Pub Undergoes WW2 Makeover For Remembrance Day

A pub has been made to look like a scene from the hit TV show 'Dad's Army' - as it hosts a Second World War-themed weekend for Remembrance Day.

Camouflage netting and sandbags were seen piled high up the walls of the popular watering hole following a week-long redecoration.

Ammunition boxes, helmets, gas masks and kit bags were also seen scattered around 'The Wheatsheaf' pub in Wolverhampton.

As well as decoration on the inside, a huge howitzer cannon - similar to those used in the First World War - and a Sabre armed vehicle were seen parked outside.

The bar's windows have even been taped up - in case of an "air raid" - to fully replicate the wartime feel.

Regulars are also being encouraged to wear 1940s clothing and to learn hit songs from the early 20th century as part of the commemorative weekend.

Licensee Lisa Parsons, 48, has been planning the revamp for four months and is hosting the event in memory of the war dead and in recognition of her father, Arthur, 84, who served in the Army shortly after the Second World War.

She said: "I've been associated with the pub for three years, and this is the first time we've ever done anything on this scale for Remembrance Day.

"I decided a few months ago that I just wanted to go all out, because it's so important to remember those that have given their lives to protect us.

"My father doesn't often talk about his Army days, but the fact that he served made me even more keen to do something this weekend."

She said that while it's predominantly a Second World War theme, they also have memorabilia from the First World War:

"We have plenty of current or former military people that come and drink here, so I've been able to source a lot of the decorations from them."

"It does look a bit like the set of Dad's Army, I must admit, but I think that's part of the charm of it.

"If that's how people view it, then I have no problem at all with that.

"Sitting down to watch it used to be a ritual that my dad and I had, so perhaps I was subconsciously modelling the decorations on that.

"After all the decoration had been finished, I half expected Captain Mainwaring or Sergeant Wilson to walk in, but unfortunately that didn't happen."

Many of the decorations used in the pub belong to regular Jim Hunter, 47, who comes from a military background.

The dad-of-three said: "It's great to see some of my collection on show.

"I'm a big enthusiast when it comes to wartime memorabilia, and I'm over the moon that people are able to come here and enjoy it, especially this weekend.

"I think it's important to remember those that died protecting us, because they made the ultimate sacrifice.

"If it wasn't for them then we wouldn't be able to do what we're doing today, so one has to be grateful."

The pub staff also drove people to either the National Memorial Arboretum or the Wolverhampton Cenotaph to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday.

Picture below and cover courtesy of SWNS.