In der Kaserne u. Rekrut Auskunft

After the successful year of 2008 the ‘Kameraden bis zum Ende’ will spend the first few months of the Neurer Jahre in refit. Intense training will be under taken; this will be in anticipation for the 2009 Show Season. During this refit period it will also take on its new 2009 image, dispensing with the now common Waffen–SS look that seems to be the norm for so many groups at shows that of over camouflaged men in all too common poses. Research shows that although camouflage was available it was still very rare to see on the battlefield, even amongst the elite of SS Divisions. Instead the Kompanie will adopt the classic look of the Waffen–SS Soldat based around the years 1941-1943. Pushing forward in it’s strive for authenticity ‘KbzE’ will also give the public the chance of seeing smart, disciplined Marching and Drilling Soldaten. So the training regime will also incorporate Waffenexierendienst and Feldausbildung in addition to other subjects. As per the previous seasons, opportunities will arise to operate with larger weapons and vehicles when available.

What else has 2009 have to offer the unsuspecting public when they are confronted by ‘KbzE’? The Gruppe will continue with its designation as 4. Kompanie schwere MG, utilising to the full the MGs available to the Gruppe. This will include Laffette mounted MG42 x2, MG34 x1. In the Anti Aircraft role we have 1 x MG34 and 1 x MG42. The sMG will be supported by a Schützengruppe, Panzerjäger Gruppe and the Kompanie H.Qu. This will incorporate the Führer u. Lehr Stab, Verwaltungs u. Funker Gruppen.

Please contact a representative at derfuhrer@live.co.uk.

As part of the display you will take on an important active role as a Soldat of a Schwere Mg Kompanie. Within 4. Rgt. 'Der Fuhrer'. Activities include Exerzierendienst (drill) Feldausbildung (Field training and tactics) Waffenausbildung (weapons training) Maschinengewehrausbildung (machine gun training and tactics) Gruppe Angriff (group attack tactics).

All Soldaten of 4.Kompanie are fully trained on all weapons available which include Maschinengewehr 34/42 (machine- gun 34/42) Maschinepistole 40 (machine pistol 40) Pistole 08/38 (pistol 08/38) and the Karabiner 98k (carbine rifle 98 k).

You will enter service under the Kompanie Lehr Stab (Training team) you will be taught how to be a Deutche Soldat. Becoming proficient in all areas expected of an Mg schütze. On completion of your training you will be presented with your 'Der Fuhrer' cuff title supplied by the Kompanie.

Having knowledge of the German language is an advantage but not compulsory, we will teach you, as we strive to be as authentic as possible. We feel that nobody should wear the uniform of a foreign nation without knowing a little of the language of the nation you are portraying. So expect to have Exerzierendienst (drill) and Ausbildungs (Training) commands in German.

The German armed forces were very keen in rewarding its personnel for outstanding deeds either bravery or in service of, unlike other nations an example being Great Britain. This provided a number of things including a sense of pride, acknowledgment as well as showing experience to others. 4. Kompanie runs an award scheme in line with these. As a general rule you would enter service with no awards or decorations on. However certain circumstances allow the wearing of awards from the outset e.g. you have served in the armed forces and have received service medals.

You will be expected to purchase first as a priority your SS-Soldbuch (SS -pay book) and you're ID Disk. In order to provide yourself with a character. Next you're Dienstanzug (service dress uniform) in Feldgrau (field grey). This is to include the following items.

M42/43 Feldbluse- field jacket, mit Kragenbinde (collar liner) and belt hooks, SS insignia, shoulder straps with white Waffenfarbe (arm of service piping)

M42/43 Feldhosen- field trouser with braces

Feldmutze- side cap with SS insignia

Koppel mit Schloss- Belt and buckle, with SS "moto"

Seitengewehr- Bayonet with frog

Schnürrschule und Gemaschen- ankle boots and gaiters

Stahlhelm- Steel helmet, in slate grey, single SS rune decal. With chin strap.

With this basic service dress you will be able to take part in all activities immediately within the Kompanie. However be aware because of our high standard you will be expected to obtain the higher quality reproduction clothing. These although more expensive are almost as the original. But before making any purchase please talk to our authenticity advisor SS-Haupscharfuhrer Steffan Fichter. Who also offers a tailoring service. 4. Kompanie obtains all its clothing through clothing and regalia specialist Richard Underwood, you can buy online at www.richardaunderwood.com.

Next you will be looking at obtaining your Vollkampfausrustung (full combat equipment). However it is advised that you again contact the Kompanie advisor before making any purchase. German equipment was often changed, and we must make sure you purchase the correct pattern for the year we are portraying. This will also prevents you buying substandard items that can also be more expensive. Again we use Richard Underwood as a supplier of field equipment.

As you may well be aware the camouflage clothing worn by the Waffen-SS was the hallmark of these much-feared divisions and a great number of different designs were available. The Kompanie advisors the purchase of a Zeltbahn (tent quarter) followed by a second pattern Tarnjacke (smock) in either "plain tree" or "oak leaf". With matching Tarnüberzug (helmet cover). The Kompanie also uses the Tarnanzug "Pea dot suit".

Additional clothing and equipment for winter

Mantel - Great coat

Handbekleidung, Handschuhe - Gloves, Mittens

Kopfschützer - Headover

Manshaftdecke - Enlisted mans blanket x 2

Tarnwinteranzug - Padded winter suit in "oak leaf and white"

An extensive equipment list is available on request. All the above items and more available from Richard Underwood at a very reasonable price.

As a new recruit we now that it is expensive, around £1000 as a rough guide, to payout for everything in one go, so we do not expect that of you. A year will be given for you in order to be fully kitted out with your own equipment. In the mean time items can be used from the Kompanie stores. However this is subject to availability. £1000 sounds a lot but as hobbies go it is about average, and with high quality reproductions and original items you are always going to get your money back if not more. Additional cost involved is an insurance payment of £10 per year, this made payable to our umbrella organization AFRA. This gives the Kompanie £2 million cover in public liability. Finally £15 per year subscription is made to the Kompanie which goes towards the hire of weapons and the purchase of Kompanie stores throughout that year.

You will be in the public eye almost all of the time you are with the Kompanie. Every effort should be made to keep up your appearance. Here are some basic Kompanie rules you would be expected to abide by.

You must be clean shaven, wearing of a moustache is forbidden as per the German Army regulations.

You must wear your hair short on the back and sides, with no sideburns. (Nr 2 in length max back and sides the top the longer the better)

You must never wear jewellery, i.e. ear rings, tongue studs, nipple rings etc... All tattoos must be hidden.

Swearing is forbidden

The wearing of any modern items i.e. watches and mobile phones

No modern food items on the display area.

All Equipment and leatherwork is to be maintained in good condition. Impeccable behaviour towards the public. We hope that this information has wetted your appetite to come along and join 4. Kompanie at one of its next events, or for more information contact via our e-mail address. derfuhrer@live.co.uk