Cobbaton combat Collection ‘Clear-out’

This year’s ‘Cobbaton Clear-out’ event is being held in the grounds of the Cobbaton Combat Collection at Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9RZ, on Sunday 6th May. The announcement of this event comes as good news for militaria collectors and military enthusiasts, who eagerly anticipate this annual event. Organised by father and son team of Preston and Tim Isaac, who are the owners of the Collection, the Clear-out has over time become an informal meeting place where traders, collectors and enthusiasts can gather for a chat and swap stories over a cup of tea, whilst picking up a few collectables at the same time.

The Collection is the result of Preston’s interest in militaria, which began as a boy but soon developed to become “…a hobby which got out of hand.” In 1981, he decided to open it to the public for visits, since which time it has been visited by thousands of people from all over the world. Today, the result of this penchant for collecting can be seen on display in two hangar-sized buildings, which house some 65 military vehicles along with pieces of artillery, such as WWII German leFH18 10.5cm howitzer. Other items on display include thousands of individual pieces ranging from the Boer War, both World Wars, through to the Falklands War and more recent conflicts. As anyone who collects militaria knows, this interest is not a hobby which you can suddenly stop doing, because it goes much deeper than that. It can become a passion and, in some cases, as with Preston and Tim, a fortunate few can turn their interest into a business. Whilst the Collection has become a business venture, at its heart it remains a repository for the preservation of items connected with military history.

By comparison to other militaria collecting events, the Clear-out is not huge but it attracts traders who offer a range of unusual and interesting collectables. Militaria events such as this are a refreshing departure from the ‘mainstream’ militaria fairs, because it can produce the odd unexpected gem, which a collector may have been searching some time for. The Clear-out was originally organised by Preston and Tim as a way of reducing excess items by selling them to collectors to make way for new artefacts. Traders were invited to attend the event and it has become popular with collectors of all ages and experience. It is also a great place for collectors who have only recently joined the ranks of enthusiasts to visit and somewhere they can gain a bit more experience.

Battle of The Bulge

The exhibition halls of the Collection have display cases which are literally bulging at the seams with artefacts from bayonets to radio sets. The vehicles, which form the main bulk, include lorries of all descriptions and armoured vehicles include Daimler Armoured Car, Bren Gun Carrier, Sexton SPG with a 25-Pounder gun and a T-34 tank. The display cases contain many of the bits and pieces you do not usually see in museums or are otherwise passed by, mainly because they are not considered interesting. However, with this display, these items take on a different meaning because they have been collected personally and there is a story behind each item. This includes ordinary hobnail boots, millions of which were worn by the infantry, the rifle cleaning kits and mess tins. They all serve to bring to life the British soldier in WWII.

Amidst all the clutter of tool kits showing how vehicles were maintained by the likes of the REME and RASC, artillery shells and ammunition of all descriptions, from hand grenades to anti-tank mines, can be seen. There are a couple of oddities in the shape of magnetic sea mines and torpedoes to illustrate naval warfare. There are more common types of infantry weapons, such as the Bren, Lewis and Vickers machine guns, MG42, .50-inch calibre, Sten, revolvers and pistols. Then there are the unusual types including Japanese, German, Czech, Italian. A length of Horsa glider fuselage, which was used as a film prop in the 1977 epic ‘A Bridge Too Far’, serves as a fitting display filled with original artefacts relating to British airborne units.

VJ Day

The whole site of the Cobbaton Combat Collection is quite an experience and after visiting it one could very easily be lured into either vehicle ownership or collecting militaria. Another special event hosted by the Collection is the VJ Day or Victory Japan Day, which is held annually each August to honour and remember the men and women of the Burma Star Association. The event culminates in a short service and the laying a memorial wreath. The Collection is one of the few sites to observe this event and the funds raised are donated to the Burma Star Association. Many people know about VE Day, but Preston believes that it is only right and fitting that the veterans of the 14th Army should be remembered. During the war, the 14th Army became known as the ‘Forgotten Army’ but at Cobbaton they will never again be forgotten.

The on-site shop at the Collection has a range of items on sale which could not be more different from the usual ‘run-of-themill’ things normally offered at museums. For example, there is a selection of legally deactivated weapons such as AK47s, MG42, PPsH and No 4 Lee-Enfield rifles each complete with certificates, inert ammunition in a range of calibres from .303 inch to 30mm along with items of military surplus including webbing and other items of kit. Cobbaton is much more than just simply a collection of militaria which has been put on display it is a veritable treasure trove for military enthusiasts. Hours of opening vary according to the time of year and so it is best to check the website for details, and also see about other events, by visiting: www.cobbatoncombat.co.uk.