IN any major war casualties are inevitable.

But not usually at historic re-enactments.

Audiences at Blenheim Palace were treated to a sight not seen at the Civil War during the 1640s – that of the air ambulance interrupting proceedings.

A faulty pyrotechnic exploded during the Sealed Knot Civil War re-enactment at the Woodstock stately home on Monday. The black smoke device deployed in the face of a participant. Two men were injured, one with cheek burns.

Quick thinking Sealed Knot members used a standard flag as a makeshift stretcher to carry the injured party from the field.

After a quick check by ambulance crews both were fine and the battle recommenced.

The air ambulance was not required and only attended as a precaution.

Sealed Knot director Ian Bailey said: “The incident involved a pyrotechnic misfiring that regrettably slightly injured two people. One was dealt with on site, and one with a minor cheek wound was seen at hospital as a precaution and subsequently discharged. We certainly cannot remember something like this happening before.”

Member of the audience Lisa Gibbens, of Witney, who took the picture, above, said: “We are so glad no one was badly hurt.”

Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance spokeswoman Sarah Williamson said: “We tended a male patient who was involved in battle re-enactment, who received facial injuries when explosive powder went off.”

More than 1,000 people watched the re-enactment shows across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Hundreds of actors dressed as infantrymen played out historical scenes with muskets, roaring cannons and mounted cavalry charges.