Researching the Internet and consulting with some our customers who are reenactors, we found a wealth of information on this subject. There is way too much to post here but this is a sampling of what others are doing. If you know of a great resource that would benefit others, please feel free to send it to us.

Reenactor.net’s World War II Section contains articles, videos of mock battles, a list of reenacting organizations, a living history forum and much more. This website has sections for all historical reenactments from ancient times to the present.

The World War Two Living History Association in Britain has been preserving and dislaying the equipment and weapons used in the North-West Europe Theater of Operations during WWII since 1978. Our best wishes for their 30th anniversary! They also organize reenactments for their members. They have a great photo album on their website including videos.

Hard Scrabble Farm’s website has some great material on their site. They have articles on how to pick a unit, how to make your bunkbed, a woman’s perspective on WWII reenacting, using a 1940s camera, uniform requirements, etc. Any information you need on equipment, vehicles, weapons, paperwork, basic training, you name it, they’ve got it. They also have are large selection of reenactment photos from around the U.S.

The Band of Brothers Living History Group’s website in the Netherlands/Belgium is an information base on all allied paratroopers, their gear, vehicles, uniforms and heritage. As long as you click on the U.S. flag on their home page you’ll be able to read most of it in English.

The Classic Independent Aviators from the 391 Squadron in the Netherlands aim to preserve the military aviation heritage used during WWI and WWII. Be sure to click the British flag at the bottom of the home page to get the English version.

The War Correspondent and Photographer site in the Czech Republic has some great videos of reenactments in their country.

The Living History Group Holland is being revised. However, if you click on the history link, you can read a detailed article on the battle of Arnhem.

Visit Roberts Army traveling museum website for pictures of 10th Mountain Divison equipment and reenactors using it.

 

Since 1975, museums, associations and other groups around the world have been creating a living history of World War II. Museums primarily showcase history with impressive relics from the past and trained interpreters to tell the story to the public. Although museums offer an accurate and interesting reflection of the past, it is not enough for many.

Living the Past Through Historical Reenactments
Associations and other groups are more interested in historical reenactments that allow the participants to live the history themselves to better understand it. As a result, the public rarely sees their work. This passionate group is made up of militaria collectors, history buffs, professional military and veterans and can be found throughout Europe, the U.S., and Australia.

Authenticity Is Important to Reenactors
These reenactors are not just bunch of guys (and gals) playing war. Participants are expected to dress and act appropriate to the particular military character they have chosen. They recreate authentic World War II campsites to live in and work from. They organize and participate in mock war battles that are as historically accurate as they are able to reproduce.

World War II Fought Largely by Civilians
Beyond the military aspect, these reenactors are also keenly aware that the majority of the people in World War II were not professional military. They were civilians who were only in the war for its duration and would go back to civilian life when it was over. Therefore, many reenactors also immerse themselves in the civilian culture of the 1940s. They feel this enables them to more thoroughly understand our ancestors who lived through this war.

Reenactment Group Websites
Many of these groups maintain websites to document their activities and schedule of events. Some offer helpful articles on 1940s culture, photos and lists of appropriate military attire and equipment — even how to use a 1940s camera.

A Legacy for Future Generations
Reenactors are a diverse group with many reasons for their participation in living history. Some like the military aspect, some the comraderie, some the history, still others as a use for their military collections. However, as Michael Stuckey said in his address to the 29th ID Living History Assoc. at the Battle of the Bulge Reenactment in 2003, it is much more than that:

We do this in order to give to future generations their legacy; one that has been that has been bought and paid for, with blood. They gave their all to give a precious gift, a second chance at peace. What will we — this and coming generations — do with this responsibility? Each of you must decide for yourself. Then we must decide as a culture, a society and a nation. You can make a difference.

Authentic World War II Collectibles
We carry a lot of authentic militaria from World War II at our store. Of special interest are some drop bags (A-4 Aerial Delivery Containers) that were designed to be used on D Day to drop food rations and medical supplies. These bags were featured in the “Band of Brothers” movie and “The War” documentary by Ken Burns on PBS. And, a large portion of our inventory was purchased by European reenactors. We still have 30 left.

We also have some 10th Mountain Ski Goggles manufactured by Foster Grant. They were used to prevent snow blindness in Italy and the Alps as we worked our way through Europe.

 

These boots were developed by the military for cold weather and extreme cold weather conditions. Mickey Mouse Boots are the best cold weather boot in the world, ideal for hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, working construction and in the oil fields. They keep your feet warm all day long. It is recommended that you wear them with one pair of wool socks with the top of the sock folded over the top of the boot to avoid chafing.

Designed for Cold Weather
The Mickey Mouse boot has two layers of thick wool insulation that wick moisture along with an insulating air bladder made of two layers of rubber. The exterior of the boot is waterproof, made of heavy rubber. There is an air valve in the boot that should be kept closed during normal use. When flying at high altitudes the valve should be opened to allow pressure equalizations.

Foot Care and Comfort
Since your feet are well protected by the waterproof rubber, wool felt, and insulating bladder, your feet will sweat with activity. Bring several extra pair of wool socks to change periodically in order to keep your feet dry.

Two Temperature Ratings
The Mickey Mouse Boot is black and is rated for -20° in cold-wet temperate, winter climates with intermittent snow, while the Bunny Boot is white and rated for -60° for cold-dry climates with long-term snow and ice cover.

New and Used Mickey Mouse Boots in Stock
We carry new and used Mickey Mouse Boots and Bunny Boots in stock. We list regular and wide sizes on the internet since they are regularly available. You can call for availability on extra narrow, narrow and extra wide widths.

 

One of the things that sets us apart as a military surplus clothing store is that we carry all sizes, not just a few. There is nothing more frustrating than finding what you want, then not finding the size you need.

We specialize in military surplus wool pants from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, East Germany, Germany, Britain, France, Switzerland and other countries.

We will be posting articles on a variety of military surplus clothes that we carry in stock. If you are looking for something we do not show in our store, please let me know and I will do my best to get it in stock.

Thanks for visiting Billings Army Navy Surplus

 

Since the U.S. military is responsible for equipping our troops with the best in combat gear, we have found that military surplus cold weather gear is some of the best available for outfitters and outdoorsmen.

Our featured cold weather gear is a 10 man arctic tent that has breathable wind resistant, olive drab cotton sateen cloth. The breathable properties of the cloth allows the the transfer of condensation from the interior to the outside.

We will also go into detail explaining the features of G.I. extreme cold weather sleeping bags rated to -60 degrees fahrenheit. Every sleeping bag was designed by the U.S. military for a specific purpose. We will get into more detail in future articles on the background for the various cold weather gear we have in stock.

If you ever used any of this cold weather gear during your time in the service, please share your experiences with us. We want to hear stories you may have. Thanks for visiting Billings Army Navy Surplus.

 

I have spent a lot of time over the last 27 years collecting military antiques dating back to WWII. I have found sources from countries all over the world who share the same interest in history and military collectibles. We have developed an international collection of military antiques that we are glad to share with you.

We have everything from inert shells and ammunition to a large assortment of tanker, flight, and firefighting helmets. Countries of origin where we have gathered this militaria include Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Poland, China, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and more.

I travel every year and meet with other collectors to bring you military collectibles that you may have never seen in person. Feel free to post your thoughts or historical information you have gathered in your search for military collectibles.

 

Cold weather is something we are very familiar with in Montana. Our store serves many outdoor enthusiasts, oil field workers and construction workers who make their living working in extreme cold conditions. Because of this need, we provide a wide variety of rugged and practical cold weather clothing.

Two important rules for working and playing in cold weather is to dress in layers and keep moisture away from your body. In future articles we will explain the benefits of our Wool Plus under garments and how they work in cold weather conditions.

The U.S. Military has to design cold weather clothing for our troops that will stand up in extreme conditions of cold and combat. We will explain the features of GI cold weather mittens and cold weather parkas.

We invite you to share what you have learned about effective cold weather clothing, or experiences you have had in extreme conditions. Feel free to post your comments and stories here.

 

Welcome to the Billings Army Navy Surplus blog. We are one of a handful of remaining true military surplus stores that sell genuine military surplus, not after market products. Our store has many unique military surplus collectibles.

We plan to feature Army, Navy, and military surplus gear and clothing in this blog. Many are one of a kind pieces I have collected. Please check back regularly since we expect to add information regularly.

If you are interested in a particular military collectible, feel free to post your comments here. If you are looking for a specific military surplus item, tell us what you are looking for. With 27 years in the military surplus business, we have developed incredible sourcing capabilities and are glad to help you in any way we can.

Thanks for visiting Billings Army Navy Surplus.