US and UK Flag merged

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Post D-Day US Para look

The basic Late War US paratrooper uniform and equipment

D-Day US Para look

D-Day US paratrooper uniform and equipment

D-Day US Ranger look

D-Day US Ranger uniform and equipment

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WW2 Reenactor Forum

WW2 Re-enactors website

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The Upottery Airfield 2010 event

Contact me if you would like details of how to contribute to this historic event

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World War II Re-enactors magazine

World War II Re-enactors magazine

 

 

 


WW2 Reenactors

World War 2 reenactors bring period events to life. They spend much time and money in accurately recreating the look and traditions of the period in order to keep the memories alive.

Some WW2 reenactment groups can be hired for film or TV work. The benefit to the producers being that they already have their kit and don`t need to be instructed in looking the part.

There are many reenactment groups, with each specialising in their own theme, be this battle recreation, period drill or one of the many aspects of the military of the era.

Enthusiasts are always keen to hear from veterans, in a quest to further improve the accuracy of their display.

'Band of Brothers', 101AB veteran meets USAB reenactors at War & Peace Show, 2008

Display at tha War & Peace Show 09

Civilian and military renectors at the Swindon-Cricklade railway Wartime

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Author in a US Ranger uniform. This is a mix of reproduction and original items bought mostly at shows and online.

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War & Peace Show

The largest re-enactment show in the UK is the War & Peace Show at Beltring, Kent each summer.

Here re-enactors can be seen dug-in and patrolling their encampments. Away from the hustle and bustle of the displays, the sound of 40’s entertainment can be heard day and night coming from the marquee.

Vera Lynn and George Formby tributes entertain show weary troops, many dressed in their combat fatigues or walking-out uniforms.


Airborne reenactors in a C47 Dakota. Photo courtesy of enfernormand on Flickr.

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Civilian Reenactment

It’s not just military events which are recreated. Period civilian re-enactment is becoming increasingly more popular, seeing a steady growth at events.

Often steam railways or places of historic interest host nostalgic events featuring WW2 re-enactors.

Civilian reenactors at the War & Peace Show 09

 

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Where to buy kit

There are two types of kit used by reenactors; these are genuine, and reproduction.

Genuine items are widly used, although these can be expensive or difficult to obtain, so often cheaper reproduction kit is used. The quality or reproduction items varies depending on the supplier.

Militaria shows and specialist dealers are good sources of genuine kit. As WW2 reenactment grows in popularity there are many specialist dealers in reproduction items and uniforms.

Ebay and WW2 forums can be a good source of both genuine and reproduction items.

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UK Reenactor Groups

US Forces

The First Allied Airborne Association

Normandy 44 Re-enactment Association

514th Red Bull Express Re-enactment Association

The First Infantry Division

Royal Air Force

Soldier Blue: RAF Regiment Living History Group

British Forces

5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards

 

Home Front

Kitten von Mew, Burlesque entertainer and 40s pin-up

Kitten von Mew, 40s pin-up, burlesque entertainer