Some of the group were extras in Steven Spielberg’s epic TV series Band of Brothers, while Mark’s boots and jacket were worn by actors in the film Saving Private Ryan. He has appeared on screen in documentaries for the History Channel and in Medal of Honor games.

“Ninety-five per cent of my uniform is original, even down to the underwear, but it’s getting harder to get hold of 60-year-old clothes,” says Mark, from Great Barr.

“So some pieces are replica, bought from film sets. We try very hard to get it right. It’s important to be 100 per cent authentic and pay attention to detail out of respect for the fallen.

“The re-enactments are about keeping the memory of veterans’ alive as well as having fun.

WWhen they see us dressed in their uniforms, it takes them back to being young men again.

“I mainly play an American soldier, but the Second Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment, based in Lichfield, is close to my heart.

“I’ve met a lot of their veterans, like radio operator Corporal George Parry.

“He died last year aged 95 and we went to his funeral.”

Mark works for Weston Beamor in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and finds his job can help his hobby.

“When they can’t find original medals and buttons, I cast them up at work,” he says.

English Heritage’s Festival of History, which takes place this weekend at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, tells England’s story across the centuries. It includes re-enactments of the Battle of Hastings and skirmishes from the Wars of the Roses and Boer War, a medieval jousting tournament plus gladiators and First World War trench experience.

But the highlight of each day will be the Second World War battle.

“Some of the guys play German soldiers as there have to be bad guys, but we always tend to win to please the crowds,” reveals Mark.

* For more information go to www.festivalofhistory.co.uk and www.2ndarmoredineurope.co.uk