Advanced Impressions |
This year marks my 16th as a WWII re-enactor. Although I must admit, at times, I had the urge to expand my re-enactment horizons and “do” British and/or GI for a little variety, I have avoided that temptation and kept my German re-enactment record unblemished. As a matter of fact, I have only belonged to one unit my entire “career”. That unit is this one, the LAH. Because of my extensive re-enacting career and virtual non-stop exposure to the German side of the hobby, I have been asked to discuss some of the finer details of establishing and maintaining an above average impression. I certainly don’t consider myself a perfectionist (although some may disagree) or even an expert on this subject, however, I do expect a certain level of authenticity from myself and my compatriots. In case you haven’t guessed, this level is somewhat higher than that impression commonly displayed by the typical German re-enactor. Let’s call it an advanced impression. The LAH has historically been the frontrunner in the development of the German re-enactor standard. This has not pleased some German units and, in some cases, created animosity, as they felt slighted or second-rate. These units must realize that only they themselves establish their own standards. We are honored to be the unit by which others are judged. Except for the occasional two-man “division” who may be wearing all original uniforms and field gear, our overall standards are higher than any German WWII re-enactment unit in existence. These standards are also maintained with the largest number of members in any WWII re-enactment unit, Allied or Axis. Although I receive many compliments on my personal impression, it is far from perfect. Many of the flaws in my impression would go unnoticed unless I were to tell you what they are. (You’ll have to find out for yourselves.) However, I continue to improve upon my impression at each event. Whether it’s buying a more authentic looking medal or buying a Kübelwagen, I strive to project the precise impression of an officer who would have held my duty position. Those of you who attended the Grundausbildung have already been exposed to some the following tips. For the benefit of those yet to attend and to reiterate for those who may have been sleeping, consider the following when striving for your advanced impression. Caps: Caps were worn tilted on the head for style and not worn squared like in the US Army who attempted to snub (and still does) any attempts at individuality. Additionally, even M-43 caps were customized with a “nick” which is the pinching of the top of the caps much like the crusher and peaked caps. Many period photos also show various methods of folding the bill of the caps to create a jaunty appearance and to facilitate stowage. Belts: The belt was a symbol and without it, the soldier was considered disarmed even with a weapon. Except for off-duty lounging or other informal gatherings or meetings, the belt should always be worn. The right edge of the buckle should align with the open front edge of the tunic. The US Army calls this a “gig line”. The Germans also wear their belts higher than the US Army. The belt should be centered between the breast and skirt pockets of the tunic and may be positioned by belt ramps. It is worn in the same location over the smock. Wearing of the belt low across the hips like a gunslinger is a common and highly visible flaw in the German re-enactor’s impression. Boots: There are several quality and correct choices of boots available for the re-enactor of today. In the old days, you had to either cut up biker boots or modify West German jackboots with their very low cut and buckles. Today, with all of the options including custom made ankle and jackboots, you have no excuse for wearing an incorrect pair of boots. Re-enactors have recently flocked to purchase the Swiss mountain boot because it is relatively cheap and rugged. However, the bright speed lacing hooks are an instant giveaway (even at a distance) that these boots aren’t right. I personally have not seen a multitude of pictures of LAH men wearing mountain boots of any type with heavy side cleating, etc. Also, whichever boots you purchase, spend the few extra bucks for the leather soles, hobnails and heel irons. If you really feel like going for that precise impression, splurge for the toe irons too! Field Gear: Stamp and mark your personal field gear. Use some white paint to put your German alter ego name on the inside of your stahlhelm with the last four numbers of your social security number. Also put your numbers in white on your gas mask canister. Stamp the inside of your leather goods with rubber stamps that have maker marks or equipment numbers. Most local printshops will make rubber stamps for around 5 bucks apiece. These are little things that look cool, make your stuff appear original and show up in authentic looking photos. Tobacco: I’m still waiting to see the authentic picture of the LAH man with a mouthful of chaw. Nope, never even seen one with snuff. However, soldiers smoking pipes, cigars and cigarettes were very commonly seen in photos and movie footage back when it was cool and you wouldn’t be persecuted for it. I’m not professing that you start smoking to improve your impression, but, if you do smoke, use correct lighters and unfiltered cigarettes. If you can’t hack it (no pun intended) without the filter, at least cover it up, especially for photographs. Chow: OK, I’ll tell you this one flaw with my impression: I still haven’t figured out how to make my Mountain Dew can or Twinkie wrapper look like German iron rations. But, thanks to some very enterprising members of our unit who produce authentic looking labels and other smart ideas, there are ways to camouflage modern food with WWII style containers. Put the soda in your canteen cup and wrap some pound cake in wax paper. Canned goods can be readily disguised by copies of German food labels adhered to the outside. Use your fork/spoon combination utensil. Eyeglasses: Yes, another pet peeve of mine. Period frames are available very cheap. I don’t wear glasses yet, but in anticipation of that fateful day, I have purchased several different frames at antique shops and have never paid more than 20 bucks for any of them. A long-time unit member, Dr. Baas, used to put prescription lenses in authentic frames for just the cost of shipping for LAH members. His prices may have gone up but I would speculate that he could still provide the service for a reasonable fee (if you consider Bill reasonable). I’m amazed to see some of our veteran re-enactors still wearing inappropriate glasses after all these years. This is a major flaw that could be fixed for just a few bucks. Watches: Yep, you’ve heard this from me over and over again. Your jeweled and digital Rolex watch may look good with your Mr. T necklaces but not with your tunic. Guys try to hide them by pulling down their sleeves or tucking the watch under the elastic cuff of their smock but it inevitably slides down and becomes just another visible reminder of a guy trying to beat the system by saving 20 bucks. He probably blew that much money with the last burst of his $8,000 MG-42! The local Sears department store carries a wide variety of antique styled watches with modern quartz movements for about 25-30 bucks. Pick out some square faced watch with a leather band and small writing on the face (since it’s usually in English), give the nice lady 30 bucks and walk out of the store with a period looking watch which will run for a couple years on the battery. Also, you won’t mind banging it up in the woods because of its cheap replacement cost. Attitude: This is an important one! Like me, try to portray a soldier who held the rank and responsibility you hold in this unit. I don’t really know what I’m doing, I just look like I do! Display the demeanor of a top-notch soldier. Don’t screw around in formation. Act as the real soldier would even though you aren’t going to get paid or blindfolded and shot. Remember, civilians and other units are watching your individual actions and the actions of the unit as a whole. Their perception of our unit will not be based on our strengths, but on our weaknesses. They won’t remember the entire unit executing a perfect facing movement, they will remember that guy who turned the wrong way! There are hundreds of little things that can be done to improve your impression. I have touched upon a few of the obvious ones that are commonly overlooked or just plain disregarded. Bear in mind, we are attempting to replicate German combat soldiers of World War II. Sometimes it may be inconvenient. Sometimes it might be expensive. Sometimes it may uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it should always be fun! Meine Ehre Heißt Treue, Dale Taylor Bataillonführer |