Authenticity Guidelines
Guidelines specific to German and U.S. troops are below. These are essentially the same guidelines you may have seen at Nordwind and Lüttich over the years. We've adopted these with the permission of W2HPG, Inc. so that the hobby has consistent standards that are high but practical and within reach. At the bottom of each column is a downloadable pdf file of the respective guidelines for German and U.S.
SOCIAL MEDIA HYGIENE
Northern Light Operations expects ALL re-enactor participants to observe professional hygiene on social media. There is no Facebook page for this event for several reasons:
1) This is invitation only and there is no need to "promote" it;
2) This website and the unit chain of command (email and phone prior to the event) are more than adequate to provide information and answer questions;
3) Social media mis-use of public event pages was a major contributing factor to the loss of re-enactor credibility in the eyes of the PA National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap;
4) It should be obvious that soldiers of WW2 did not have social media, cell phones, the internet, and so forth. Today's technology is a double-edged sword, but it DOES help us with research and knowledge about WW2, obtaining kit, and so forth. Used responsibly, it can be an invaluable tool for preserving history.
SOCIAL MEDIA HYGIENE
Northern Light Operations expects ALL re-enactor participants to observe professional hygiene on social media. There is no Facebook page for this event for several reasons:
1) This is invitation only and there is no need to "promote" it;
2) This website and the unit chain of command (email and phone prior to the event) are more than adequate to provide information and answer questions;
3) Social media mis-use of public event pages was a major contributing factor to the loss of re-enactor credibility in the eyes of the PA National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap;
4) It should be obvious that soldiers of WW2 did not have social media, cell phones, the internet, and so forth. Today's technology is a double-edged sword, but it DOES help us with research and knowledge about WW2, obtaining kit, and so forth. Used responsibly, it can be an invaluable tool for preserving history.
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Deutsches Truppen
Troops registered for indoor lodging should wear a walking out uniform for dinner or if the participant only has one uniform, it must be in good repair and as clean as possible. If in doubt, consult your unit leadership or The Reibert! Headgear M35, M40, M42 and Fallschirmjager Helmets The standard steel helmet original or reproduction for each branch of service. They should be the correct WW2 color with proper WW2 chinstraps and liners. Good repros are fine, no Spanish! Helmet Camouflage Many different types were worn and are appropriate. These include tire inner tube sections to hold foliage, twine netting, wire, chicken wire, white wash, textured paint, and cloth covers. Soft Caps (Mutzen) Original or quality reproduction wool service caps including the M34, M42, M43, Bergmutze, crusher caps, and officers caps depending on branch of service. Cap wear must be appropriate for branch of service and rank. While the leather brimmed crusher caps (M34 “alter art” old style officer caps) were authorized for wear by NCOs in the SS, they were not in the Heer. A crushed version of the Heer enlisted mans visor cap would have been worn instead. Uniforms Field Tunics (Feldblusen) and trousers Quality Heer, SS, and Luftwaffe enlisted and officer reproductions are readily available at reasonable prices from many reliable sources domestic as well as internationally. In many cases these tunics and trousers were originally made in both wool for the Continental European and Russian climates and HBT for the summer and more tropical climates. Both and are available that way today. Old Swedish conversions and East German tunics and trousers or other post war German are not appropriate. Belt and Buckle (Koppel und Koppelschloss) For enlisted troops black leather for Heer and SS and brown for Luftwaffe with the proper original or reproduction branch of service buckle. Tan web belts we also issued for tropical climates and late in the war but were much less common. For officers they were black or brown leather for Heer or SS and brown leather for Lufwaffe with standard 2 claw buckle. Brocade belts and buckles we also worn with the walking out or dress uniforms. Post war West German, East German, or civilian belts are not appropriate. Service Shirts Original or quality reproduction of the standard issue service shirt, depending on branch of service. Also, period style (collared or collarless) plain, striped, or checked “shirts from home” can be appropriate. If you elect to do this, do it right and do your research but, leave the Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren shirts at home along with the white T-shirts. Europeans of the era wore “tanker” undershirts. Open collars with white T’s exposed are FARB. Winter Combat Jacket and Pants Referred to as the “Parka”, They were produced in mouse grey, tan and water, and various splinter patterns for Heer and Luftwaffe troops as well as various SS camouflage patterns for SS troops. Most were reversible to white but, not all. There was even a quilted version in a light green color issued to Luftwaffe Fallschirmjager troops. All versions had pants with suspenders to match but were often issued on a “mix and match” basis. In both cases these parkas and pants were to be worn over the field uniform. Originals or quality reproduction only. Wool Overcoat (Mantel) Original or period reproductions. Feldgrau with either feldgrau or bottle green collars. No Swiss or Swedish conversions. Raincoat (Kradmantel) A rubberized fabric raincoat designed for motorcycle troops but, adopted and worn by others including Field Police. Originals or quality reproductions are appropriate Zeltbahn Triangle shaped shelter quarter (in splinter or various SS camo patterns) issued 1 per man that can also be use as a poncho or as camouflage. Original or Quality reproductions are available. Swiss squarebahns are ok but, no other Post War European versions are acceptable. Footwear (Stiefel) A number of different service shoes and boots were worn by German troops during the war. Jackboots, ankle boots, Gebirgs boots, Fallschirmjager jump boots, or Officers boots. The listed types were all utilized during the European Campaign. Reproductions are available for all versions. Modern (Timberland style) and foreign versions (Post War Swedish, Post War Canadian or British Ammo boots etc…) are not acceptable. Proper reproduction WW2 boots are generally readily available in most sizes. If you have an unusual size foot that cannot be fitted with a good reproduction boot, see your unit commander for a reasonable exception. Gloves (Handschuhe) The war time issue knitted grey wool gloves with white sizing rings on the wrist are really nice and quality reproductions are inexpensive and readily available. Also, most plain grey wool gloves are acceptable for use as well. Same for Officers but, in addition, grey leather Officers gloves with snap closures at the wrist are also appropriate. Socks Quality plain grey wool socks or reproduction foot wraps. Leave the old athletic tube socks home. They don’t wick away the moisture, they bunch up in your boots, cause blisters and prove very uncomfortable over time. Fieldgear (Enlisted Infantry) Breadbag (Brotbeutel) Originals, reproductions, or Post War early West German versions are appropriate. Colors can vary from tan to brown to green for Heer and SS and are usually grayish or blue for Luftwaffe troops. K-98 Ammo pouches (Patronnentasche) originals or quality reproductions. Black of Heer or SS and black or brown for Lufwaffe. Canteen, Cup and Cover (Feldflasche) Canteen & cup (in aluminum or Bakelite). Cover was brown wool with snap fasteners. Originals, post war, or reproductions are available. Mess Tin (Kochgeschir) Original, reproduction, and some Post War early West German. The Post War version with the tall lid is not appropriate. Colors can vary from grey green to green to dark green to almost black. The lid is kept in place via a thin leather strap. Gas can and mask (Gasmaske) Original or reproductions only, with or without gas cape and bag. The shorter Luftschutz or civilian models are not appropriate. Y-Straps (Koppeltragegestell) Original or reproduction leather Heer/SS or Luftwaffe versions only. A tropical or late war web version can also be appropriate in small numbers. The padded Austrian or other Post War versions are not appropriate. Mountain troops rarely adopted the Y strap because of their need for a rucksack which hooked into the ammo pouches—instead they stayed with the belt hooks inserted through the tunic. Bayonet and bayonet frog (Seitengewehr) German Original or quality reproduction. Grips in either wood or Bakelite. Bayonet frog in black or dark brown leather. Non-German K-98 versions are not appropriate. Entrenching Tool (Spaten) Correct German versions of the Wartime short shovel (Kleines Schanzzeug) or folding models of the Spaten. Swedish, Swiss or other Post War European versions are not appropriate. Assult Pack or A- Frame (Gurtbandtragegerust) Basically 2 types: web frame with either leather or tropical web straps. Original or quality reproductions of both types are appropriate. Rucksack—see Y Straps and mountain troops above. Fieldgear (Officers) Pistol and Holster was issued to officers instead of a cartridge belt. This belt had numerous eyelets to allow the officer the ability to attach various pieces of equipment that was more suited to his duties. Binoculars and Case Officers were also issued upon need, binoculars which were either worn around the neck via a leather strap or in Bakelite case attached to the belt. Originals or Post War in the proper Wartime style are appropriate. Map Case Additionally, officers were issued a leather map case (in black or brown) usually worn on the belt carry maps, pencils, and documents to protect them and provide easy access. Original, reproduction, or Post War West German. Personal Items Period Eye Glasses no joke but, the biggest eyesore in reenacting are modern eyewear. Contacts, Period or period style eyewear only, please! Period Haircuits the second biggest eyesore in reenacting are improper haircuts. Short and close around the sides, longer on top, and shave the sideburns. Let’s leave the Clint Eastwood Where Eagles Dare haircuts at home with the remote and popcorn. Facial Hair Clean shaven or a 3 day shadow for that field look. Beards, goatees, and moustaches are best left home. Yes, some people and units had some in limited quantities during the war but, not as many as we want to believe or we wear in reenacting today. Period Watches There is no requirement to have or wear a watch. Any/all 1930s and 40s original or style wrist watches or pocket watches are acceptable but, let’s leave the modern watches in our cars. Weapons Rifles and Machine Guns Mauser 98Ks, G41s, K or G43s, MP40s, MP44s, MG34s, MG42s and any other WW2 German issued weapons widely utilized on the Western Front. Russian Nagants, Tokarevs, PPSHs and other Eastern Front weapons are not appropriate. All other non-German weapons that saw use on the Western Front on a unit specific basis, should be cleared in advance. All Class 3 weapons require appropriate paperwork. Panzerfausts, Panzerschrecks and Mortors “Safe” projectile firing versions are allowed. Teams utilizing these weapons must be properly trained on their operation and for safety. Individuals found operating in an unsafe maybe ask to leave and will not be invited back. Sorry the liability surrounding these weapons is just too great. Also, any non-biodegradable rounds need to be collected up after the tactical and not left for the landowner to clean up. Grenades Grenades are permitted. Exploding grenades need to be demonstrated at ones feet at the safety briefing prior to the start of the tactical. Again, safety is key here. Individuals found operating in an unsafe maybe ask to leave and will not be invited back. Sorry the liability surrounding these weapons is just too great. Also, any non-biodegradable rounds need to be collected up after the tactical and not left for the landowner to clean up. 
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U.S. Troops
While in garrison/rear area, the duty uniform must be kept neat and clean and portray the correct uniform for their unit. Those Re-enactors who portray US Divisions that arrived in the ETO September 1944 or later, the M-1943 Uniform, field jacket and double buckle boots are authorized for wear. Headgear M1 Helmet The standard M1 steel helmet should be the correct WW2 color with proper color web chinstraps. Vietnam Era shells are not acceptable unless converted with WW2 paint and chinstraps. WW2 style liners with brown leather chinstrap are correct. Nam Era liners are not. Helmet Nets of different types were worn Tanker Helmets To be worn by Armored personnel only Soft Caps OD wool Jeep Caps, OD wool A4 caps, HBT and M43 caps are fine. Uniforms Field Jackets M41 Jacket- Main combat jacket worn in Normandy Winter Combat Jacket Referred to as the “Tanker Jacket”, it was initially issued to Armored troops and eventually found its way into the hands of many of the infantry or anyone who could get their hands on it. It had a short waist with a sturdy cotton shell, was blanket lined and had a zipper front. Knitted collar and cuffs made it a desirable warm and functional jacket. Winter Combat Trousers Usually issued with the Winter Combat Jacket, these were blanket lined bib style overalls to be worn over the soldier’s trousers. They had detachable suspenders and zipper access for the front, fly and pockets. Raincoat Two types of raincoats were produced during the war. A rubberized fabric raincoat was standardized which was eventually replaced by a new synthetic material raincoat. Both types were used for the duration of the war. The design of the raincoat was a five button, straight front coat with two pockets that opened to the inside so the wearer could reach into clothing pockets while wearing the raincoat. Poncho Two types of ponchos were produced for Army use during World War II. A synthetic resin-coated version was eventually replaced by a nylon lightweight type in 1944 because it was simpler and cheaper to make than raincoats. A neck opening that was closed by a drawstring that closed with a rubber keeper prevented rain from running down the neck. Unlike later post war ponchos, it did not have a hood. Double snap fasteners down both sides could be pushed together to form sleeves. They could also be used to join several ponchos together to form a tent with the idea that the poncho could replace both the raincoat and the shelter half. Wool Shirts & Trousers During WW2 the standard issue service uniform for all US Army troops was the wool flannel shirt and wool serge trousers. The shirt is a basic men’s two pocket type, cut like a dress shirt. The M37 and M41 types are both correct. The trousers were straight legged, wool serge cut similar to men’s dress slacks HBT Shirt & Trousers Hard wearing fatigue uniform utilized in hot weather. Footwear A number of different service shoes and boots were worn by U.S. troops during the Normandy Campaign. These types were all utilized: Low Boots were worn with canvas leggings, Service Shoe Type II, Rough Out Service Shoe, Paratrooper Boots. Reproductions are available for all versions. Modern (Timberland style) and foreign versions (Post War French etc.) are not acceptable. Proper reproduction WW2 boots are readily available. There is no reason to wear civilian or post war boots. Fieldgear Infantryman M1928 Haversack Standard pack issued to U.S. infantry troops. M1923 Cartridge Belt held (10) 8 round enbloc clips for the M1 Rifle or (20) 5 round stripper clips for the Springfield bolt action rifle. Canteen, Cup and Cover M1910 canteen & cup in aluminum or stainless steel. Cover was wool lined cotton canvas with lift the dot fasteners. First Aid Pouch M1910, M1924, M1942 and British made pouches were all utilized during the war. It held the tin or paper Carlisle bandage for wounds Entrenching Tool M1910 “T” Handle shovel with canvas pouch or the M43 Folding shovel with canvas pouch were both carried by all U.S. troops. Officers M1936 Pistol Belt was issued to officers instead of a cartridge belt. This belt had numerous eyelets to allow the officer the ability to attach various pieces of equipment that was more suited to his duties. M1916 Holster was issued along with the standard side arm for officers, which was the M1911A1 Pistol. .45 Double Magazine Pouch A WW1 or WW2 double magazine pouch was issued with the M1911 & M1911A1 Pistol. M1936 Suspenders were issued to support the combat load as well as attach the M1936 Musette Bag. M1936 Musette Bag was issued to Officers in lieu of the M1928 haversack. This was attached to the M1936 Suspenders by means of two straps with snap hooks to the “D” rings on the suspenders. Canteen and First Aid Pouch were issued the same as every soldier. Binocular Case Officers were also issued upon need, binoculars which were either attached to the pistol belt or slung over the shoulder by a leather strap attached to the case. Map Case Additionally, officers were issued a canvas map case with sling to carry maps and documents to protect them and provide easy access. Compass Pouch another officer item to assist with map coordinates. Airborne Paratroopers, Medics, Armored infantry etc. were among the troops also issued some of the equipment listed in the Officers fieldgear section. The use of pistol belts and musette bags were used extensively by specialized units. The regular infantry were not issued these items. However, some were procured/acquired and utilized by the common soldier. It is not the norm to see these items worn by basic infantrymen and therefore we ask that we all strive to portray the common soldier and not the exception to the rule or what is convenient. Shelter Half/Pegs & Poles Every soldier was issued a cotton duck shelter half, 5 pegs, 1 joined folding pole and guy rope to be used for sleeping in the field or as a shelter. A pup tent was formed by buttoning together 2 shelter halves to make a small tent to house 2 soldiers. The shelter half issued from early to mid-war was khaki (OD #3) with one open end and the other had an extension piece. By mid war an additional extension piece was attached to the front to better enclose the soldiers from wind, driving rain and snow. By 1944 the color was changed to Olive Drab (OD#7). All shelter halves would have a “U.S.” stamp on the center of the shelter. All WW2 shelters utilized buttons, Not Snaps, to connect to each other. By mid-war a 3 section set of poles replaced the folding type. Weapons M1 Garand (officially designated as U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1) is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .30-06 Springfield rifle cartridge. It was the first standard-issue semi-automatic rifle.[5] Called "the greatest battle implement ever devised" by General George S. Patton,[6] the Garand officially replaced the bolt-action M1903 Springfield as the standard service rifle of the United States Armed Forces in 1936 (although the switch was not instantaneous). During World War II, the M1 gave U.S. forces a distinct advantage in firefights against their Axis enemies, as their standard-issue rifles were more effective than the Axis' slower-firing bolt-action rifles. It utilized an 8 round enbloc clip that ejected on the last shot fired with a distinctive “ping” sound. The M1907 leather sling with brass or later parkerized metal hooks was issued with all rifles. A khaki or OD#7 web sling was issued by 1943. An M1C Sniper version was also issued. Each rifle was issued with a M1905 Bayonet. Earlier versions were of the longer WW1 length and a shorter blade version replaced it by mid-war. M1903/M1903A3 These Bolt Action Rifles were also used by U.S. troops throughout the war. Mainly used till replaced by the M1 Garand, these WW1 era rifles were fed by a 5 round stripper clip and were utilized as a secondary issue when M1 Garands were not available. The M1903A3 was a wartime slightly simplified version of the WW1M1903. Highly accurate and robust, the M1903 was still a formidable rifle. In many cases the grenadier of an infantry squad carried an M1903/A3 with an attached rifle grenade launcher. M1 Carbine The M1 Carbine was developed in response to a requirement for a light, handy rifle to be carried by officers, clerks, cooks, linemen, machine gunners, mortarmen and the like—soldiers who would not normally be issued a handgun, but for whom the bulkier Garand might be inappropriate. Although the .30 cal. straight cased rimless cartridge didn’t have anything near the power of that of the .30-’06, within reasonable distances it had enough oomph to be a reasonably effective combat round. It fired from a 15 round detachable magazine. A magazine pouch was sometimes fitted to the buttstock for easy access. The site was a simple “L” type site which was later replaced by an adjustable version. It was not fitted with a bayonet lug. An M3 Combat knife or similar blade was also issued with the carbine. Late versions eventually appeared with a bayonet lug for the M4 Bayonet. A folding stock version was developed for paratroopers called the M1A1. Browning Automatic Rifle The BAR was a WW1 designed weapon that came to full use in WW2. The WW2 version M1918A2 was a full auto, gas operated .30-06 cal. squad support weapon. Robust and dependable, the BAR provided firepower to an infantry squad as its base of fire. Rate of fire was 350-500 rpm. It weighed 19 lbs. and fired from a 20 round box magazine. It was issued with a folding bi-pod which many soldiers removed to shed extra weight and clumsiness. Thompson Submachine Gun The M1928A1 had provisions for stick and drum magazines. It had a Cutts compensator, cooling fins on the barrel, employed a delayed blowback action and its charging handle was on the top of the receiver. Due to war time production demands, the M1 and M1A1 had a barrel without cooling fins, a simplified rear sight, provisions only for 20 or 30 stick magazines, employed a straight blowback action and the charging handle was on the side of the receiver. Over 1.5 million military Thompson submachine guns were produced during World War II Grease Gun- Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M3. The M3 was chambered for the same .45 round fired by the Thompson submachine gun from 30 rnd. magazines, but was cheaper to produce, lighter, and more accurate.[6] The M3 was commonly referred to as the "Grease Gun" owing to its visual similarity to the mechanic's tool of that name. The M3 and its improved successor, the M3A1 began to replace the Thompson in first-line service in mid 1944 and early 1945. Due to delays caused by production issues and approved specification changes, the M3/M3A1 saw minimum combat use in World War II. Pistol M1911A1 The M1911A1 .45 cal. pistol was the standard personal defense weapon carried by officers of all services during World War II. It is a magazine-fed semiautomatic weapon that holds 7 rounds. The M1911A1 was widely respected for its reliability and lethality. It was also issued to specified enlisted men such as members of crew served weapons, MP’s and in many cases NCO’s with submachine guns. Below is a downloadable pdf file of these guidelines with photos included, followed by a gallery of the items described in the guidelines. Click on any photo to enlarge and scroll through.
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