THE LARGEST living history event in Wales was not confined to Caldicot Castle as a beast from the jungle went looking for supplies.

The 2.5-ton, 10-miles-per-gallon REO M35 cargo truck was the perfect vehicle for a mission up the A48 to get firewood for the huge Fortress Wales camp.

The vehicle belongs to the Rolling Thunder Vietnam War group, said member Phil Hill of Caldicot.

He added: "A large amount of firewood was needed for the camp overnight and so we took her up to the Dean Forest Railway in Lydney to pick some up.

"It does about 10 miles to gallon but it can run on contaminated fuel – where petrol and diesel have been mixed – and its all legal because the duty has been paid."

The vehicle was bought from an American base in Germany but is similar to trucks used in the Vietnam campaign.

Much of the equipment used is authentic Vietnam military kit although Mr Hill has also put together an American Forces Vietnam Radio show – as made famous by the film Good Morning Vietnam – including actual jingles used on the network.

Other American-inspired groups included GIs from World War II, trappers from the 18th century, cowboys and a Civil War group which brought its own cannon that was used in a battle.

Those taking part travelled from as far as Norfolk and Aberystwyth and included Second World War Germans - including a tank – mediaeval archers and Spanish Civil War re-enactors.

On Sunday a special service took place to mark the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict which included the Caldicot Male Voice Choir.

•See this week's Chepstow Review for more photographs.