By Doug Trench, Defence Editor
A historical re-enactment of the Battle of Landguard Fort went badly wrong – and now the Dutch control Felixstowe for real.
Enthusiasts met up to celebrate the anniversary of the 1667 conflict, with the Dutch side attempting to storm the fortress next to Felixstowe docks.
But they took their role too literally and seized the fort before marching into Felixstowe and taking over the Town Hall as well.
Armed with muskets and swords, they raised the Dutch flag and, according to ancient charter, now officially control Felixstowe.
The unexpected development caught organisers of the re-enactment by surprise, and they blame Dutch nationalists for infiltrating the normally-friendly historical war society
Police and army officers are in talks with the group to find a peaceful resolution and return Felixstowe to British control.
“It’s all a bit embarrassing,” a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said. “This group of Dutch war enthusiasts managed what the Dutch failed to do in the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1667.
“Twelve of them currently occupy Felixstowe Town Hall. They have not made any demands yet, aside from asking for some bread, cheese and rum.
“We expect this all to end peacefully soon enough.”
Residents in Felixstowe were unaware they have been invaded and over run.
Mum of eight Phyllis ‘Phil’ McCracken said: “It’s very worrying. It’s not the sort of thing you expect to happen around here. Do I have to start speaking Dutch?”
Photos from the Felixstowe Museum.
