WW2 re-enactment put down its roots in the UK in the 1970’s where a small
amount of motivated people got together to recreate the uniforms and traditions of
long forgotten allied and axis regiments or units that were in active service
circa 1939-1945. After time this evolved into the BRA, the British
Re-reenactment Association. Many of the founding fathers of UK re-enactment are
still going strong to this day. One of the most established UK groups which has
links to this time are The Second Battle Group, this re-enactment society has
and up until this day set the standard by which most other units both in the UK
and internationally gage themselves.
Over the years re-enactment in the UK has gone under considerable change some of
which is due to the recent interest in films such as Band of Brothers, Saving
Private Ryan and not least Downfall. These days a whole range of different
associations and societies have been formed that represent a plethora of
different units ranging from Soviet Guards to the Home Front. Modern films have
helped to bring back into the public spotlight what the men of WW2 had to
endure. As a result of this interest the UK scene in re-enactment is very much
expanding which unsurprisingly has also lead to an increased interest in 1940's
events and dances across the country. To say that UK WW2 re-enactment is going
through a period of growth at the moment would be somewhat of an understatement.
Events are held in all corners of the UK and can range from private battles,
public military shows, 1940's dances and even steam railway events that help
bring back the nostalgia of this time. The ease by which people can connect to
the internet has produced a whole range of different chat forums where
e-enactors and 1930-40s enthusiasts share knowledge and experiences. These
cyber forums help to make contacts and organize events and also at the same time
are helping to expand the hobby further.
Kit suppliers have also grown and expanded off the number of people searching
for uniforms and equipment. For some years uniforms and equipment used to be
very expensive but as different suppliers from around the world have started to
produce re-enactment uniforms the prices have dramatically come down. Thus in
turn is making the hobby more affordable and hence the rise in participants.
The UK also has an officially representative body which is recognized by the
government, Heath and Safety Executive and the Police, this national body being
the National Association of Reenactment Societies (N.A.Re.S). NAReS is
continually working to improve safety within our hobby and also looks to
influence and legislation changes that could have a detrimental effect of our
past time. Kampgruppe Kaeppner of which the Hermann Goring Division are member
of is a full member of this national body.
We hope you find this site informative and helpful and if looking for a
e-enactment society to join we wish you all the luck in finding one.
|
