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.