This lifestyle incorporates all of my three biggest interests in life: Traveling, history and meeting and acquainting new people. It is something I warmly recommend to anyone, regardless of age.

I cannot help from being impressed with people's attention to details, wonderful uniforms and costumes, hand-made instruments, lovingly restored muskets, hand-painted regimental colours, carefully built field camps, amazing historical dances ... I could go on and on ...

Another interesting aspect has been the close encounter, or should I say endless hours, with needle and thread. Trying my hand at sewing my own uniforms has been a novel but stimulating experience, despite the many errors along the way. 

From Carl XI of Sweden ...
Having done my military service in the regiment, I have only portrayed soldiers of the venerable and also the oldest military unit still in service - The Royal Swedish Life Guards (est. 1521) from 1695 to the end of the 19th century, i.e. from King Carl (Charles) XI to the last crowned King of Sweden - Oscar II.

In contrast with the common practice in the Swedish Army, which used the Allotment system, the soldiers in the Life Guards were recruited, thus setting the Regiment apart from the Provincial Regiments. The regiment was more often than not the spearhead of the Swedish army.

You can read more about the colourful, more often than not - glorious, history of this ancient regiment by clicking on the tab "Life Guards". 

I have uniforms from the following years swelling my already cramped wardrobe: 1695, 1765, 1858, 1865-87. Also another one is on the drawing board, the 1802-03 uniform, used during the Napoleonic conflicts both in Northern Germany and also in the 1808-09 Finnish War.

... to Marshal Mannerheim of Finland
In the summer of 2010 I launched an idea that had been harbouring in my mind for quite some time.
It is very much a journey back to family roots. Both my grandfathers served in the wars against the Soviet hordes (1939-40 & 1941-44).

What could be more natural than following in their footsteps and portray the resilient Finnish soldiers. Under the wise leadership of the iconic Marshal Mannerheim, the Finnish Army made sure that Finland would not come under the despotic rule of the Soviet Union. A sacrifice, that payed in full, guaranteed the freedom of the Nation of Finland. 

Regarded by most as a mere pin-prick in the larger scheme of the WWII, the resistance and fortitude of the Finnish soldiers against overwhelming odds, in manpower and material, is an achievement matching and surpassing anything in the annals of military history. Considering the amount of men and material, more often 10 to 1 in favour of the Soviets, it must be considered an achievement beyond ordinary men.

We will be portraying soldiers (Jaegers, Infantry, Pioneers, Artillery) of the 5.Div, fighting north of Lake Ladoga during the Continuation War (1941-44).

Caught by a very common bug
There is also another aspect of history which I guess many of us suffer from - Collections. Oh yes, I am caught with the bug too! I am trying to "narrow" my collecting by gathering military headwear from all European nations, a collection that today incorporates some 170 pieces of peak caps, side caps, kepis, field caps, berets and a couple of helmets. Click on the image at right to see my collection on Facebook. 

The pride of my collection being some wonderful, original, rare items like the Dutch 1912 Kepi, a French Foreign Legion Kepi, a battle-worn Finnish Army 1916 Austrian made Stahlhelm ... well, I guess I could go on listing these ... for ever and ever. I guess I should and could mention all of them as they all have a personal shape and touch ... and story.

The only items, or nations still missing are; Georgia, Macedonia and Montenegro ... any hints, offers, trades are very welcome!

Pomp and Circumstance
On the theme of collections, I also have fair no. of CD's with martial music. I attended my first Military Tattoo on the gravel pitch at Nynäshamn (of all places) in 1985. Having also watched the televised shows from Edinburgh ... I was hooked. The choreography, the gleaming instruments, the polished shoes, the colourful parade uniforms ... and above all the pompous music is quite affecting, at least to me.

I was lucky enough to participate in three Military Tattoos: Eksjö Tattoo (2006), Ystad International Military Tattoo (2007) and Stockholm Military Tattoo (2009). The Ystad event, by miles, being the greatest occasion ever, with participants from the French Foreign Legion, Luftwaffe Musikkorps and Wachbattalion, Finnish Conscript Band, The Kings Guards from Norway ...

I also had a brief career in a Military Music Band - The Royal Life Guards Fifes and Drum Corps - alas my musical abiility never matched my enthusiasm but it was a great experience as the members were both extremely professional and great mates. Some wonderful memories and acquiantences were made there.

Favourite march ... not a surprise ... yes it is the classic and evergreen "Alte Kameraden" (by Teike)

Input much appreciated
I would be deeply grateful if You wish to place some input to these pages (see Guest Book). If You find something interesting, or on another note tedious or incorrect - please, just let me know. These pages are meant to be updated and alive with, hopefully interesting stories, facts et al.

Thank You for visiting and welcome back soon again.