Great War: German
Reenacting Units

5. Sturm-Pionier (Rohr) Bataillon (USA, NY) [GWA]--A reenactment unit of the GWA, portrays the famous unit known as the "test-bed" of the Stoßtruppen. Unit is out of the Northeast, with many members in the New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania area.

Darstellungsgruppe Süddeutsches Militär 1870-1918 e.V. (Germany) -- We are a community of people interested in keeping historical events alive in the common conscience, in an honest and urging sense, and to work for the understanding between peoples. That includes:

• -Lectures on historical topics
• -Battlefield excursions
• -Exhibitions and collections
• -Scale Diorama crafting
• -Living history
• -International contacts
• -Representation at events
• -Taking part in movie sets

for many, it was their own family history, which led to our hobby. A grandfather or great-grandfather who was in the Great War... a need to know as exactly as possible was it was like at that time... How did the simple soldiers really live, what were their concerns, emergencies and fears? How was it like "in the field"? In the sense of a detail-faithful representation, we want to give an idea of the history of this era. In addition, we give school demonstrations and sometimes even work in television documentaries and film to a broad public who are often uneducated about this time period.

As authentically as possible, we represent soldiers of "the Old Army" *, i.e. the German army before 1919. For this, we use original weapons and items of equipment from the time, as well as historically correct reproductions. The interest in living history is great and in all of Europe we have found others who share in our interests equally, thus gaining many new friendships.

Among our past high points, the historical weekend in Verdun in April 2003, can surely be considered a great event... at this event, established a peace camp with other European groups at the historical battlefield of Verdun. The German, English, Italian, Slovenian and French historical reenactors, all in historical uniforms were officially honored by the city of Verdun, for their commitment to remembering and honoring the history of the Battle of Verdun.

In February 2006, we participated in the ceremonies commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Verdun,  again in this historically filled area. Our participation in these ceremonies was noted in extraordinarily positive way in the French press. These kinds of events are what we do in our quest to learn about the Great War and to honor all participants in this terrible war.

(German language--use Alta-Vista to translate)

Remembering traditions is a good thing. Military values, like God, confidence, employment, readiness, patriotism, discipline, performance of duties, loyalty, courage, tolerance and Kameradschaft are things to be stressed. Without rememberance of past traditions there can be none today and none in the future!

(German language--use Alta-Vista to translate)

20. Maschinengewehr Sharfschützen Kompagnie (USA, PA) [GWA]--One of the original founding units of the GWA, the 20.MGSS has been around a long time and so has a good impression built-in. They have numerous original machine guns and an OUTSTANDING trench section at the GWA's Newville site. This trenchline was built almost soley by one man, known to all as "Erich the Trench God!" Check 'em out!!!

Musican Corps of the 7. Hussars. Does many events and historical functions.

(German language--use Alta-Vista to translate)

12. Minenwerfer Kompagnie (USA, MD) [GWA] -- the 12th Minenwerfer Kompagnie home page. We are the only dedicated mortar unit within the World War One reenactment community, making up the Great War Association (GWA). Twice a year, we gather with other member units for a private battle at the GWA owned site, outside of Newville, Pennsylvania for a weekend of living history and recreated battles. These reenactments often have an attendance exceeding 350, with people from all over the country and occasionally as far away as Europe and Australia. Between the major GWA events, our members travel to other regional reenactments and living history events to display and demonstrate our collection of WWI equipment.

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (USA, PA)* [GWA]--Nothing more than a name and address yet. I am sure more will follow.

J.R. 92 (USA, PA) [GWA]--J.R. 92 is a reenactment group formed to study the First World War, with major emphasis on the activities of the German Imperial Infantry Regiment from Brunswick, Germany, and to share the knowledge obtained with others through living history presentations, re-enactments, and general meetings.

Representatives of the association are the university-formed comrades, who keep a piece Bavarian history alive in the historical uniforms around 1900 with most diverse causes, like historical fixed courses, Fahnenweihen or receipts.

(German language--use Alta-Vista to translate)

(German language--use Alta-Vista to translate)

Köeniglich Bayerische Leib Regiment (USA, NC) [GWA]--Another "old-line" GWA unit, the "Leib Regiment" portrays one of the Bavarian elite units. They provide a service to the GWA by doing a "Feldgendarmarie" or military police impression at events.

(German language--use Alta-Vista to translate)