Thanks to the dedication and support of one of
the newest members of the LARA, Denslow Burhans, the dream of
providing "air support" at battle reenactments and living history events has
become a reality.
Flying his rugged Czech L-60, which is a post WWII version of the famous Fieseler Storch Fi156, Burhans heralded in this new and exciting facet of WWII reenacting at the Torrence, Pennsylvania reenactment of the Operation Market Garden battles.
Early on 6 November 2004, Burhans left Maryland for Arnold Palmer Airport in Western Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, he met with his Observer, LARA Mid-Atlantic District Commander, Geoff Geis. They took off and began recon of the "battle area", reporting their findings to the "Wehrmacht" ground commanders. Allied and Axis reenactors alike were excited at the presence of the "Storch". Each side enjoyed the benefit of the aircraft in the skies above them (the Allies were forced to re-think their movements which were obviously influenced by the aircraft's presence).
Here is an excerpt from Burhans' report...
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It added an interestingly new dynamic to the tactical. The Allies were fully aware that they couldn't move without our seeing them. They did a reasonable job sticking to the shadowed areas with their vehicles, but they couldn't move without us watching and reporting it. In one situation, two kradschutzen attracted the 3 Bren gun carriers and a jeep up to a tree line in an attempt to protect the right flank of the main body of their allied advance. The cycle crews popped a few rounds and turned around and retreated, knowing they were no match for the Brens. While they distracted the Brens, the German main force attacked the left flank of the allied main force, without protection of the armor, etc. It was a classic unfolding of events. Best of all was the blinking of the allied rifle and machine gun fire at us as we did low passes. Of course this gave away their position. One exchange with a Jeep was hilarious. He's firing his .50 cal with a gigantic smile on his face, and ultimately waving to us. |
Click Here for a Newsreel Style Film about the Mission
More to come!
