'Kameraden bis zum Ende' der fuehrer
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:52 am
‘Kameraden bis zum Ende’ ‘der führer’ had its origins in a group called Hohenstaufen that myself and my 2ic were part of back in the early 90’s. I personally have been doing Waffen –SS living history since 1992. Then there was but two Waffen –SS groups in the country with Hohenstaufen breaking new grounds in authenticity. We both left and formed the present group and have since continued in the same direction.
As the name implies kameradschaft or comradeship. We try to foster and build up a strong sense of unit pride and team spirit which we feel was the key feature of the Waffen –SS in WWII. Grenadiere are encouraged to act and feel like elite soldaten and this, we hope, is in turn communicated to the public thereby enhancing the authenticity of the display. Members are given German names, identities and paperwork and are encouraged to speak German as much as possible. All Training is done in German and men are expected to do drill and field tactics in German. Any awards and decorations have to be earned through service to the unit.
We like to adopt a holistic approach to the portrayal of the soldier. Soldiers have multi faceted lives and we try to represent this. Consequently you may see grenadier at the front line in combat, relaxing behind the lines, doing drill or training, engaged in fatigues or even doing P.T. This approach makes for a varied display for both members involved and public and also allows show organisers to tailor specific scenarios if required. It goes to say in order to support this approach the group uses only original or museum quality uniforms, weapons and equipment. A full ongoing training programme organised by myself a former H.M forces instructor is also in place that enhances unit authenticity and safety.
We also like to take the display to the public. As opposed to sitting behind a wire, which we feel cuts the public off from us, we like to take the wire down and, under supervision, invite the public into the camp area. Only then can they feel, touch and smell!!! What being a German soldier was like? Additionally when permitted we endeavour to mount patrols, do guard duties, perform drill displays or participate in training around the whole show area.
No living history group can be 100% authentic. However we hope that if through our best effort, the public can glimpse, if only to a small extent what life was like for what we consider the best of soldiers at the worst of times, then we have succeeded in our mission.
For a more in depth view of the group along with photo’s and Films please take a look at the ‘Kameraden bis zum Ende’ website or check us out on Youtube type in der fuhrer the drill film has been uploaded
Mit Kameradschaftliche Gruessen
Manfred
As the name implies kameradschaft or comradeship. We try to foster and build up a strong sense of unit pride and team spirit which we feel was the key feature of the Waffen –SS in WWII. Grenadiere are encouraged to act and feel like elite soldaten and this, we hope, is in turn communicated to the public thereby enhancing the authenticity of the display. Members are given German names, identities and paperwork and are encouraged to speak German as much as possible. All Training is done in German and men are expected to do drill and field tactics in German. Any awards and decorations have to be earned through service to the unit.
We like to adopt a holistic approach to the portrayal of the soldier. Soldiers have multi faceted lives and we try to represent this. Consequently you may see grenadier at the front line in combat, relaxing behind the lines, doing drill or training, engaged in fatigues or even doing P.T. This approach makes for a varied display for both members involved and public and also allows show organisers to tailor specific scenarios if required. It goes to say in order to support this approach the group uses only original or museum quality uniforms, weapons and equipment. A full ongoing training programme organised by myself a former H.M forces instructor is also in place that enhances unit authenticity and safety.
We also like to take the display to the public. As opposed to sitting behind a wire, which we feel cuts the public off from us, we like to take the wire down and, under supervision, invite the public into the camp area. Only then can they feel, touch and smell!!! What being a German soldier was like? Additionally when permitted we endeavour to mount patrols, do guard duties, perform drill displays or participate in training around the whole show area.
No living history group can be 100% authentic. However we hope that if through our best effort, the public can glimpse, if only to a small extent what life was like for what we consider the best of soldiers at the worst of times, then we have succeeded in our mission.
For a more in depth view of the group along with photo’s and Films please take a look at the ‘Kameraden bis zum Ende’ website or check us out on Youtube type in der fuhrer the drill film has been uploaded
Mit Kameradschaftliche Gruessen
Manfred