YOU could get off at each station along the Mid Hants Railway line at the weekend and immediately be whisked back to the Second World War era as each one had a reminder of the important part Hampshire’s rural towns played in the conflict.

The occasion was the annual War on the Line event.

And it gave visitors who filled the platform and the trains a sense of that friendly wartime spirit – otherwise known as the Spirit of the Blitz – which was prevalant for two days as a party atmosphere descended upon the Watercress Line as passengers donned vintage clothing for their trip back in time.

At Arlesford, passengers were greeted by American soldiers as the 47 Infantry US Army was stationed in the town during the Second World War. Here there was a chance to jive with a GI lead by the That’s Jive dance group and the Company B dancers, while Amanda Poyner sang songs from the 1940s.

There was a grim reminder of what people faced in wartime at Ropley station, where British troops were stationed in the village, as visitors were given demonstrations of bomb disposal.

There was also a display featuring a vintage fire engine and a steam roller of the era.

There were also talk on how an RAF operations room operated, centring round the men and women who plotted the course of German planes so the RAF could shoot them down before they dropped their bombs.

Medstead and Four Marks recreated the Home Front, offering such lessons as looking after baby in wartime, while the Brownies and Girl Guides wore vintage uniforms. Ladies even had a chance to visit a 1940s beauty salon and could have their hair set in styles from the era.

In the yard, there was an exhibition of make do and mend, and on the mending side there was a stone-cutter machine which was used to fill in bomb-damaged holes on the road.

Sheila Love, the education officer for the Mid Hants Railway who organised the weekend, said it was one of the best they had staged, helped by beautiful weather.

“We had at least 50 per cent more visitors than last year and most came in vintage clothes, and there were also stalls selling vintage costumes.

“At Alton, Beckie Short entertained passengers with nostalgic wartime songs and we served refreshments throughout the day.

“Money raised will go toward Mid Hants Railway funds.”