World War II Re-enactment

Despite being the second most prominent form of living history in the US, (American Civil War being the first) World War 2 reenacting is relatively unknown. Reenactors like myself are attempting to change this. Hopefully by the time you get done reading this article, you'll know something about World War 2 reenacting, and if you already knew a little, perhaps you'll know a little bit more.

World War 2 reenacting is much like any other form of living history. Participants (like myself) strive to be historically accurate in everything we do. From the weapons, tactics, and uniforms we use, to the types of food we eat and the table manners used while eating (only applicable in a barracks setting). As is the case in other types of reenacting, some reenactors go farther than others. We seek to learn more about the lives of the average soldier, and to pass on that knowledge to others. Just like other forms of reenacting, we have public events, at which we reenact a battle or a portion of a battle. Sometimes this may be as small as an attack on a farmhouse or as big as a recreation as the first attack during the Battle of the Bulge. Along with public demonstrations and battles, we also have private events that are just for reenactors. It's hard for us to really get into it when there are people in bright yellow shorts and Mickey Mouse hats standing not too far away from the action. World War 2 reenacting is unique in that there are enough of both private and public battles for a person to be largely devoted to one category or the other,although most people go to both types on a regular basis. By going to an even mixture, reenactors cover both areas of learning teaching oneself, and teaching others.

We (World War 2 reenactors) use the same equipment they used back then. That applies even to heavier equipment such as artillery and tanks. Aircraft are few and far between, with their only involvement being staged strafing runs against ground targets. Fully automatic machine guns and sub-machine guns are quite common. The most common vehicles are jeeps, motorcycles, and similar, utility type vehicles such as 1940's pick-up trucks. All weapons use blanks or other means that can safely simulate the weapons use.