Re-enactment Question

[JaimeH]

I'm sure this has been asked before but......Re-enactors strive for complete authenticity, to the point of not wanting the back of badges and equipment marked as fakes etc. What are your groups options if a black man or seriously obese person or old man wants to join a German outfit? Thanks

[J Melvin]

Jaime, I am only speaking for my unit. But, I am also the voice of my unit, so what is said is the way that we handle it. Reenacting is a strange thing. I try to make it all inclusive. If you are interested in history and want to take part, you are invited to do so. Weight is not a real issue. There were some "big" men in the German military:

You'll also find old men:



Not every person in the German military was the thin, Aryan depicted in the newsreels.

Blacks are another story. I've had one ask to do DAK before and we were going to have him outfitted as Free Arabian. So, that would work. If a black wanted to do European Theatre, there are certain things that I would require. First, he'd have to wear gloves and toques. Literally, the only thing that would be seen would be his eyes.

Finally, how about women?

Here ya go:



The medic is a woman. She abides by my rules and covers up her girlishness as much as possible.

But, again, I speak only for my unit.

[DJT]

I`m gonna sound sexist here but why cant she just do a female impression (A German nurse for example) and be historically accurate?

Personally I dont think Political correctness should come into Historical portrayl

Regards,

Des

[J Melvin]

Des, she honestly looks the part better than 99% of most reenactors. She's small, thin, young looking. Can't tell she's a female unless she takes the clothing off. I was the one who let her do it. Simple reason, she had more vigor than anyone that I've ever met to do the role. Frankly, if I could get a dozen women just like her, I'd rather have them than many of the whining males that do it as a hobby.

concerning black-colored people, I don't think that there are even who collect militaria in general, no?
I've always wondered why?

You've got Asian re-enactors/collectors, I even had a little chat with a Indian collector ( who lived in France) on the net once...but for our black brother this hobby seems to be 'not done', why?

( maybe this thread should be rather in the Assoc. section or Kneipe....)

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jamie, although I do not belong to a German unit here are my thoughts.
I think like Jack said, if a person is keen and has the right attitude most groups would strive to help them join in some form or other.

My own British unit would gladly accept some coloured members if only we could get them... The XXI IPC had several black/mixed race soldiers. The wartime British Army was not colour segregated like the U.S. Army.

Women would be encouraged to join the ATS section, the wartime British womens army. Several girls also now do FFI if they want to be armed. The Russian unit I belong to has several women members, this not being a problem.

The weight issue has not really come about. Speaking from an Allied veiwpoint, I think one of the problems would be finding the kit to fit some who was big?

I do know of one black re-enactor here in the UK who does German Army as a member of the French Legion. He is quite a big lad too! Funny thing is, he also does American Civil War re-enacting, as, you guessed, it a Confederate!
Hope this answers some of the points you made? Thanks for asking a good question.
Cheers, Ade.

[DJT]

Hi Jack,

Thats fair enough then. I have to admit I would`nt have guessed she was a woman from that photo Theres just alot of interesting legit female impressions she could have done but if thats what she really wants to do and your unit has no problem with it then great.

Regards,

Des

[DJT]

I know that the Japanese are big into doing Waffen SS re-enactment which must look pretty comical

[DJT]

"The XXI IPC had several black/mixed race soldiers. The wartime British Army was not colour segregated like the U.S. Army."

Ade, Incredible, I never knew that! There was a similiar story in the Commandos.

Jan, this might also really suprise you

Below is a photo of the Belgian troop of No.10 Commando. Take a look at the 2 dark skinned lads! A Belgian Commando veteran friend of mine (who is also present in this photo) told me that they use to call the 2 Indian lads "Blanc & Blanc" (White & White). Besides this little running joke they were treated just the same by all the other commandos. They were brothers.

Regards,

Des

[Brian M]

In our unit we are very strict about who we allow into the membership. those who are fascist, racist, etc. or have such beliefs are not allowed. we do not take non-ethjnically caucasian (to be politicallty correct) because F.J. was one of the elite corps of the German military. likewise we do not take women. this is unfortunate, because I am single and there are so many Soviet units that do...... (there is one brown haired green eyed hottie in particular that I have had my eyes on)..... It was such a shame to have had to shoot her at Boonesboro, and waste those beautiful eyes, (and believe me, I told her so) but it was either her or me, or one of my kommeraden.
as far as weight goes, as an elite unit, we keep it trim and tucked. if you can't hold your own with the unit, you will be left behind. at large events we are called upon for some of the most difficult and arduous tasks so you must be fit. we will take you in as a candidate, but you must loose the weight and hold your own or you will not make membership.

[J Melvin]

Actually, Des, at an airshow last weekend, she did a Luftwaffe signals helferin impression and did it quite well. She won my praise for best impression of the weekend. Snazzy. But, most of our events are tactical style and in such a situation, she could not participate on the German side. Frankly, if I couldn't do German, I wouldn't be in the hobby. So, I know how she feels. She therefore dons the impression of a field medic. At her "coming out party", she helped to reset the separated shoulder of a German soldat. I would have thrown up if I would have done it.

Very interesting indeed Des! One of them looks rather Indian...

I found this picture of an american artillery-unit, setting up their Long Tom. Is it true that blacks in US service were all put together in one unit?

Muslims ( could be maroccains or algerians) in OT-service at the Atlantic Wall...

[DJT]

"Very interesting indeed Des! One of them looks rather Indian... "

One? Jan, take a closer look. Theres 2 of them

Did any Black Americans actually serve as Combat Infantry?? I know there was a Black American Fighter Squadron but from what I`ve read most seemed to have served as cooks,drivers and judging from Jans photo also artillery.

Regards,

Des

[J Melvin]

That reminded me, at a recent VFW meeting in Greenwood, MS, an old black gentlemen recanted a story of his days driving in the Red Ball Express. He said that they were on their way to the front lines with needed supplies when they were ordered to the side of the road to let a VIP by. They refused, and kept on moving. Upon their return, they discovered that the VIP was none other than Patton and his entourage on the way to the front. This was his sole brush with greatness during his time on the Western Front.

Most blacks served in segregated units and were not combat troops. It is my understanding, though, that many of those that were killed at Malmedy during the Battle of the Bulge were from their ranks. Can anyone confirm this?