& Co: Alf’s Imperial Army

It was a day much like any other when Justine Web-Elliot first heard about the group Alf’s Imperial Army: the Fifth Waikato Dragoons. She had decided to pop into the Cambridge City Library and saw there on the wall a colourful display. The photos of people in elegant Victorian dresses and clothing, alongside bold red uniforms charging across landscapes, stood out to her.

Later that year, Justine found out Alfs would be at Armistice in Cambridge during November, so she went along to see what they were all about. She arrived at their area to see the grass and replica trenches coated in flour, the aftermath of a children’s mock battle event. After having a chat with Head Nurse Starling (Annette Evans), she decided to join not long after.

Justine gave herself the name Private Mayhem when she enlisted in December 2016. Her first official battle was against Silver Circle Productions in Hamilton during the annual Alfs campaign on Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

She loves the good sense of humour and witty banter that fills the fortnightly gatherings in Alf’s Mess Hall. One memorable night a Monty Python song filled the room, with all members present enthusiastically singing along. “I was blown away…I think they know this better than me.” Justine’s favourite movies from the well-known comedy troupe are Life of Brian and Holy Grail.

Messes are ‘me time’ for her to get away from the monotony of daily life and have fun with good friends. For many of the members, Trumpets are a must-have snack during these get-togethers, especially on hot summer evenings.

“There’s a sense of camaraderie.”

With all the fun comes a moment of respect in the form of the final toast at any formal activity: the toast to “Those Who Have Gone Before.” It recognises the sacrifices of the people whose example is taken out onto the field of mock battle to entertain the public.

2018’s eight-day campaign to Nelson is Justine’s favourite experience with Alfs. It was “a bloody good time”, from teaching schools full of enthusiastic students about the history of WWI to perusing the wares at the weekend markets a short walk away from the youth hostel they resided at. Uniforms got coated in sand during a battle on Tahunanui Beach against Iron Duke Sea Scouts.

Another key moment was a trip out to Melrose House for high-tea, with ladies dressed up in their finery and the chaps’ combat boots thoroughly polished.