Hi Guys, I was sent an email which I thought I would share with you all about a new one off event for this year. I will not be able to attend myself and I have not dealt with the organisers before, so I cannot make any recommendations if it will be good or not?
Cheers, Ade.
Welcome to Operation "BLACK EARTH" a one time and unique living history event to commemorate the Liberation of Belgium, Luxemburg and the southern part of Holland during September 1944. Because of the 60<SUP>th anniversary of the liberation this year, the city of Genk in North-East Belgium has decided that this important moment in our country’s history should be remembered in a proper way.
Participants stay in the living history camp on September 3,4 and 5 2004 located on the terrain of the old coalmine of Waterschei. The terrain is located on the André Dumontlaan in the east of Genk near the exit Genk-oost (Genk east) of the Antwerp-Aachen motorway. On September 5 there is the "Hell on Wheels liberation convoy" that visits Genk. The convoy starts in Rumes near the French border and ends in the city centre of Genk with a big static show.
Remember this event is unique and there will be only one edition. So if you miss this one you’ll never get an opportunity to participate again.
Because of it’s size Operation "Black Earth" is run as a simulation of a military operation. Our operation has 3 clearly defined objectives:
<DIR><DIR>To commemorate the efforts and sacrifices of our Allied liberators, European resistance workers and all who suffered from the occupation during the Second World War.
To educate and entertain the general public by recreating conditions of September 1944.
To create a platform where re-enactors, vehicle collectors and people who love the ‘40’s spirit can meet eachother and discuss their common interest.
</DIR></DIR>
Friday 3th and Saturday 4th of September: Living history camp
Operation Black Earth is set in September 1944 somewhere in Belgium or in the South of Holland. The German forces are about to pull back behind the Siegfried Line. It’s the time of the liberation. The first Allied Troops are entering the towns and villages. On the streets people welcome their liberators. Young women and girls give flowers and kisses to the young soldiers. People are relieved after four years of occupation by the Germans. People learn to know "Glenn Miller" and his big band at balls. In the streets there are crowds singing and dancing.
German troops are not far away. Although most of them are fleeing, some of them resist very stubborn and now and then there are still fights at crossroads, bridges or in little hamlets.
It’s the time of Operation Market-Garden. The Allies try to take advantage of their huge terrain profit the last few weeks and they want to get over the Rhine and cross the Siegfried line Thousands of paratroopers jump between Eindhoven and Arnhem. British armoured columns have a hard time with their drive over Hell’s Highway. The resistance people try to help wherever they can. Some of the resistance people have guns and the situation sometimes gets dangerous. Therefore all civilians carrying arms should be tactfully disarmed, and their prisoners be put under military authority. Members of the official resistance "Witte Brigade" (white brigade) wear mostly a black, yellow, red armband with the Belgian Lion on it. These people are to be regarded as belonging to an official military organisation, and not as "franc-tireurs".
There is a great shortage of the most essential supplies in the country; food, clothes, shoes, soap, cigarettes, etc. You are not allowed to give the population any Army properties, that will be considered theft, but you are free to share your individual rations with them. Also, looting from German individuals or from German Forces will not be tolerated. The Allied Forces will behave to the best military standards; you are liberators and not occupants.
Registered re-enactors are requested to bear these facts in mind as they devise scenarios for the event. The co-ordinator must be notified in advance of all proposed scenarios, no matter how simple. He has to ensure that scenarios do not clash with each other and that the public is notified in advance of what will be happening. Please indicate if you would welcome help from other re-enactors. (on the inscription forms)
Every action or scenario needs to be approved by the Camp Staff. Actions without permission won’t be tolerated.
If you are unable to devise and stage a scenario on your own but are prepared to take part in someone else’s, please tell the co-ordinator.
Scenario doesn’t only mean participating in battles.
Other possibilities are for example:
<DIR><DIR>demonstrations with radio equipment;
drill exercise;
starting of a tank and demonstration on the tank track;
medevac demonstration;
recovery of a broken down vehicle;
reparations on a vehicle;
giving explanation to the public about the use of equipment and arms;
etc.
</DIR></DIR>Sunday September 5, 2004: The Hell on Wheels liberation convoy
The second part of the liberation event is the Hell on Wheels liberation convoy on Sunday. The people from "Hell on Wheels military vehicle club" are organising a convoy for world war II US vehicles with 2nd US armoured division markings. They will follow the same route that was used in 1944 from the French border to Genk by that same division. The possibility exists that participants in "Operation Black Earth" can link up with the convoy and participate in a liberation run throughout Genk. Each vehicle will be designated its own spot in the convoy in advance. The place in the column depends on the origin of the vehicle (American, British, Canadian, …) in the first place and the type (Tank, truck, jeep,…) in the second place.
Between the groups of vehicles from different origin will be a separation. The first vehicle from the group will carry a flag indicating the country of its origin. This makes it easier for the public to see the difference.
The speed of the convoy depends on the road conditions. We will drive faster on big motorways and at marching speed in the city centre. Re-enactors can dismount from the vehicles in the city centre and walk alongside the vehicles. This makes the image more complete and it makes it also easier to make contact with the audience alongside the streets.
After the arrival in the city centre the vehicles will be parked on the designated and specially therefore made free streets and squares. With authentic music from the ‘40’s in the streets and cafés the atmosphere will be made complete.
We hope that everybody will enter into the spirit of the period, which would mean so much to all who actually experienced it, as a liberator and as a liberated.
The city of Genk and several volunteers from Belgium, Holland and several other European countries are working already more then a year on this event. Some of them are reënactors, others just have an interest in History or do collect all kind of things from the second world war. But they have one thing in common, they want this event to be a one of a kind tribute to our Allied liberators and all the other people that suffered for our freedom. They want the people to remember and they want to people to learn from the not so far past. Although most of the people work on a volunteer basis and this event is absolutely non-profit, it takes quite a budget and a lot of goodwill.
Our camp is situated on the terrain of an old coalmine outside the city and only connected by a road to the modern world. To recreate the ‘40’s atmosphere we are not interfered in any way by the modern world. The buildings on the terrain date from the early 20th century. Although the coalmine stopped with the exploitation almost 20 years ago the area and buildings are still owned by the former exploitation company. So therefore we have to use it with respect and we should not harm the owners’ confidence by doing activities that might jeopardise the owner or the city of Genk nor the people that live in the vicinity of the camp. They may not find any reason to complain about the event.
We also get a helping hand from the Belgian Army and the Belgian Ministry of Defence. In no way our behaviour or the behaviour of participants may harm their good name.
These factors determine what may and may not be done during Operation "Black Earth".
For the event we will form a Camp Staff with the dual purpose of coordinating all activities during the event, and to provide facilities for both participants and the general public in the camp. Camp Staff members may be identified by armbands printed with STAFF. Instructions given by Camp Staff should be followed. The Camp Staff will be composed by the organisation (the city of Genk) and completed with privileged witnesses and representatives from organisations who will be asked because of their know how.
Participants (military or civilian re-enactors) after registration will receive a camp pass in advance, which is personal. They will also get a copy with the camp rules. If necessary for the security and the good order the Camp Staff can issue new rules or adept existing ones. During the closing times for public only persons with a valid camp pass are allowed to enter or leave the camp. It must be stressed that 1940’s uniform or costume alone does not, in itself, qualify the wearer as a participant. ‘Re-enactor’ is interpreted as a man, woman, boy or girl who wears authentic dress (military or civilian) of the chosen period (September 1944) and who, acting in character throughout the Weekend, actively participates in approved scenarios.
From the above it will be clear that our camp is only open to serious re-enactors, so all camping equipment should be 1940’s or tolerable replica’s, and the conduct of participants must be accordingly; thus, our camp is not a "Military-like green camping site", but a re-enactors camp. No plastic camping sets or tables and chairs, bottles, bags, etc. No blue camping-gaz bottles visible.
Make sure that outside the canteen you drink your beverages from an enamel mug or canteen and not from a can or plastic bottle. During the opening hours for the public the use of alcohol will be limited to a strict minimum. (This for your own safety and for the image you create with the public)
Pay attention to your looks, way of behaviour and remove piercings or earrings. Be as authentic as your uniform and vehicles.
Our motto is: "We do it right, or we don’t do it at all". If you share our views we would like to welcome you, otherwise, come when you are ready for it.
Much of the impressive wartime effect will be created by the great variety of 2nd WW allied military vehicles that participants bring to the event. We aim to provide opportunities for cameras and camcorders to record authentic ‘wartime’ scenes, so no post-war marques (stickers, flags, numberplates), please!
Vehicles taking part in the Liberation Tour on Sunday must, of course, be the real thing, o only original Allied Forces vehicles can take part. There will be an authenticity check and all participating vehicles will be given a number for their place in the column.
Vehicles that are not registered by the Camp Staff are excluded from participation in the Liberation Tour. Our stewards and the Police will see to that.
Vehicle movements in the camp should be with a maximum speed of not more then 5 Mph. This because of the presence of public and families with little children. Vehicles will only drive on the indicated roads. So do no freewheeling through the woods.
Both vehicles and re-enactors are not allowed to enter the city center of Genk in their role as re-enactor before the liberation on Sunday afternoon. The entire effect of the Liberation Tour would get lost if already two days in advance re-enactors and World War 2 vehicles would drive and walk around in the city centre.
Authenticity is important. Operation Black Earth is advertised as a journey back to September 1944 and the public and other participants will expect to see ‘the real thing’. Established re-enactors go to great lengths to ensure authenticity of uniforms, equipment and vehicles. Any one turning up in ‘Mickey Mouse’ uniform (i.e. incorrectly dressed) undermines their efforts and tarnishes the aim of the event. Veterans who remember their military service with justifiable pride object to seeing their uniforms portrayed incorrectly. You will derive great satisfaction from knowing that you are correctly turned out.
So don’t behave like a sack of potatoes in uniform and don’t get drunk during the opening hours for public.
Try to be as convincing as possible in the part you play.
For good friendship, if you are a sergeant or an officer in a unit, don’t start giving orders to unknown members of other units.
Let the coordination be in the hands of the organisation.
Axis uniforms, vehicles and insignia will only be allowed to be used by groups with special permission from the organisation.
Weapons are a vital part of any world war 2 re-enactment. Gun-laws in Belgium are rigid and law enforcement can vary depending on the time, place, event and precautions made by the organisers of events. It is against this background that any re-enactment now takes place.
<DIR><DIR>Licensed or non-licensed operable weapons are not permitted at the event.
Only permanently de-activated weapons are allowed, providing that the organisation has been notified in advance (on the registration form) of any weapon which the re-enactor may wish to bring to Operation Black Earth. We closely co-operate with the police and at any time the police can and will inspect the weapons during the event. Camp staff has to have had from the owners the weapons’ details in advance, such as, the weapon-number, type, calibre.
Blank-firing weapons are only allowed to be brought by participants in the mock battles. Only people asked by the organisation in advance are allowed to participate with these mock-battles.
</DIR></DIR>The security of weapons during Operation Black Earth is the owners’ responsibility. When in doubt, do not bring your weapon.
The event provides opportunities for weapons to be demonstrated to members of the public. It is therefore essential that anyone carrying a weapon should know how (and how not) to handle it. Safety precautions should be scrupulously observed by the owner/bearer and anyone whom he/she allows to handle the weapon.
Because of the re-enactment date – September 1944 – battle conditions could erupt at any moment. Re-enactors and members of the public should follow directions issued at the time. At no time must any weapon be discharged in the camp or elsewhere during the event unless agreed as a pre-arranged scenario where the general public has been removed.
Men carrying weapons should know the arms drill of the Service they represent.
NO WEAPON OF ANY KIND IS TO BE DISCHARGED IN AN AREA USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC!!!
<DIR><DIR>No admittance fee for units, individuals nor vehicles;
Special arrangement for armoured or tracked vehicles, please contact the organisation;
Catering: We are working on our own mess and the necessary rations to provide our participants with breakfast and warm lunch, if possible this will be free, if not at very democratic prices;
Liberation Ball at the camp with superb big band (25 men) on Saturday night;
All-ranks indoor mess with tables and chairs (fair prices);
Open-air Militaria Fair on Sunday before noon;
Good sanitary facilities (toilet- and shower-units at the camp);
Water supply and waste container available;
Excellent re-enactment terrain (old buildings, 19th century castle for HQ, park around the castle, traffic free roads with 100 year old oak trees alongside, ruins, plains, woods, etc.) Ideal for setting up displays;
We are getting a helping hand and advise from certain members of Stichting Militair depot. These people have a long time experience in the organisation of Living History events. (Bussum Bridgehead) (www.militairdepot.nl)
Public address system available for demo’s;
We have invited the Brussels Tank Museum as well as several other owners of tanks and armoured vehicles for participation (several of them have already confirmed their participation);
A 1942 Piper Cub L4 airplane in original markings will give recon support from the air;
Already several groups and individual re-enactors have confirmed their participation;
A group in civilian clothes specialised in open air Theatre will make the event complete;
Camp will be guarded during absence of the participants (Liberation convoy)
Special requests: let us know and we’ll discuss them!
On Sunday we will link up with the Hell on Wheels liberation convoy (around 150 vehicles with US 2nd armoured division markings) and re-liberate the city of Genk. We will be welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic people in the city centre. After we enter the city centre there will be a static show and music.
Participants who do not want to make the long drive home on Sunday can camp on the terrain until Monday at noon.
</DIR></DIR>
<DIR><DIR>Participation reserved to units with a military-historical (or war-related civilian) theme pre-1945 (and individual re-enactors who agree to be allocated to units);
Participation only with original vehicles, uniforms and equipment (quality replica’s permitted);
All de-activated WW2 weapons are allowed. A special permit for blank-firing weapons, including artillery guns, will be requested. Pistols and revolvers will be kept holstered outside the camp. Participants are expected to maintain arms discipline, also with de-activated items;
Please register at the Camp HQ on arrival. From there you will be guided further;
The camp site must be kept in good order, all waste must be put in the container. The site must be left as you found it on arrival;
Period military (and period civilian) vehicles are allowed on the camp site. Civilian or military post-war vehicles must be parked outside the camp (private parking available). Only original WW2 or good replica military tents are allowed. (Civilian) post-war equipment and personal belongings must be kept out of sight;
Please bring your own MUGS, MESS TINS etc. for the meals. Cleaning equipment will be provided for;
Each vehicle will be given a place for the Liberation Run. Please keep your place in the column. Follow the instructions of the MP, police and Movement Control;
We ask each unit that at all times at least one member of the unit is present at their display or camp;
The public is not allowed in the mock battle area nor at the separate camping area. Please help us to keep them within limits;
Follow orders of members of the camp’s STAFF at all times.
Read this MANUAL very carefully, especially the part concerning weapons and safety;
Closing date for subscriptions is MAY 1ST , 2004!!!!
The organisation does not accept any claim for injuries, damage or loss of your vehicles, equipment etc. Neither will the owner of the terrain. Your vehicles must be insured.
Camp passes will be issued after receipt of your application-form. Nobody is allowed on the camp without a camp-pass, except during the opening hours for public. Please don’t loose your camp pass. It gives you right to free breakfast and dinner and it makes the getting in and out of the camp easier;
If necessary the organisation will make a selection between the participants if the size and contents of the event are demanding it.
</DIR></DIR>Camp passes, ration cards and other necessary documents will only be issued on receipt of completed registration forms available from the organisation:
City of Genk, Department of events
At the Attention of Ronny Machiels or Dirk Thielens
Dieplaan 2, 3600 Genk (Belgium)
Email: evenementen@genk.be
Telephone: 0032/(0)89/30.95.63
Fax: 0032/(0)89/30.41.26
Closing date for Registration is May 1st, 2004.
With you, we are looking forward to a marvellous event!
To Operation "Black Earth" 2004 visitors come in 3 large groups:
<DIR><DIR>The general public, schools and guide groups on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September;
People who wish to enter into the spirit of the occasion by appearing in 1940’s costume;
Re-enactors who maintain high standards of authenticity in personal and group appearance, equipment and characterisations and who register to take part in many scenarios that make up the event.
</DIR></DIR>In whichever category you find yourself (or if you are keen to graduate from one category to another), we hope this Manual will be of interest and help to you.
</SUP>
Cheers, Ade.
OPERATION "BLACK EARTH"
Welcome to Operation "BLACK EARTH" a one time and unique living history event to commemorate the Liberation of Belgium, Luxemburg and the southern part of Holland during September 1944. Because of the 60<SUP>th anniversary of the liberation this year, the city of Genk in North-East Belgium has decided that this important moment in our country’s history should be remembered in a proper way.
Participants stay in the living history camp on September 3,4 and 5 2004 located on the terrain of the old coalmine of Waterschei. The terrain is located on the André Dumontlaan in the east of Genk near the exit Genk-oost (Genk east) of the Antwerp-Aachen motorway. On September 5 there is the "Hell on Wheels liberation convoy" that visits Genk. The convoy starts in Rumes near the French border and ends in the city centre of Genk with a big static show.
Remember this event is unique and there will be only one edition. So if you miss this one you’ll never get an opportunity to participate again.
OBJECTIVES
Because of it’s size Operation "Black Earth" is run as a simulation of a military operation. Our operation has 3 clearly defined objectives:
<DIR><DIR>To commemorate the efforts and sacrifices of our Allied liberators, European resistance workers and all who suffered from the occupation during the Second World War.
To educate and entertain the general public by recreating conditions of September 1944.
To create a platform where re-enactors, vehicle collectors and people who love the ‘40’s spirit can meet eachother and discuss their common interest.
</DIR></DIR>
SCENARIOS
Friday 3th and Saturday 4th of September: Living history camp
Operation Black Earth is set in September 1944 somewhere in Belgium or in the South of Holland. The German forces are about to pull back behind the Siegfried Line. It’s the time of the liberation. The first Allied Troops are entering the towns and villages. On the streets people welcome their liberators. Young women and girls give flowers and kisses to the young soldiers. People are relieved after four years of occupation by the Germans. People learn to know "Glenn Miller" and his big band at balls. In the streets there are crowds singing and dancing.
German troops are not far away. Although most of them are fleeing, some of them resist very stubborn and now and then there are still fights at crossroads, bridges or in little hamlets.
It’s the time of Operation Market-Garden. The Allies try to take advantage of their huge terrain profit the last few weeks and they want to get over the Rhine and cross the Siegfried line Thousands of paratroopers jump between Eindhoven and Arnhem. British armoured columns have a hard time with their drive over Hell’s Highway. The resistance people try to help wherever they can. Some of the resistance people have guns and the situation sometimes gets dangerous. Therefore all civilians carrying arms should be tactfully disarmed, and their prisoners be put under military authority. Members of the official resistance "Witte Brigade" (white brigade) wear mostly a black, yellow, red armband with the Belgian Lion on it. These people are to be regarded as belonging to an official military organisation, and not as "franc-tireurs".
There is a great shortage of the most essential supplies in the country; food, clothes, shoes, soap, cigarettes, etc. You are not allowed to give the population any Army properties, that will be considered theft, but you are free to share your individual rations with them. Also, looting from German individuals or from German Forces will not be tolerated. The Allied Forces will behave to the best military standards; you are liberators and not occupants.
Registered re-enactors are requested to bear these facts in mind as they devise scenarios for the event. The co-ordinator must be notified in advance of all proposed scenarios, no matter how simple. He has to ensure that scenarios do not clash with each other and that the public is notified in advance of what will be happening. Please indicate if you would welcome help from other re-enactors. (on the inscription forms)
Every action or scenario needs to be approved by the Camp Staff. Actions without permission won’t be tolerated.
If you are unable to devise and stage a scenario on your own but are prepared to take part in someone else’s, please tell the co-ordinator.
Scenario doesn’t only mean participating in battles.
Other possibilities are for example:
<DIR><DIR>demonstrations with radio equipment;
drill exercise;
starting of a tank and demonstration on the tank track;
medevac demonstration;
recovery of a broken down vehicle;
reparations on a vehicle;
giving explanation to the public about the use of equipment and arms;
etc.
</DIR></DIR>Sunday September 5, 2004: The Hell on Wheels liberation convoy
The second part of the liberation event is the Hell on Wheels liberation convoy on Sunday. The people from "Hell on Wheels military vehicle club" are organising a convoy for world war II US vehicles with 2nd US armoured division markings. They will follow the same route that was used in 1944 from the French border to Genk by that same division. The possibility exists that participants in "Operation Black Earth" can link up with the convoy and participate in a liberation run throughout Genk. Each vehicle will be designated its own spot in the convoy in advance. The place in the column depends on the origin of the vehicle (American, British, Canadian, …) in the first place and the type (Tank, truck, jeep,…) in the second place.
Between the groups of vehicles from different origin will be a separation. The first vehicle from the group will carry a flag indicating the country of its origin. This makes it easier for the public to see the difference.
The speed of the convoy depends on the road conditions. We will drive faster on big motorways and at marching speed in the city centre. Re-enactors can dismount from the vehicles in the city centre and walk alongside the vehicles. This makes the image more complete and it makes it also easier to make contact with the audience alongside the streets.
After the arrival in the city centre the vehicles will be parked on the designated and specially therefore made free streets and squares. With authentic music from the ‘40’s in the streets and cafés the atmosphere will be made complete.
We hope that everybody will enter into the spirit of the period, which would mean so much to all who actually experienced it, as a liberator and as a liberated.
STRATEGY
The city of Genk and several volunteers from Belgium, Holland and several other European countries are working already more then a year on this event. Some of them are reënactors, others just have an interest in History or do collect all kind of things from the second world war. But they have one thing in common, they want this event to be a one of a kind tribute to our Allied liberators and all the other people that suffered for our freedom. They want the people to remember and they want to people to learn from the not so far past. Although most of the people work on a volunteer basis and this event is absolutely non-profit, it takes quite a budget and a lot of goodwill.
Our camp is situated on the terrain of an old coalmine outside the city and only connected by a road to the modern world. To recreate the ‘40’s atmosphere we are not interfered in any way by the modern world. The buildings on the terrain date from the early 20th century. Although the coalmine stopped with the exploitation almost 20 years ago the area and buildings are still owned by the former exploitation company. So therefore we have to use it with respect and we should not harm the owners’ confidence by doing activities that might jeopardise the owner or the city of Genk nor the people that live in the vicinity of the camp. They may not find any reason to complain about the event.
We also get a helping hand from the Belgian Army and the Belgian Ministry of Defence. In no way our behaviour or the behaviour of participants may harm their good name.
These factors determine what may and may not be done during Operation "Black Earth".
CAMP STAFF
For the event we will form a Camp Staff with the dual purpose of coordinating all activities during the event, and to provide facilities for both participants and the general public in the camp. Camp Staff members may be identified by armbands printed with STAFF. Instructions given by Camp Staff should be followed. The Camp Staff will be composed by the organisation (the city of Genk) and completed with privileged witnesses and representatives from organisations who will be asked because of their know how.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants (military or civilian re-enactors) after registration will receive a camp pass in advance, which is personal. They will also get a copy with the camp rules. If necessary for the security and the good order the Camp Staff can issue new rules or adept existing ones. During the closing times for public only persons with a valid camp pass are allowed to enter or leave the camp. It must be stressed that 1940’s uniform or costume alone does not, in itself, qualify the wearer as a participant. ‘Re-enactor’ is interpreted as a man, woman, boy or girl who wears authentic dress (military or civilian) of the chosen period (September 1944) and who, acting in character throughout the Weekend, actively participates in approved scenarios.
From the above it will be clear that our camp is only open to serious re-enactors, so all camping equipment should be 1940’s or tolerable replica’s, and the conduct of participants must be accordingly; thus, our camp is not a "Military-like green camping site", but a re-enactors camp. No plastic camping sets or tables and chairs, bottles, bags, etc. No blue camping-gaz bottles visible.
Make sure that outside the canteen you drink your beverages from an enamel mug or canteen and not from a can or plastic bottle. During the opening hours for the public the use of alcohol will be limited to a strict minimum. (This for your own safety and for the image you create with the public)
Pay attention to your looks, way of behaviour and remove piercings or earrings. Be as authentic as your uniform and vehicles.
Our motto is: "We do it right, or we don’t do it at all". If you share our views we would like to welcome you, otherwise, come when you are ready for it.
VEHICLES
Much of the impressive wartime effect will be created by the great variety of 2nd WW allied military vehicles that participants bring to the event. We aim to provide opportunities for cameras and camcorders to record authentic ‘wartime’ scenes, so no post-war marques (stickers, flags, numberplates), please!
Vehicles taking part in the Liberation Tour on Sunday must, of course, be the real thing, o only original Allied Forces vehicles can take part. There will be an authenticity check and all participating vehicles will be given a number for their place in the column.
Vehicles that are not registered by the Camp Staff are excluded from participation in the Liberation Tour. Our stewards and the Police will see to that.
Vehicle movements in the camp should be with a maximum speed of not more then 5 Mph. This because of the presence of public and families with little children. Vehicles will only drive on the indicated roads. So do no freewheeling through the woods.
Both vehicles and re-enactors are not allowed to enter the city center of Genk in their role as re-enactor before the liberation on Sunday afternoon. The entire effect of the Liberation Tour would get lost if already two days in advance re-enactors and World War 2 vehicles would drive and walk around in the city centre.
AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is important. Operation Black Earth is advertised as a journey back to September 1944 and the public and other participants will expect to see ‘the real thing’. Established re-enactors go to great lengths to ensure authenticity of uniforms, equipment and vehicles. Any one turning up in ‘Mickey Mouse’ uniform (i.e. incorrectly dressed) undermines their efforts and tarnishes the aim of the event. Veterans who remember their military service with justifiable pride object to seeing their uniforms portrayed incorrectly. You will derive great satisfaction from knowing that you are correctly turned out.
So don’t behave like a sack of potatoes in uniform and don’t get drunk during the opening hours for public.
Try to be as convincing as possible in the part you play.
For good friendship, if you are a sergeant or an officer in a unit, don’t start giving orders to unknown members of other units.
Let the coordination be in the hands of the organisation.
AXIS UNIFORMS, VEHICLES AND INSIGNIA
Axis uniforms, vehicles and insignia will only be allowed to be used by groups with special permission from the organisation.
WEAPONS
Weapons are a vital part of any world war 2 re-enactment. Gun-laws in Belgium are rigid and law enforcement can vary depending on the time, place, event and precautions made by the organisers of events. It is against this background that any re-enactment now takes place.
<DIR><DIR>Licensed or non-licensed operable weapons are not permitted at the event.
Only permanently de-activated weapons are allowed, providing that the organisation has been notified in advance (on the registration form) of any weapon which the re-enactor may wish to bring to Operation Black Earth. We closely co-operate with the police and at any time the police can and will inspect the weapons during the event. Camp staff has to have had from the owners the weapons’ details in advance, such as, the weapon-number, type, calibre.
Blank-firing weapons are only allowed to be brought by participants in the mock battles. Only people asked by the organisation in advance are allowed to participate with these mock-battles.
</DIR></DIR>The security of weapons during Operation Black Earth is the owners’ responsibility. When in doubt, do not bring your weapon.
The event provides opportunities for weapons to be demonstrated to members of the public. It is therefore essential that anyone carrying a weapon should know how (and how not) to handle it. Safety precautions should be scrupulously observed by the owner/bearer and anyone whom he/she allows to handle the weapon.
Because of the re-enactment date – September 1944 – battle conditions could erupt at any moment. Re-enactors and members of the public should follow directions issued at the time. At no time must any weapon be discharged in the camp or elsewhere during the event unless agreed as a pre-arranged scenario where the general public has been removed.
Men carrying weapons should know the arms drill of the Service they represent.
NO WEAPON OF ANY KIND IS TO BE DISCHARGED IN AN AREA USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC!!!
FACILITIES
<DIR><DIR>No admittance fee for units, individuals nor vehicles;
Special arrangement for armoured or tracked vehicles, please contact the organisation;
Catering: We are working on our own mess and the necessary rations to provide our participants with breakfast and warm lunch, if possible this will be free, if not at very democratic prices;
Liberation Ball at the camp with superb big band (25 men) on Saturday night;
All-ranks indoor mess with tables and chairs (fair prices);
Open-air Militaria Fair on Sunday before noon;
Good sanitary facilities (toilet- and shower-units at the camp);
Water supply and waste container available;
Excellent re-enactment terrain (old buildings, 19th century castle for HQ, park around the castle, traffic free roads with 100 year old oak trees alongside, ruins, plains, woods, etc.) Ideal for setting up displays;
We are getting a helping hand and advise from certain members of Stichting Militair depot. These people have a long time experience in the organisation of Living History events. (Bussum Bridgehead) (www.militairdepot.nl)
Public address system available for demo’s;
We have invited the Brussels Tank Museum as well as several other owners of tanks and armoured vehicles for participation (several of them have already confirmed their participation);
A 1942 Piper Cub L4 airplane in original markings will give recon support from the air;
Already several groups and individual re-enactors have confirmed their participation;
A group in civilian clothes specialised in open air Theatre will make the event complete;
Camp will be guarded during absence of the participants (Liberation convoy)
Special requests: let us know and we’ll discuss them!
On Sunday we will link up with the Hell on Wheels liberation convoy (around 150 vehicles with US 2nd armoured division markings) and re-liberate the city of Genk. We will be welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic people in the city centre. After we enter the city centre there will be a static show and music.
Participants who do not want to make the long drive home on Sunday can camp on the terrain until Monday at noon.
</DIR></DIR>
CONDITIONS
<DIR><DIR>Participation reserved to units with a military-historical (or war-related civilian) theme pre-1945 (and individual re-enactors who agree to be allocated to units);
Participation only with original vehicles, uniforms and equipment (quality replica’s permitted);
All de-activated WW2 weapons are allowed. A special permit for blank-firing weapons, including artillery guns, will be requested. Pistols and revolvers will be kept holstered outside the camp. Participants are expected to maintain arms discipline, also with de-activated items;
Please register at the Camp HQ on arrival. From there you will be guided further;
The camp site must be kept in good order, all waste must be put in the container. The site must be left as you found it on arrival;
Period military (and period civilian) vehicles are allowed on the camp site. Civilian or military post-war vehicles must be parked outside the camp (private parking available). Only original WW2 or good replica military tents are allowed. (Civilian) post-war equipment and personal belongings must be kept out of sight;
Please bring your own MUGS, MESS TINS etc. for the meals. Cleaning equipment will be provided for;
Each vehicle will be given a place for the Liberation Run. Please keep your place in the column. Follow the instructions of the MP, police and Movement Control;
We ask each unit that at all times at least one member of the unit is present at their display or camp;
The public is not allowed in the mock battle area nor at the separate camping area. Please help us to keep them within limits;
Follow orders of members of the camp’s STAFF at all times.
Read this MANUAL very carefully, especially the part concerning weapons and safety;
Closing date for subscriptions is MAY 1ST , 2004!!!!
The organisation does not accept any claim for injuries, damage or loss of your vehicles, equipment etc. Neither will the owner of the terrain. Your vehicles must be insured.
Camp passes will be issued after receipt of your application-form. Nobody is allowed on the camp without a camp-pass, except during the opening hours for public. Please don’t loose your camp pass. It gives you right to free breakfast and dinner and it makes the getting in and out of the camp easier;
If necessary the organisation will make a selection between the participants if the size and contents of the event are demanding it.
</DIR></DIR>Camp passes, ration cards and other necessary documents will only be issued on receipt of completed registration forms available from the organisation:
City of Genk, Department of events
At the Attention of Ronny Machiels or Dirk Thielens
Dieplaan 2, 3600 Genk (Belgium)
Email: evenementen@genk.be
Telephone: 0032/(0)89/30.95.63
Fax: 0032/(0)89/30.41.26
Closing date for Registration is May 1st, 2004.
With you, we are looking forward to a marvellous event!
WHO GOES THERE?
To Operation "Black Earth" 2004 visitors come in 3 large groups:
<DIR><DIR>The general public, schools and guide groups on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September;
People who wish to enter into the spirit of the occasion by appearing in 1940’s costume;
Re-enactors who maintain high standards of authenticity in personal and group appearance, equipment and characterisations and who register to take part in many scenarios that make up the event.
</DIR></DIR>In whichever category you find yourself (or if you are keen to graduate from one category to another), we hope this Manual will be of interest and help to you.
</SUP>