Page Updated 23/07/2006
Since an early age I have always been interested in World War 2 and especially D-Day. Whilst growing up I used to watch the Longest Day every Saturday at my grandparents. In 1998 I went to Normandy for the first time after seeing Saving Private Ryan 3 times at the cinema. I regularly go back to Normandy as it is so full of history and has some beautiful beaches. With my interest I began to collect medals and here is an early collection:
I still wanted more and in September 2001 my mate Colin took me to the Military Odyssey show. O my god I was like a kid in a sweet shop, there was everything there from Tanks, aircraft, live re-enactment shows, collectable stalls and living history groups. Looking around I thought I want some of that so I looked at the different history groups. There was plenty of allied groups but not so many German. I always like to be different so I thought I would go for the German (who are one of the biggest groups at the show!).
I joined the SBG (Second Battle Group) for a fee of £25 a year. With that I get regular updates, discounts on equipment and invites to shows. Learning more about the SBG I found out they participate in private shows, films (including Saving private Ryan), Documentaries (Discovery Channel), own various vehicles including tanks and have members from all over the world. Being part of the SBG wearing the Waffen SS insignia there are strict rules which must be observed at all times and not just anyone can join. Full details are on there website by clicking on the logo above, Please mention my site if you do decide to join. There is also http://www.thewarandpeaceshow.com which is ever bigger than Military Odyssey !
The only downside I found was, out of all the re-enactment armies the German army is one of the most expensive for setup costs as everything has to be perfect. Through the SBG I get discounts from suppliers but I also use Ebay as well.
http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/ - Visit the forum to find out more info on re-enactment.
http://cm.thewarandpeaceshow.com/gallery/album05 You can find 2 pics of me here on Pages 4 and 11
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Recommended Suppliers:
Remember it is all to be fun!
To date I have the following:
| £1,249.98 | |
| Original refurbished M42 Helmet Size 60CM RARE ! | £ 80.00 |
| Original Gas Mask and Container | £ 40.00 |
| Original Deactivated K98 Mauser Waffen stamped with sling | £ 275.00 |
| Bread Bag | £ 5.00 |
| 2 Stick Grenades | £ 26.00 |
| Trousers | £ 35.00 |
| Tunic with SS Badges | £ 150.00 |
| Belt and SS Buckle | £ 33.00 |
| Boots | £ 50.00 |
| Gaiters | £ 8.00 |
| M40 Side Cap | £ 35.00 |
| Leather Y Straps | £ 35.00 |
| Mauser Pouches, Original??? | £ 35.00 |
| 50 Round Belt for the MG42 with 20 rounds | £ 30.00 |
| Trouser Braces | £ 10.00 |
| Frog | £ 15.00 |
| Mess Tin | £ 10.00 |
| Water Bottle | £ 15.00 |
| Helmet Strap | £ 12.00 |
| Knife, Fork & Spoon Set | £ 3.99 |
| SS Oakleaf Reversible Smock | £ 125.00 |
| Bayonet | £ 45.00 |
| ID Tag and Book | £ 9.00 |
| Summer Army Service Shirt | £ 44.99 |
| SS Reversible Helmet Cover | £ 45.00 |
| SS Oakleaf Trousers | £ 95.00 |
| Still To Get | £ 370.00 |
| Butter Dish | £ 5.00 |
| Torch | £ 15.00 |
| K98 Cleaning Kit | £ 20.00 |
| Combat Assault Pack (A Frame) | £ 50.00 |
| Folding Shovel | £ 85.00 |
| Pea Camouflage Tunic | £ 125.00 |
| Watch | ??? |
