary soldiers or airmen - because he said it 'perpetuates the long-debunked myth of the "clean Wehrmacht", absolving them of their complicity in war crimes'.The Wehrmacht (defence force) were the collective armed forces of Nazi Germany, consisting of the army (Heer), Kriegsmarine (navy) and Luftwaffe (air force).As Mr Schaefer pointed out, the Wehrmacht were also responsible for war crimes.He said the proper way to learn about the Second World War is to examine records, images and interviews.'Let's be clear: if I want to learn about World War Two uniforms or battles, I can access countless photographs, film reels, and recorded interviews with veterans and victims. 'Talking to a middle-aged Englishman who likes to wear NS-uniforms offers no additional insight and can even be problematic.' He added: 'The notion that restricting Nazi flags or death head insignia somehow hinders historical understanding is laughable. 'In my own country, where World War Two reenactment is non-existent, and where displaying Nazi symbols is totally illegal, we all understand and acknowledge the horrors we have inflicted onto the world and are aware of our responsibility to prevent their recurrence. 'Instead of clinging to a romanticized vision of the war, reenactment events should focus on fostering a deeper understanding of the conflict's devastating consequences. 'The true spirit of wartime lies not in nostalgic picnics but in confronting the darkest chapters of history and learning from them. Only then can these events truly claim to be educational.' Sherwood Forest Trust is a small charity established in 1995. The trust’s work centres on nature, people and local communities around the forest, which is famous for being associated with legendary vagabond Robin Hood. The Spirit of Wartime Sherwood event is set to be held between May 10 and May 11 at Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire. Visitors can 'experience life in military camps, from the view of both Allied and Axis.'They add on their Facebook page: See how life on the Homefront was and vehicles that would have graced our roads.'Treat yourself to something Vintage from the traders in the Vintage Village.'As if this wasn't enough, take a seat and enjoy listening to songs from the 40s sung by the wonderful entertainers.'Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out with family, friends or by yourself and make new friends.'The Sherwood Forest Trust has been approached for comment.
Comments (0)