Summer of 44 formed in 1997 around several friends sharing an interest in British Airborne history of World War Two, specifically the period encompassing "The Summer of 1944".

Since its inception the group has slowly grown to include other like-minded individuals, most with period military vehicles.

Through coincidence rather than deliberation most of Summer of 44 live within 20 miles of the A5 spread between Cannock, just north of Birmingham and Dunstable, just west of Luton.

That said, we do not consider geographical location to be a constraint for new members.

Summer of 44 are a very flexible Living History Display concentrating on the XXI Independent Parachute Company.

Through our extensive collection of vehicles, weapons and equipment we can adapt according to the needs of the moment, and mobilise in a variety of guises, including:

1st Air Landing Light Regt. Royal Artillery

250 Light Composite Coy. Royal Army Service Corps.

1st Airborne Div. Signals.

This flexibility combined with our high level of professionalism has led to Film and TV work, magazine and literary articles and work in support of the Royal British Legion and other veterans organisations.

"The Race to the Bridge"

September annually, a convoy of mechanised troops retrace the steps of the British Units at Arnhem.

"The Bedfordshire Millennium Festival"

A fortified encampment of slit trenches, barbed wire entanglements and fire support pits, protecting camouflaged headquarters tents, jeeps and communications and supplies vehicles.

"21^st Independent Parachute Display"

Our Arena piece - a rehearsed 30 minute display with commentary explaining and demonstrating the equipment and procedures used by the Pathfinders at Arnhem from the initial drop to securing the Landing Zone.