THOUSANDS of guests flocked to Cressing as an annual war event returned.

Temple at War 2023 was back at Cressing Temple Barns over the weekend.

Many people attended both days of the show as the event hosted more than 900 re-enactors and more than 140 informative and interactive displays covering the past 120 years of military conflict.

Braintree and Witham Times: BARKING ORDERS: Corporal Nauyokas from the TV series Bad Lads Army BARKING ORDERS: Corporal Nauyokas from the TV series Bad Lads Army (Image: Liam Stubbings)

And they were certainly treated to the very best on Saturday, as only one of two flight-worthy Avro Lancaster Bombers in the world thrilled the crowds with a stunning flypast.

Braintree and Witham Times: TAKING FLIGHT: An Avro Lancaster Bomber soars through the airTAKING FLIGHT: An Avro Lancaster Bomber soars through the air (Image: Liam Stubbings)

On Sunday, it was the turn of the iconic Spitfire that filled the air and banked over the showground. 

Braintree and Witham Times: HIGH UP: The iconic SpitfireHIGH UP: The iconic Spitfire (Image: Liam Stubbings)

Also on Sunday was the First World War service, which saw a large gathering of re-enactors from across the site and members of the public, in memory of the fallen, which was attended by Royal British Legion Standard Bearers.

Braintree and Witham Times: ALL SMILES: Fox Wiggle and Sass provided some much-loved musical entertainmentALL SMILES: Fox Wiggle and Sass provided some much-loved musical entertainment (Image: Liam Stubbings)

Over the two days, the daily battle scenarios between British, American and German forces provided explosive firepower.

American Jeeps and a German motorcycle outrider made an encounter in a 1944 skirmish, taking the onlookers back some 79 years to France complete with pre-battle atmospheric scene setting.

Braintree and Witham Times: DRIVE BY: There were hundreds of re-enactors at the two-day eventDRIVE BY: There were hundreds of re-enactors at the two-day event (Image: Liam Stubbings)

Both the indoor and outdoor trader markets were packed full of militaria and vintage collectibles and food stalls provided the ideal eating experience.

Braintree and Witham Times: LINE UP: Soldiers taking aimLINE UP: Soldiers taking aim (Image: Historic War Correspondent)

There was also main stage musical entertainment by Fox Wiggle and Sass, A2 Jive and a guest appearance by Corporal Nauyokas from the TV series Bad Lads Army.

Braintree and Witham Times: GROUP SHOT: The daily battle scenarios were popular with guestsGROUP SHOT: The daily battle scenarios were popular with guests (Image: Historic War Correspondent)

The best in show award was handed to The Gulf War Collection led by Si James.

Braintree and Witham Times: MARCHING ON: A group of soldiers make their way through Cressing Temple BarnsMARCHING ON: A group of soldiers make their way through Cressing Temple Barns (Image: Historic War Correspondent)

The organisers said: “The show is only achievable due to the enormous support and assistance provided by a huge number of welcoming re-enactors, military vehicle owners, traders, the owners of Cressing Temple Barns in Essex County Council.

“Not only them, but the amazing encouragement, involvement and loyalty from the public who turn out year after year to attend the show, come rain or shine.”

They also say organisation for the 2024 Temple at War Show on May 11 to 12 is already underway.