- Two policemen and Ministry of Defence official don traditional Nazi uniform
- Trio were taking part in Second World War re-enactment in their spare time
- Devon and Cornwall Police say dress up is ‘not compatible’ with role of PCs
Dress up: Aaron Buckingham, 50, works for the MoD by day, and enjoys donning traditional military wear in his free time
Two serving policemen and a Ministry of Defence employee have been pictured dressing up as Nazi soldiers for a Second World War re-enactment.
MoD staffer Aaron Buckingham, 50, assumed the character of a Nazi corporal.
While Sergeant Andy Dunlop, 48, of Devon and Cornwall Police and Hampshire Police Constable Simon Merritt, 43, took on the role of German soldiers.
The group were among 100 military enthusiasts who don the gear of both British and German soldiers for battle recreations.
But only two of the trio had permission from their employers, according to the Sun on Sunday.
Sgt Dunlop’s employers Devon and Cornwall Police were unimpressed, stating such activities were ‘not compatible’ with the role of constables.
PC Buckingham told The Sun: ‘I can understand why people are offended.’ But added that they weren’t ‘closet Nazis or anything’.
A spokesman for the MoD said it was satisfied the uniform was needed for accuracy purposes and did not interfere with Mr Buckingham’s work.
Devon and Cornwall Police however, issued a statement saying ‘such activities are not compatible with the role of a PC’.
Hampshire Police said officers are entitled to a ‘private life’.
Pictured: Simon Merritt (left) works for Hampshire Police as a constable and Sergeant Andy Dunlop (right) who is employed by Devon and Cornwall