Volume XVIII Issue 4 August September October 2009

Rockford

here is one word that all WWII reenactors in the Midwest where the mere mention will elicit extreme excitement. That is Rockford. The largest event on the HRS calendar is upon us. The scuttlebutt says possibly 900 WWII reenactors could converge on the Midway Village Museum on September 26. Whatever the number of reenactors will be this event has grown into one of the largest WWII events in the United States. All the units involved in the event whether they have frontline foxholes, an HQ setup, a crisp formation, or an impressive display of home front items will be looking their best. Beyond all this the most important this to keep in mind is safety. You have heard it before but do not dismiss it. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be very mindful of your fellow reenactors and also the spectators. If you are in doubt do not take the shot. There will always be another skirmish to fire off a few rounds. On Sunday afternoon we all want to return to our homes and families tired but unscathed already thinking about Rockford next year. See you in the field, Jonathan Stevens WWIIHRS Vice President

Sep 24-27, WWII Days, Rockford IL. Sep 25-27, Walk Back in Time Living History, Mexico MO. Oct 24, Operation Market Garden, Big Lake MN Nov 6-8, Wade House Tactical, Greenbush WI Nov 7, Ottawa Veteran's Day Event, Ottawa KS Dec 19, Battle of the Bulge, Big Lake MN For more information see: http://worldwartwohrs.org/Events.htm

2. Billy Tucci, "Sgt. Rock" Honored by US Army. 3. S&A Committee Report 4. AAR: Traxlers 5. The PTR44 6. AAR: Batavia IL 7. Bylaw Proposal 9. Tactical! 11. 2nd Marines Take Beach! 12. Lister Bags 15. Safety and Authenticity Regulations 18. Board Meeting Minutes 22. 12 Gauge Blanks 23. Rockford Schedule

From the Safety and Authenticity Committee: The 2009 S&A Committee is currently composed of 20 members from a variety of units in the HRS. The first order or business was to review and update the existing S&A rules. This was accomplished in late August after much debate throughout the late spring and summer. The results of this work is now on the website and printed here in the Edge. Overall the changes and updates have reinforced the commitment of the HRS to promoting safety as the most fundamental aspect of our reenactments. A close second is to uphold high standards to accurately portray those men and women of the Second World War. With in mind please read through the S&A regulations. They are not perfect and if you have an idea that should be included please contact any member of the S&A Committee. Two questions have been S&A Committee frequently asked. One is regarding 2009 Members: those under age 18 participating in Scott Atchison battles and the regulations concerning Scott Bacon vehicles. First the S&A regulations Ian Baker Rob Coffman state that no one under age 16 may Craig Dvorak participate with either a weapon or in Russell Dvorak uniform in any battle. Recently in Elliott James response to a question at a board David Jameson meeting earlier this year the HRS Rhea Jeske-Murwin Gary Jorstad insurance carrier, Nautilus, was asked Robert Leinweber about those under 18 carrying Doug Loge weapons in battles. The response Sean Loughran was that no one under age 18 may Alan Miltich carry a functional weapon. However John Newton Dave Serikaku those 16-17 may participate in Bryce Seyko battles in a role that does not utilize Richard "Zak" Sobczak functional weapons such as ammo Jonathan Stevens bearer, mortar team member, combat Grayden Zuver photographer, medic, and so on. Please contact me if any other clarification is needed. A further question has been regarding the section of the regulations on vehicles. This section has not been changed or updated. If you think your reproduction vehicle may be in question send a photo of it to the S&A Committee along with some historical references. Be safe and be authentic. See you in the field! 2

World War Two HRS Board of Directors 2009-10 President David Jameson, 2nd Inf. Division 15632 Polk Circle Omaha, NE 68135 402.896.1345 DMJameson@cox.net Vice President Jonathan Stevens, 9th Inf. Div. 0N349 Cottonwood Drive Wheaton, IL 60187 630.221.1171 jstevensww2@sbcglobal.net Secretary Craig Dvorak, 2nd Mar. Division spartacus.3@juno.com Treasurer OPEN Allied Representative William Sheets, 505 PIR, 82 Abn. 6817 Everglades Court Indianapolis, IN 46217 317.788.1836 jan@netdirect.net Commonwealth Representative Elliott James, No.11 Group RAF 497 Wagner Street Roseville, MN 55113 651.489.1623 elliottwjames@comcast.net Axis Representative Scott Atchison, 6. SS "Nord" P.O. Box 61 Ossian, In 46777 260.622.9153 ssnord1943@yahoo.com Website Staff Webmaster John Olsen, 9th Inf. Div. 9N130 Muirhead Rd. Elgin, IL 60124 847.464.4067 john.e.olsen@wheaton.edu Assistant Webmaster Joshua Olsen, 167th SPC wolfiejo@yahoo.com Newsletter Staff Editor Troy LaFaye, 167th SPC indieflmkr@aim.com Layout/Design Joshua Olsen, 167th SPC wolfiejo@yahoo.com Contributors (Alphabetical, last name)
167th Signal Photographic Co.
Dr. Anton Farbs David Halseth Richard Zak Sobczak Jonathan Stevens Robb Walters Timothy D. Williams

To submit articles/photos email

edge_editor@167thspc.org

BILLY TUCCI, "SGT. ROCK" HONORED BY U.S. ARMY

by CBR News Team, Editor Fri, January 9th, 2009 at 9:39AM PST Official Press Release hile hes been busy infusing the real-life exploits of Americas fighting men during World War II into the world of DC Comics Easy Company in the pages of Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, apparently the men and women of todays U.S. Army have been appreciating his efforts. This week, Billy Tucci, the writer-artist of the current six-issue Sgt. Rock project, received a very special post-Christmas present via express mail from Camp Victory in Iraq: a perfectly folded American flag and beautifully framed citation from the United States Army. The citation accompanying the flag read as follows: The Flag of the United States of America Is Presented to Billy Tucci. Thank you for all your Support. This certifies that the accompanying flag was flown over the Headquarters of the MultiNational Corps - Iraq in your honor during Operation Iraqi Freedom 26 December 2008. Command Sgt. Major Joseph R. Allen and Lloyd J. Austin III, Lieutenant General, Commanding. Spurred by the recent December 5, 2008 article in the Army Times feature on Tucci and Sgt. Rock (which was showcased on the periodicals cover and a full page, color article), the recognition was also helped along by comic book fan Sgt. Desiree Rancon. I met Desiree years ago at a comic convention and we've been great friends ever since, Tucci said. She's a comic fan, but more importantly a great patriot and an American hero serving in Iraq. Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion retells the astounding last stand by a small number of trapped US Infantrymen of the 36th Division and their rescue by the American-born Japanese soldiers of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In addition to DCs famed Sgt. Rock and Easy Company, the events and many of the supporting incidental characters in the story are based on real life. Veterans of the actual campaign have accompanied Tucci during Tour of Heroes signings, giving fans a chance to meet the heroes of the greatest generation. Some readers have no doubt wondered why I included actual units and other military and historical components in this story instead of going for the traditional comic book shootem up, Tucci said. But I've always known just who I was writing this book for -the actual veterans of World War 2, their families, and todays sentinels of Liberty, like Desiree. I want them all to know just how thankful I am for their selfless service to our country and their incredible guidance with this series. This honor is much more theirs than mine. Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion is now on sale.

Edge Editors Note: Tucci not only did extensive research in the units involved in the story, interviewed countless vets, but joined the reenacting community to get a first hand look at the visuals of WWII. He relied heavily on the advice and feedback from reenactors regarding authenticity of equipment, uniforms, vehicles and weapons. He even based on of the main characters on some of the reenactment groups he spoke with.

War re-enactment draws vets

By Mark Fischenich Free Press Staff Writer LE CENTER June 07, 2009 12:11 am Reprinted with permission

he wind-driven rain and low ceiling appeared to be good news Saturday for the men of the Panzer division facing an advance by the soldiers of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. There would be no allied air support for this battle. But the large explosive charges were already in place on the grassy field at Traxlers Hunting Preserve, originally planned to be detonated as the bombs dropped by an Air Corps plane that was grounded by the miserable weather. So instead of letting the charges go to waste, the explosions represented rounds falling from unseen heavy artillery, and the Germans ended up being routed anyway. The raw rainy weather drove away the air support and kept most spectators at home as well, but scores of people were still on hand for Traxlers Military History Day Saturday an event that fell on the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy in France. Reminiscing, Jim Boemer said when quizzed about what prompted an 81-year-old Maple Grove man to be standing, drenched, in a cold southern Minnesota field. Boemer served in the very final days of World War II, not in Europe where the battle reenactment was set, but in the South Pacific.

German armor and troops move into defensive positions. John Cross
the Korean War.

American soliders advance on German positions. John Cross

Army? Boemer was asked. Marine Corps, he answered, a bit gruffly. Dont say Army to either one of them, Craig Boemer advised, referring to his uncle Jim and his father, Dick. Thats a dirty word, explained Dick Boemer of Edina, who served with the Corps during

Craig Boemer had been to Traxlers a year ago and was impressed enough to bring the elderly veterans down for this years military history extravaganza. Even with weather that was about as bad as June can produce, they were excited to be there. The only disappointment for Dick Boemer was that the event which also included reenactors from the Civil War, World War I and the Vietnam War didnt have a Korean component. Hes only mentioned that about 20 times, his son said. Of course, everybody knows it was the forgotten war, Dick Boemer said. We never get a clean shake. Gabe Rios of Coon Rapids, three young children in tow, came because he doesnt want any of Americas wars forgotten by the next generation. Were home-schoolers and we kind of like to show them history, Rios said, huddling against his shivering youngest child and trying to position a pair of umbrellas to provide protection against the horizontal rainfall. And we want to honor our soldiers on this day. With the explosions, machine-gun fire, German half-tracks and Sherman tank, soggy infantry men firing rifles and mortars, the WW

II battle was the most dramatic of the days demonstrations. Just before the battle began, Rios talked about the two-fold lesson he wants his kids to learn. The first: That we should never enter into war lightly, and we need to remember that war is usually the last option. And the second: To thank our troops, current and former, that have served in our armed forces. Jim Boemer, who served on Guam, thought Saturdays weather provided a small lesson about the more mundane misery that soldiers faced during World War II. Americans fought in the scorching desert of North Africa, the

bitter cold of Germany and the rain-soaked mud and volcanic ash of Pacific islands. Unbelievable, he said. The conditions of war in some of these zones were beyond belief. He wanted to venerate, with his attendance on a damp and chilly day, all of the soldiers who served in wars from the countrys founding to the present. And he wanted to honor the service of all of the troops, even the Army guys. Our very existence depends on what happened, he said. Its why we are what we are today. Were still the free nation that we are today because of the sacrifices that were made in the past.

World Wide World War Two Reenacting

copies of various WWII weapons that are available in Europe and Canada. Seeing an SSD impossible since more than one firearms importer had tried to make the BD44 available in the US without success. However, a company named PTR91 claims to have been able

By Jonathan Stevens, 9th Infantry Div.

nce again German engineering has developed a wunder weapon, this time for Systeme Dittrich website http://www.ssd-weapon.com/ and their semi-automatic

WWII reenactors and collectors. Many reenactors have probably seen the Sport-

weapon like the BD44, a semi-automatic copy of the MP44, in the United States seemed

to legally import the weapon. Their version of the BD44 is called the PTR44 and in a be ready for delivery in October 2009 to include one magazine per rifle.

press release from August 22 on their website, PTR 91 claims that the first weapons will most likely be virtually identical to the BD44 that SSD describes as a completely new

The rifle will

manufactured rifle meaning most parts of the MP44 will not fit the semi automatic BD44. The new rifle will of course utilize 8mm kurz ammunition. PTR91 states that they are only importing a limited number of these rifles. The price is not yet listed but reportedly will be in the $4500 range putting it out of the reach of the majority of reenactors unless trades for minivans are acceptable. To be notified when the rifles are ready for purchase contact PTR91 at http://ptr91.com/.

Picture Credit: PTR91 Co.

World War II Re-Enactors Battle in Batavia

The Beacon News May 25, 2009 By Andre Salles Reprinted with permission

t was a calm, clear afternoon in Batavia. The sun beats down over the field behind the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall, and all is still and quiet. Suddenly, there is a rustle of leaves, and two men in combat gear burst into view. Seconds later, the stillness is broken by the eardrum-rattling sound of gunfire. More and more men emerge from the trees, firing at two soldiers caught unawares on the east end of the field. They return fire, and within moments, several men are dead or wounded, some clutching their legs as medical officers bandage them up. Without warning, a truck full of soldiers drives up, and the battle begins in earnest. The cracklings of rifles seems to Omar Shaker, of Chicago, portrays a U.S. come from everywhere, as men dive for cover, aim, and fire. A few minutes later, and its all over there are about 20 soldiers left standing, and as they leave the field, the crowd of spectators starts to applaud. Then the soldiers invite the children standing off to collect spent cartridge casings, which litter the grass. The kids squeal with delight, and rush out eager for their treasure. This was the scene Sunday afternoon as the World War Two Historical Reenactment Society celebrated Memorial Day weekend. The society is centered in Chicago, but draws WWII buffs from all over the Midwest they spend huge amounts of money and countless hours of research to bring off these approximations of warfare. Its love for the veterans, said John Westphall of St. Charles, when asked why he does this. We dont want people to forget, This brings history alive for young kids. Like most re-enactors, Westphall has maintained a lifelong interest in military operations, specifically World War Two. Hes been involved with the society for about three years, and on Sunday, he participated in two pitched battles. The skirmishes were designed to imitate the average small conflict in the European theater, between 1944 and 1945. The uniforms are often re-creations, but the guns are real and they fire blank ammunition. To the best of their abilities, the societys members try to capture the way a battle would have looked and sounded. For Brad Ferguson of St. Charles, the initial shock was the cost he said he spent between $500 and $1000 on his uniform and weaponry. But the chance to own these things, and have the opportunity to use them, was a draw for him. For me, its an excuse to collect neat stuff, he said chuckling. Many of these re-enactors had family members who served in World War II, and ignited their interest in preserving the wars history. For 17 year-year-old Joshua Olsen of Elgin there with his father John, it was an uncle whose father fought in the war. While his father fought in Sundays battle, the younger Olsen played a combat photographer, hiding in the trees and snapping pictures. Joshua Olsen said he feels different from many his age. He is home schooled, and his family is heavily into military history. He live in a sea of (olive drab) green, his dad chuckled. But he has a passion for this, and has been to re-enactments since he was 13. Every good war needs its enemy, which means someone has to play the Germans. One of those pretend-Nazis on hand Sunday was Doug Loge of Aurora, who works as a substitute teacher in the east Aurora School District. Loge has been acting out World War II battles since 2005, and he said playing a German is no different for him than playing an American. I think a soldier is a soldier, just fighting for the ideals of his country," he said. Soldiers are all the same. Ask Loge why he does what he does, and youll hear about re-enactor moments. We all talk about them, he said. Its when you feel like youre in the moment, 65 years ago. It only lasts two or three seconds, but its a cool buzz. While all of the re-enactors enjoy what they do, the real reasons for doing it run deeper theyre trying to preserve history, and make it come alive for the younger generation. Were trying to honor the people who did this for real, said John Olsen. Half these guys are vets, and people dont get what that sacrifice means to families, and to the people who had to do it.

soldier.

WWIIHRS PROPOSED BY LAW CHANGES

September 2009
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP Section 4. DISCHARGING OF MEMBERS Any member may be discharged from the Society by a majority vote of the Board of Directors for convictions of federal and state laws, federal and state unlawful acts against the Society or its officers, or for violation of Society by-laws and/or Safety and Authenticity Rules. Any member discharged for any of these reasons shall not be eligible for any refund, in part or whole of any dues paid. The member may also be subject to criminal prosecution. The member may appeal the finding through a hearing, organized as a teleconference not less than 45 days after recommended removal by the board. A meeting will then be convened for disposal of the charges, with the jury being unit commanders. After the meeting, unit commanders will be given 14 days to mail in their vote to

remove or retain the board member in office. The date shall be determined on the postmark on the letter, and two weeks shall be waited before a public counting of the ballots can occur. The ballots must be kept and made available for public viewing for not less than one year after the vote is complete.

ARTICLE VI: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Section 2. NUMBER AND TENURE The number of Directors shall be seven (7). Newly elected Directors shall succeed the Directors named in the Articles of Incorporation. Board members shall be elected to serve for a period of two (2) calendar years and may run for re-election. All Directors must be members of the Society. All candidates running for a position on the Board of Directors must have been a member in good standing of the Society for at least the previous twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the candidate's proclamation of candidacy. Any

candidate, or member or the board may not be a relative of any other board members, to include father, son, daughter, mother, and any other relationship including first cousin. This also includes

relationships by marriage like son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, and step sons and daughters. Additionally, no two board members may reside in the same residence if not related. A relative of a board member may run for an office in the HRS, as long as the terms of the sitting board member and candidate do not overlap in any way.

Section 5. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

1.

Any

Board

member

may

be

removed

from

office

for:

Failing to attend meetings/inactivity of board actions for 4 months, violation of federal and state laws as reported through a conviction or pleading of guilty in court, misappropriation of goods or property belonging to the Society, or for flagrant disregard for the current by-laws of the Society. 2. The process for removal is: 1. Anyone in the General Membership may submit a written statement of charges accompanied with documentation that substantiates such charges, to the Board of Directors. 2. Within forty-five (45) days of receiving the written statement, the Board of Directors then will convene a hearing to review the charges, interview all concerned and/or involved parties. A teleconference meeting will then be convened for disposal of the charges, with the jury being unit commanders. After the meeting, unit commanders will be given 14 days to mail in their vote to remove or retain the board member in office. The date shall be determined on the postmark on the letter, and two weeks shall be waited before a public counting of the ballots can occur. The ballots must be kept and made available for public viewing for not less than one year after the vote is complete.

3.

If the action taken by the Board of Directors is not satisfactory to the charging member, or the individual charged he or she may present the charges of impeachment to the general membership through the Society's newsletter.

3.

If appealed, the final solution will be determined by a majority of the votes received from the membership via a mail-in ballot.

ARTICLE XV: EMERGENCY POWERS ACT In the event of any unforeseen or unpredictable situation that may endanger the SOCIETY, the officers of the Board of Directors are empowered to take whatever action is deemed necessary to protect the SOCIETY and it's by-laws

Submitter: _Tim Scherer___________________ Unit CO: __ Tim Scherer __________________ Additional Unit CO _Robert Leinweber_______ Board Member: __David Jameson___________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I support the amendment to Article III section 4. I do not support the amendment to Article III section 4.

I support the amendment to Article VI section 2. I do not support the amendment to Article III section 4.

I support the amendment to Article VI section 5. I do not support the amendment to Article III section 5.

I support the elimination of Article XV. I do not support the elimination to Article XV.

Please mail your ballot by Oct 28 to: Jonathan Stevens 0N349 Cottonwood Dr, Wheaton, IL 60187

Note: Photocopies of this ballot are acceptable.

Article by Timothy D. Williams, T/5 Photos by Pvt. Joe Baril hose words, for many WWII re-enactors, are what they live for. For them its not about the display, the show for the public, its about the action, the noise and firing real weapons. Not for me; this was my first WWII event ever; an event I had been preparing myself for, for the last four years. After driving across two states and spending eight hours in the car I finally got to the event. The Windsor Tactical is an annual summer tactical event held in Windsor, Vermont. No spectators, no public displays, just like minded folks out to recreate a period in history. It was Friday afternoon and many of the guys were already out digging foxholes and establishing defensive lines. The Germans were ensconced in a traditional trench dug several years before and added to every year of the event. It is D-Day plus one and the Americans were here to stay. I checked in at the registration desk, was issued my K ration for the event and escorted to the command post. I was joining up with another combat photographer to form a photographic combat unit. Normally it would consist of a movie photographer, a still photographer and a driver as each combat unit needed to be highly mobile and each was issued a vehicle. Neither of us owns one so we were to be embedded with the infantry unit; in this case Company B, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division. The 26th did not participate in the Normandy invasion so for this event they were portraying a Third Army rifle company. We, Joe Baril and I, were portraying a combat unit of the 166th SPC, Joes normal impression. During the war the 166th was assigned to cover Third Army units of which the 26th Division belonged. As the sun started to go down, the clouds started to move in. New England had already spent the last few weeks with what seemed like endless rain. Orders were issued to break out raincoats and ponchos to be worn. Not having acquired either yet, I was unfortunately left to sit out the evenings events in the CP. I couldnt have gotten any pictures worth anything. I was not to be disappointed though. This event was to be an overnight total immersion event. Being D-Day plus one, many airborne units had been miss-dropped behind the German lines and some took days to rendezvous with other airborne assets. At dusk the organizers, wanting to throw in some realism, dropped three airborne units at various different locations miles behind the German lines. There was a British paratrooper unit and a unit each of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. They were to meet up with the other units and survey the enemy emplacements for the next days events; along with a little harassment and firepower. At the CP we could hear distant gunfire as the airborne units started to engage the rear of the German lines. The rifle company was doing its best to stay dry and guard against enemy infiltration. No sooner had the gunfire dyed down a little did we hear a phoosh and seconds later the night was lit up like it was daytime. Aerial Flares! The movies just dont do them justice. You could see anything that was moving. Then the machine gun fire started. I believe some of the troops learned their lesson after the first flare. The CP was up on a hill and we had a grand view of both lines. Way off in the distance we could just make out where one of the other German emplacements must have been as we could see a lot of muzzle flashes and hear sporadic machine gun fire. The rain continued and most everyone retired back to their encampments before 11 p.m. Some of the guys had shelter halves and the rest of us stayed in a pyramidal tent. Sometime during the night the rain stopped. The next morning, after equipment checks, film loading, light metering and setting up my various cameras, I felt I was ready to go. The rifle company was mustering and I did get several shots of them receiving their final instructions. All of the Allied troops marched out of the camp to organize a mile or so up the ridge line where the mornings battle was to begin. Joe and I were all set to follow when one of the noncombatant members with a ton truck (jeep) volunteered to drive us up to the jump off point. We were pretty loaded down with gear and equipment and took our jeep driver up on his offer.

TACTICAL!!!

Now we were starting to feel like a real combat camera unit. After we got dropped off up the hill we met up with the two squads we would be shadowing for the remainder of the day. We spent the morning locked in pretty close proximity to the Axis forces, trading rifle and machinegun fire. As we advanced through the darkened hardwood forest, the platoon encountered fierce pockets of resistance and several snipers who proceeded to take out rifleman one by one. One of them took out the Lt. who also happened to be operating the platoons machine gun. After falling back and several photo opportunities later, we emerged from the woods into brightly lit fields of long grass. This was great for photos but it didnt do much in the way of cover from the enemy. As we all made our way down through the fields, the German machine guns opened up from the woods on the far side. Progress was slow but with the help of several of the airborne troopers, most of the platoon made it through. Those who didnt were in a holding pattern until the next round began; this included my fellow movie cameraman Joe, a causality of the last engagement. Soon enough we were back chasing the enemy through the woods and found ourselves on the backside of the German trenches. Several machine gun engagements later found us in a break in the action. One of the ton trucks found us and served up some B rations. Beef stew, fresh rolls, bug juice and a D ration (chocolate bar) saw us back in the action. It was now time for the final assaults on the German entrenchments. The platoon wound its way through some pretty thick brush and quietly came up on the enemy positions. Grenades were handed round and I checked what film I had for the final assault. In they went -- with Joe and I in the rear trying to capture this final moment. The other Allied units had already tried and failed in their attempts to rout the Germans; now it was our turn. Grenades were launched and thrown and the assault was begun. The sound of gunfire was everywhere. Everyone who had a weapon was firing. Just as the platoon was breaking out of the brush cover someone shouted Ceasefire! There was a real casualty on the field of battle. One of the fellows had taken a pretty bad fall and twisted his leg and ankle. The momentum was gone; the thrill of that last assault swiftly dissipated as our thoughts turned to our downed comrade. It seemed the Germans had maintained their defensive position again. A truck was called and quickly evacuated our fallen comrade back to the CP for evaluation. With the battle over, we all gathered at the German trench line to scope out what we had been up against. It was quite a sight seeing these battle weary soldiers from opposite sides joking together and sharing a smoke; reminiscing about this days events and past encounters as friends. The German troops ended their long hot day with a dip (some skinny) in the pond between the Allied and Axis lines. The allies marched back up the hill and after a final muster broke into groups to debrief the day. As I sat, now unencumbered by all of the equipment I had been carrying, and emptied my canteens of the last of their contents, I caught a mere glimpse of what our WWII veterans endured, day in and day out for all those many months of the war. This was the experience I had wanted to get out of my first event. It surely will not be my last. For me it is still about portraying our forefathers and keeping their memories and sacrifices in the hearts and minds of Americans; but I sure did enjoy the action, noise and all that firepower! [Timothy Williams is a member of the 167th Signal Photo Company (HRS) and lives in Maine. Joe Baril lives in Vermont and portrays a combat photographer with the 166th Signal Photo Company and is a member of the 26th Yankee Division WWII Historical Reenactment Group]

10

The June 20th amphibious assault by the 2nd Marines, along with elements of the 1st Marines, a complete success!
t must have been demoralizing for the Japanese defenders, when peering through a shroud of early morning fog they spied the U.S. Marine amphibious assault force. This assault force containing the 2nd Division, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Easy Company along with elements of the 1st Marine Division came in two waves of amtracs and DUKWs. It was not an easy landing as the Japanese Imperial Marines fought hard from their machine gun nests and pillboxes for every grain of sand. But despite initially taking some heavy losses and despite having the first wave Victorious, hard fightin gyrenes of E/2/2 hold a captured battle scared Imperial Japanese flag. Photo by Erich getting pined down on the beach, Abens. the gyrenes with their Gung Ho spirit charged ahead! It was never in question that the Marines would taste victory. Their amphibious assault training back in April assured that. What was not known was the exact number of Japanese defenders. Air reconnaissance was nearly useless, for the Japanese defenders were so well dug in and camouflaged that at Photo of the Marines of E/2/2 in the early morning hours of June times, you could walk right by 20,th just before embarking on the amphibious assault craft to them and not see them. This attack Mount Sandibachi. Photo by Joshua Olsen. wily and nearly invisible foe was hard to beat but for the Marines, not unbeatable. Yes, there were casualties and the sand was stained a deep crimson red from the theatrical blood! Through a series of flanking maneuvers, the Marines of Easy Company were able to fight their way to the top of Mount Sandibachi and victory! This all took place in front of thousands of native on-lookers that inhabit the area. Over all, the St.Joe / Benton Harbor event came off very well, with the only weather SNAFU being on Friday night when some canvas hating storms rolled

11

through. The free Saturday morning breakfast of blueberry pancakes, sausage, juice and hot coffee was greatly appreciated. Thanks to all those fine volunteers who got up before the crack of dawn to prepare and serve it. We had a good turnout of allies and axis re-enactors and above all, no serious mishaps, although for a moment it looked rather grave for the Higgins boat during the D-Day operation. After lowering its ramp and having the troops disembark, the crew could not get the ramp up fast enough and she began taking on lake water and tossing about in the waves. The ramp has to be hand cranked up on the Higgins boat and finally it was raised into place and the water pumps cleared the deck of water. Besides the Higgins boat, we had 2 amtracs and 2 DUKWs. It is most unfortunate that this will not be a yearly event. Amphibious landings are to few and far between, and making one on original WW II landing craftwell it just doesnt get any better than that! Events of this size always call for Marines hit the beach after disembarking from their amtrac during the PTO landing. Photo much work and organization and at the top of the list by Erich Abens. for making this event happen is Jan and Bill Sheets. Many hours and long trips from Indy to Benton Harbor had to take place in order for this event to happen. So my helmet is off to them and all of the other members of their team.
Thanks to Zak Sobczak, Unit Commander of the 2 Marines, E Co.
nd

Bag , Water, Sterilizing: AKA The Lyster Bag

By Dave Halseth, Unit Commander of the 117th, 30th ID HRS

pparently, the Military no longer recommends use of the Lyster bag for drinking water. But since we are WW II re-creationists, we'll probably end up using one from time to time. Here is some info Ive found from research on its origins, variations and use. I hope you find it useful.

From Merriam-Webster: Main Entry: Lister bag Variant(s): also Lyster bag \ lis-tr- bag\ Function: noun : a canvas water bag used especially for supplying military troops with chemically purified drinking water. According to OLIVE DRAB History of the Military Lyster Staged Photo of GIs filling Bag: purification of drinking water by the use of liquid from early war Version. chlorine was developed in 1910 by Major Carl Rogers Darnell, Professor of Chemistry at the Army Medical School. In the same time period, Major (later Col.) William J. L. Lyster (1869-1947) of the Army Medical Dept., used a solution of calcium hypochlorite in a linen bag to treat water. Lyster's method became the standard for U.S. ground forces in the field and in camps, implemented in the form of the Lyster Bag (also spelled Lister Bag). The Lister Bag was in common use from before World War I through the Vietnam War. Lyster Bags would be found wherever there was an encampment. In addition to its role in providing drinking water, the Lyster Bag was a general water resource for cooking, showers, medical use and many other requirements. The Lyster Bag has been replaced by modern methods such as reverse osmosis systems and by the increasing availability of packaged water in plastic bags and bottles for ground troops. Description of the Lyster / Lister Bag: Although commonly called the Lyster Bag (or Lister
Canteens

12

Bag) the correct modern nomenclature is "Bag, Water, Sterilizing" with NSN 461000-268-9890. The Lyster Bag was a component of field feeding equipment, such as the Mobile Kitchen Trailer, with one or two Lister Bags supplied according to the unit size of the kitchen, issued approximately one per 100 persons. The newer Containerized Kitchen does not include the Lister Bag. The 36 gallon capacity Lyster Bag was approximately 36 inches tall by 22 inches A lister bag in Use in North Africa, notice the shade/Fly in diameter. The bag included a rope for over it. hanging, a lid/cover, and had six water faucets around the base. In use, it was hung from an improvised tripod of tent poles or locally cut material, hung away from anything that could cause potential contamination, such as a tree. A trained technician would fill the bag, then put chlorine ampoules into the water to sterilize it. After testing the water for potability, it was available for filling canteens, cooking, or any purpose. The Early War Version appears to have had 4-5 Spigots (made from Brass, Steel and plastic or Bakelite type material) and a "flat top" type top cover. The bag (you'll notice in the photos) has a rounded appearance at the bottom. Ive seen one that was dated 1943. It had a white "vinyl like" coating inside of the bag and the same type coating in OD on the outside of the bag -- which keeps the bag from sweating or leaking. The vinyl like material is like the material used for ponchos & raincoats but less pliable. The Later or Mid War version appears to have had 5 Spigots (made from Steel or Plastic/Bakelite) and "Pyramidal type" cover. The bottoms are more "squared off" as opposed to the earlier bags rounded appearance. They are just a straight canvas bag with no lining This version will sweat/leak -- this sweating helps keep the water cool in the bag. Our unit uses one like this regularly. We use potable, so we don't sterilize the water while in the bags (see below) -- beyond an occasional cap of bleach. When should be cleaned (before & after use) they are cleaned with a strong bleach/water solution and allowed to dry before storage. (Drinking water or potable water is water of sufficiently high quality that it can be consumed or used without risk of immediate or long term harm.) Some research on proper usage of the Lyster Bag: FROM GI INTEL DEPARTMENT: b. When Lyster Bags are used, you will usually find them placed in your company street near the kitchen. Under such circumstances, drink only the water from this bag. Do not mind the peculiar taste as it will not hurt you. Let the water run from the faucet of the bag into your cup. Never dip a cup into the Lyster Bag or drink by putting your lips to the faucet. FROM OLIVE DRAB: Instructions for Use of the Lyster / Lister Bag For small groups, the 36-gallon canvas Lyster bag was used as a container for disinfecting raw water. The bag was filled to the mark with the cleanest raw water available, using muslin cloth for straining out solids. This procedure was followed to ensure safe drinking water: Before it is filled with water, clean the Lyster Bag with a solution made with one ampoule of calcium hypochlorite dissolved in one gallon of water; Fill the cleaned bag to the mark (4 in. from the top); Mix a stock solution of chlorine by adding 3 ampoules of calcium hypochlorite to a onehalf canteen cup of water; When dissolved, pour the solution into the Lyster bag and stir with a clean stick; Wait 30 minutes. Flush the faucets with a small quantity of water; After 10 minutes, flush the faucets again, and check for chlorine residual as described below; If the residual test is unsatisfactory, add one more ampoule and repeat the procedure until the desired residual is achieved. An alternate method consists of adding 1 tablespoonful of liquid household bleach to the Lyster bag and proceeding to check for chlorine residual. If the fabric material has been repaired, patches or temporary plugs must be secure. The check-valve adapter must be undamaged and open easily. Dust caps must be attached to couplers when not in use. The USMC Small Wars Manual, Chapter VI (1940), states: Sufficient ampoules should be carried for chlorination of water for the duration of the patrol. The Lyster bag, if carried, should be carefully inspected for leaks, particularly at the taps, and should be cleaned and dried. Four to six yards of muslin for straining trash from the water should be provided. The bag should be rolled and stowed so that it will not chafe in carrying.

13

Testing the Lyster / Lister Bag Water Chlorination test kits were used, consisting of color comparison tubes and chlorine test tablets. Instructions accompanying the particular kit gave a detailed procedure, but when a chlorine test kit was not available, the water was deemed acceptable if it had a slight chlorine taste. After 30 minutes of calcium hypochlorite treatment, a test was given to a cupful of water from the Lyster Bag by adding 10 drops of a solution containing 10 per cent potassium iodide and 1 per cent soluble starch (supplied in the test kit). The appearance of a blue color was the indication that sufficient chlorine had been added to the water. If no color appeared, the water as highly polluted and was immediately reported to the medical officer having water supplies under his supervision. How to use (FROM WWW.TPUB.COM): 2) The surgeon has the responsibility for recommending total chlorine residuals that will be high enough to assure a free available chlorine residual sufficient to render water safe. For this purpose, he uses reconnaissance reports and all other data available on water sources in or near the area in which the use of emergency water treatment procedures is anticipated. c. Lyster Bag Chlorination Procedure. The Lyster bag (figure 6-2) is the familiar 36-gallon canvas container issued on the basis of one bag per 100 men. The porous canvas permits cooling of the water by evaporation. Small units normally purify water in the Lyster bag. When using the Lyster bag for disinfection of raw water, proceed as follows: (1) Clean the bag and hang it by the supporting ropes. Fill the bag to the36-gallon mark, which is 4 inches from the top. Use clear, settled water, if possible. The supports must be sturdy, since the bag filled with water weighs almost 300 pounds. (2) Empty the contents of at least three calcium hypochlorite ampules(figure 6-3) into a canteen cup; add a small amount of water from the Lyster bag and stir with a small stick until a thick mixture results; then fill the cup one-half full of water and stir again. (3) Empty the prepared solution slowly into the Lyster bag, stirring the water with a clean stick. Cover the bag and clean the faucets by flushing a small quantity of the water through each of them. (4) After the calcium hypochlorite solution has been in contact with the water for 10 minutes, flush the faucets and collect a sample of water from one of the faucets in the 5 ppm plastic tube for testing (see paragraph (5) below). Place one orthotolidine tablet in the plastic tube and crush it with the bottom of the orthotolidine bottle. Place the cap on the tube and shake until the orthotolidine tablet is thoroughly dissolved in the water. Make the comparison. (5) If the sample is lighter in shade than the yellow band, the chlorine residual is less than 5 ppm. Therefore, add sufficient additional ampoules of calcium hypochlorite, one at a time at 10-minute intervals, to the Lyster bag. After each addition, retest after an additional 10 minutes. When the color of the water in the sample is the same shade or darker than the yellow band on the five ppm plastic tube, the chlorine residual is equal to or greater than five ppm. Wait an additional 20 minutes, since total contact time of 30 minutes is required. Flush the faucets and check the residual again before drinking the water. If the chlorine residual is less than five ppm, repeat. Find More Information on the Web There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there. For good results, try entering this: bag lister or lyster. Then click the Search button.

Early war version hanging in a Platoon/Company area:

Later War Version (M1943 Pattern?)

Early War Version.

14

ANNOUNCEMENT: In August 2009 Safety and Authenticity regulations were updated. WWII HRS Authenticity Regulations
GENERAL
Safety and Authenticity rules are controlled and enforced by members appointed by the VicePresident/Chairperson to the Safety and Authenticity Committees. These rules may be changed at any time by a majority vote of that committee. One (1) general safety/authenticity inspection of both Allied and Axis participants WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE SAME DESIGNATED TIME AND LOCATION at any WWII H.R.S., Inc. sponsored event, so that all participants can observe that it was conducted. The safety/authenticity inspection formation will be conducted as follows. Units will form up, by unit and nationality, in an area designated by the event organizers. No INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS OR UNITS will retire to the field before the general inspection takes place. Exception to above: Event planning staff members who need to enter the field, when an unforeseen incident, accident or emergency requires their immediate attention that would interfere with the smooth running of the event, if not attended to. It will still be the responsibility of said members to be inspected prior to entering the field as a participant or participants. Violators of safety and/or authenticity rules can be brought before the Board of Directors for disposition. It is the responsibility of each individual member registered at an event to be inspected by an appointed Safety/Authenticity officer at the mandatory event inspection. Willful avoidance of the inspections shall be grounds for removal of the offender from the event. Repeated offenses shall be grounds for removal from the WWII H.R.S., Inc.

AUTHENTICITY
1. We are here to portray the normal look of the WWII soldier, not the exception. 2. Any HRS unit that hosts an event has the authority to determine rank structure and who may participate as Officers and NCOs in the public battles, skirmishes, skits and tacticals for that event. The host unit has the option to create temporary Officer/NCO positions for the purpose of administering the hosted event, and does not change the chartered Officer/NCO structure for the units involved. This rule does not supersede rank structure of a chartered HRS unit for the purpose of a "Living History" static display. Non-HRS units/individuals that are attending as guests to HRS events are also subject to the host unit(s) review to ensure that re-enactment unit rank structure for displays will be fitting to the type of display the unit has set up at the event. 3. Medals or decorations that were not created pre-June 1945 may not be worn. Appropriate awards, badges, campaign, and citation ribbons may be worn if they reflect the credits of the unit being portrayed. US or Allied medals of valor may not be worn by anyone who did not earn them in actual military service, to include medals that may be awarded for both valor and service. 4. Hair must be cut (trimmed) in a 1940's style. It must be tapered and trimmed to the nape of the neck and around the ears so as not to touch the ears or collar. Blocked haircuts are not permitted. Sideburns can be no longer than mid-ear. Mustaches must be trimmed to 1940's military style (British troops exempt). All mustaches must be trimmed above the upper lip line. It cannot extend past the edge of the mouth more that 1/4 inched and cannot drop down around the corners of the mouth. SS troops may not have any facial hair. A beard shall be defined as any facial hair, other than approved mustaches, which is no longer than a two (2) day growth (about 1/8 inches) and are not permitted except under the Five (5) circumstances listed below: a. Persons doing any partisan impressions at events. b. Beards no longer than two (2) centimeters are allowed in existing chartered Gebirgsjger units c. French Foreign Legion and French North African units may wear beards. d. Royal Navy units may wear beards. e. German U-boat crews All members of a military unit must have beards in order for 1 person to wear a beard. 5. Modern sunglasses are not allowed. 6. Weapons must be of pre-June 1945 military type used by the unit portrayed or an acceptable replica. NO airsoft, air (BB) or CO2 guns are allowed. The authenticity committee may ban the use of pre-1945 weapons in cases where their use is not authentic. Weapons manufactures after 1945 may be used if they duplicate a WWII weapon. 7. Uniforms, equipment, insignia, and emblems must be of a type, style, and material in use by the unit portrayed during WWII. 8. WWII Italian camouflage may be used by Italian and German units (but must be sewn on the proper pattern for German units). Austrian and West German camouflage are NOT allowed. 9. To serve as a member of the Authenticity Committee a person must be a member of the WWII H.R.S., Inc. for at least two (2) years, and send a letter to the chairman of the Authenticity Committee. A committee member serves until either he resigns or is dismissed. Members of the Authenticity Committee should be selected, whenever possible, from units showing the highest levels of authenticity. 10. A member of the Authenticity Committee must be willing and able to attend events and make on-thespot judgments about authenticity matters. 11. Members of the Authenticity Committee may be removed from office for the failure to enforce the WWII H.R.S., Inc. authenticity rules or failure to renew their WWII H.R.S., Inc. membership on time. Any members of the WWII H.R.S., Inc. may challenge a committeeman's position on the committee. The

15

challenge must be voted on by the other members of the Authenticity Committee. Removal is by a majority vote. 12. Appeals on matters of authenticity may be made by the submission to the chairman of the authenticity committee in writing with six (6) photographs; three (3) of the items used by the re-enactor and three (3) photographs taken during the WWII period. These pictures must be proven original and/or copies from a published source and must show the disputed item in use by troops of the same unit, type, and rank as the re-enactor. A majority vote by the members of the authenticity committee shall decide the issue. 13. The Authenticity Committee shall have the power to recommend to the Board of Directors the removal from the WWII H.R.S., Inc. of any person or unit that is flagrant or repeated violator of authenticity rules. The Board of Directors must then pass judgment on the recommendation. 14. All members, units, or chapters of the WWII H.R.S., Inc. sponsoring a WWII H.R.S., Inc. event must maintain minimum authenticity standards. 15. In the enforcement of the authenticity rules, the committee will make allowances for the extreme cold and/or wet conditions, where the safety and health of the members may be threatened. 16. Any and all members and/or dealers of the WWII H.R.S., Inc. who manufacture reproduction uniforms and equipment for sale to other WWII H.R.S., Inc. members for the use at WWII H.R.S., Inc. events must provide a money-back guarantee (upon buyer's request) that the item (s) will pass authenticity inspection. Persons not honoring this guarantee, either written or otherwise, are subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors and/or removal from the event or from the WWII H.R.S., Inc. 17. The Authenticity Committee may rule that certain modern items, which have been allowed for use due to lack of available reproductions, may be banned when authentic reproductions or that item itself becomes widely available at reasonable prices. 18. All vehicles will be judged on a case-by-case basis and must be manufactured before 1946 or must represent a type used by Allied or Axis powers during the 1939-1945 period. All post 1945 vehicles must be altered to duplicate a pre-1945 vehicle and be properly painted. Photographs of all altered manufactured vehicles must be submitted to the Authenticity Committee along with authentic photos or photocopies of original photos of the same type vehicle. If judgment is in favor of the rebuilt vehicle, a permit will be issued by the chairman of the Authenticity Committee. 19. Due to the availability of good quality affordable reproduction uniforms, Swedish tunics are not acceptable, converted or otherwise, for use by German WWII units. 20. Partisans are NOT allowed at WWII H.R.S., Inc. events unless an announcement is published in THE POINT, or THE EDGE, or the website inviting them. a. Partisans must use the type of clothing and equipment normally worn in that country portrayed. b. Equipment to be used by partisans will be limited to German, Russian, Italian, French and British where appropriate. c. Partisan re-enactors must be able to provide documentation of their appearance and equipment for that particular country portrayed, if a question of authenticity arises. In that situation, Authenticity rule #12 will apply. 21. Members under 16 years old shall not wear a military uniform, but may wear either civilian period clothing or a youth organization uniform without armband.

WWII HRS Safety Regulations GENERAL

Safety and Authenticity rules are controlled and enforced by members appointed by the VicePresident/Chairperson to the Safety and Authenticity Committees. These rules may be changed at any time by a majority vote of that committee. One (1) general safety/authenticity inspection of both Allied and Axis participants WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE SAME DESIGNATED TIME AND LOCATION at any WWII H.R.S., Inc. sponsored event, so that all participants can observe that it was conducted. No INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS OR UNITS will retire to the field before the general inspection takes place. Exception to above: Event planning staff members who need to enter field, when an unforeseen incident, accident or emergency requires their immediate attention that would interfere with the smooth running of the event, if not attended to. It will still be the responsibility of said members to be inspected prior to entering the field as a participant or participants. Violators of safety and/or authenticity rules can be brought before the Board of Directors for disposition. It is the responsibility of each individual member registered at an event to be inspected by an appointed Safety/Authenticity officer at the mandatory event inspection. Willful avoidance of the inspections shall be grounds for removal of the offender from the event. Repeated offenses shall be grounds for removal from the WWII H.R.S., Inc.

SAFETY
1. Any person, unit or chapter sponsoring any event where WWII H.R.S., Inc. people are participating and/or the WWII H.R.S., Inc. name is used, MUST have a safety officer on site to oversee all aspects of safety. This safety officer must be registered with the chairperson of the Safety Committee at least thirty days prior to the event. Safety Officers may be registered on a permanent basis each year. 2. All participants at all events where the WWII H.R.S., Inc. name is used MUST be members of the WWII H.R.S., Inc. or a recognized re-enactment group. All persons belonging to units forming MUST be attached to a chartered unit willing to accept responsibility for their safe conduct. 3. Any person under the age of 16 may NOT carry any type of weapon or participate in public or tactical battles in any capacity. 4. Unit CO's must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, and agree to be responsible for the education of all unit members about the WWII H.R.S., Inc.'s safety rules and the safe conduct of his unit members. Free-lancing or participating without unit affiliation is grounds for dismissal from an event.

16

5. Absolutely no ignitable devices are to be thrown or fired at any vehicle. Nothing (NO MATTER WHAT IT IS) will be thrown or fired at the driver, nothing is to be thrown at or near a horse. Weapons are not to be fired at wildlife. 6. All action in or around buildings or bunkers must be under the control of at least two (2) safety officers who have the authority to halt the event if they spot any dangerous circumstances. Appointments may be made on site. 7. Alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs may not be consumed at any event, in violation of civil laws. 8. No weapon is to be fired directly at anyone closer that fifty (50) feet or whenever anyone is close to the muzzle of a rifle. This applies to the persons who are next to you, as well as in front of the muzzle. Watch out for the other persons hearing. 9. All pyrotechnics must be approved by the on site safety officer. 10. No projectile may be fired at less than a forty-five (45) degree angle from the horizontal. Signal flares must be fired at (90) degree angle from horizontal. 11. No live ammo is to be brought to any WWII H.R.S., Inc. events EVER! 12. No one may fix any bayonet to any rifle, except for controlled (posed, staged) photographs. Violations of rules 10 and 11 are grounds for dismissal from the WWII H.R.S., Inc. 13. Wood tipped blanks may only be used in semi-automatic and automatic weapons equipped with blank adapters, NEVER IN A BOLT ACTION RIFLE. 14. Homemade weapons must have a safety check on site at each event, whenever and wherever they are used. There is no such thing as a blanket permit or letter of registration for homemade replicas. Shot guns may not be loaded or fired whatsoever. 15. The use of metal body parachute flares, military artillery, and grenade simulators are not allowed, except for staged spectator evens under the supervision of a WWII H.R.S., Inc. approved safety officer, to be used in controlled areas ONLY. 16. Star crimped blanks may be used in a non-blank adapted bolt action rifles. The rifle must be fired at a forty-five (45) degree angle and not less than fifty (50) feet at anyone. The bore must be clean of any debris prior to the safety/authenticity inspection. Blank adapting bolt-action rifles are optional at the time. 17. Helmets must be worn by all participants during public battles. Except for the following: Gebirgsjagers, Army Commandos, Royal Marines, Russian troops, Other individual soldiers whose impression requires a softcap to operate equipment or vehicles authentically or safety. These impressions must wear their impression correct headgear. 18. All glasses must have safety or shatter-resistant lenses. 19. All shoulder weapons must be on safe when a person is loading or unloading from a vehicle and in the field, except when actively engaging a target. 20. Refusal to follow the instructions of a safety official are grounds for dismissal from the WWII H.R.S., Inc. Safety official have the authority to remove any safety offender from any event and file for the offender's dismissal from the WWII H.R.S., Inc. by mailing or emailing his complaint to the chairman of the safety committee within thirty (30) days of the event. 21. If a member of the safety committee is at any event he becomes the senior safety officer for that event. If two (2) or more safety committeeman are at an event, the commission date establishes seniority. The senior safety officer or the chairman of the safety committee has the final say in all on-thespot safety decisions. 22. All safety rules must be printed in newsletter at least once a year. 23. Members 16-17 may participate in public or tactical battles but must sign any waivers and must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or their designee. 24. All firearm laws and regulations that apply to a particular location whether federal, state, or local must be followed at a WWII HRS event. It is the responsibility of the event sponsor to make known the particular firearms laws and regulations pertaining to that location for those attending the event.

VEHICLE SAFETY
1. All motor vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver, regardless of off or on road use. The driver must be knowledgeable of the type of vehicle he is driving. PROPER LIABILITY INSURANCE IS MANDATORY. Any vehicle driven off road MUST HAVE A GROUND GUIDE, to avoid personnel hiding in foliage. 2. Service brakes shall function on all wheeled vehicles. 3. Emergency brakes (parking brakes) should be functional, if a vehicle was originally equipped with such brakes. 4. Tires shall have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches. 5. Tracks shall be properly adjusted. 6. Steering system shall be functional. 7. Lighting shall be operational if used for night operation. 8. An onboard fire extinguisher is required

INSURANCE COVERAGE
For safety, all WWII H.R.S., Inc. sponsored tactical and/or public events must be insured. An Event Request Form may be attained from the Secretary, from the website, or posted in THE EDGE. This signed form must be submitted by the requestor to the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the event. Proof of insurance, or if requested by the event host a certificate of insurance, will then be issued however a fee may be imposed for a certificate of insurance. If this procedure is not followed and/or the requester's current membership dues are not paid in full, the event will not be advertised in any official HRS publication nor will proof of insurance be provided or a certificate of insurance be issued to the requestor.

17

WWII HRS Board Meeting Minutes 16 April 2009

Attending: Jonathan Stevens, Craig Dvorak, Don Pitchers, Mick Moore, Scott Atchison, Mike Kowalski, David Jameson, Tim Scherer, John Newton, and Bill Sheets The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm and a roll call was taken. The meeting minutes for March were reviewed. A motion was made to accept the minutes and passed. Old Business The Special Election for the Secretary and Treasurer position had one candidate for Secretary, Craig Dvorak. The ballot will be in the next Edge. Stephanie Batroni had indicated some interest in running for the position however she had decided to not run. Regional Committee Proposal: Scott Atchison and unit were to write an article for the Edge. So far there had been no official nominations for the National Battle. Audit Proposal was tabled PAHA Allegations: Our attorney was responding to the PAHA Batroni Complaint: The deadline for a response was the end of the month. Proposal for an HRS Scholarship was to be put into the Edge for discussion. Some requirements were membership, age, an essay, and accomplishments in reenacting. If accepted by the membership, it should be setup by June. Lowell Meal and Support for Future Events: A dollar limitation and documentation of members at the event would be needed. The general idea would be presented to the membership. A committee should be created to determine which events would get funding. Unit Charters: Two new charters have been submitted, an I&R Platoon and a Naval aviators unit. New Business Treasurer Report: Acting Treasurer David Jameson reported $9235.34 in checking, $16,213.24 in savings, and approximately $1 in interest. The bank fees went from $12 to $35. This does not reflect the pending Edge bills. 528 memberships were processed. Secretary Report: Acting Secretary Jonathan Stevens reported some membership cards to get out and some under 18 forms were outstanding. Age Requirement: The age requirements are ambiguous in the by-laws and need to be better explained. David Jameson will check with the attorney before a final interpretation. The discussion was tabled. th rd Allied Report: Bill Sheets reported a new unit, 165 SPC, was interested in chartering. Also the 3 Marine Div was no longer a unit. S&A Committee: The committee has been formed and the members listed on the website. th th Defunct Units: 134 Inf. Rgt., 35 Inf. Div. needed to be checked for membership in the last two years. Recognition of Other Organizations: Illiana Historical Society has sent proof of insurance. th Axis Report: Scott Atchison reported a unit interested in chartering the 7 Panzer Div. Scott also mentioned members need to be careful on forums to not insult others. By-law Proposals: Two bylaw proposals are waiting regarding nepotism and inviting non-HRS units to events. These would be sent to the board for reading. Open Comment: No comments. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm

WWII HRS Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2009

In attendance were David Jameson, Elliott James, Gary Adkins, Jonathan Stevens, Craig Dvorak, Scott Atchison, Mike Boden, Alan Miltich, Tim Scherer, Keith Bonney, Bill Riesa, Jeff Elinger, and Bill Sheets. The meeting to order at 7:07 pm. A roll call was made. Old Business: S&A Committee: David Jameson commended the work of the committee. April Minutes were read. A motion was made to accept the minutes. A roll call vote was made and was passed unanimously. Special Election: Craig Dvorak was on the ballot for Secretary. June 15 was the deadline for votes. The Regional Battle proposal was on the ballot. PAHA: There was an exchange with the attorneys. Hopefully the matter would be resolved by the end of the month. th th Report on Defunct Units: 134 Inf Div, 35 Inf Div. had no reported members for two years and no C.O. membership. Recognition of Other WWII Reenacting Orgs.: No new inforation. The Das Reich unit from Ohio had decided to form their own club. Proposals in Edge: bylaw proposal for the National Battle and the HRS scholarship. New Business: Unit Charters: 7/FRJ6 had submitted all the requirements for a charter. The S&A Committee had approved the charter. A motion was made to vote on the charter and seconded. The vote to approve the charter was unanimous. COMNAVAIRPAC: Bill Reisa explained the concept of the unit was to show naval aviation in WWII. The S&A Committee approved the unit charter. A motion was made to accept this unit and was seconded. The vote was unanimous and the unit charter was accepted. th th 7 Panzer Division, 7 Panzergrenadier Rgt.: More information was needed on this charter for the S&A Committee. th th The discussion was tabled. 45 Inf Div, 180 Rgt, I&R platoon: The unit CO for the proposed unit explained the charter for the unit was not for tacticals but was more for living history which is why they included an S2 Major. Some comment

18

ensued but more information and discussion was needed in the S&A Committee. The charter was very well done. The discussion was tabled. Treasurer Report: Checking account had $8,128.05 and the savings account had $16,215.24. $1.33 in interest was accumulated. A service charge of $18 was received and $1088.34 was paid to Rochelle printing for the Edge. Secretary Report: 685 members. Commonwealth Report: None. Allied Report: A Merchant Marine charter was possibly forming. th Axis Report: Scott Attchison had Jeff Elinger from the proposed unit 7 Panzer explain his unit. Jeff was to expand the unit charter section on uniforms, Equipment, and rank structure for the unit. th th S&A Committee: 134 Inf Rgt., 34 Inf Div. had little or no contact. A motion to disband the unit was made and seconded. The vote was to disband the unit. Elliot James requested to be added to the S&A Committee. A motion to adjourn was made and 2nded. The vote was unanimous. At 8:13 pm the meeting was adjourned.

WWII HRS Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2009

In attendance were Jonathan Stevens, Craig Dvorak, Scott Atchison, Rob Coffman, Alan Miltich, Tim Scherer, Rob Lienweber, Chris Kissenger, Keith Bonney, and Bill Sheets. The Vice President called the meeting to order at 7:29 pm since the President was not in attendance after a quorum was reached. A roll call was made. Unit Charters: 7 Panzer Div, 7 Panzergrenadier Rgt. charter application was discussed. The unit was deemed rank heavy. The unit CO, Ken Kerwell, was informed and was going to revise their rank structure. The S&A vote for the unit was 4 votes for the unit and 5 against the charter but with the revisions the charter would be revoted on. Some discussion regarding the clause like impressions ensued regarding the unit. The discussion was tabled. th th I&R Platoon, 180 rgt, 45 Infantry Div: The revised rank structure of the unit was reviewed by the S&A Committee. A vote was taken in the S&A Committee with 6 votes for and 5 votes no. In the charter document the ranks were reduced. For living history events the rank of Major was retained to demonstrate the operation of the I&R platoon. For tactical events no officers would be included in the unit. A motion was made for the board to vote on the charter and seconded. A roll call was taken and three votes were made to accept the charter. Recognition of the Election of the Secretary: In the recent election Craig Dvorak was elected Secretary. The official results would be released in the next Edge. Open Comment: Rob Lienweber asked about the insurance for the Lena, WI event. The proof of insurance would be sent to him. Rob Coffman asked about event coordinators defining rank for units and splitting up units at events. At 8:13 pm the meeting was adjourned.
th th

WWII HRS Board Meeting Minutes July 16, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:04pm. A roll call was taken: David Jameson, Jonathan Stevens, Craig Dvorak, Chuck Roberts, Lydia Roberts, Jeff Elinger, Scott Bacon, Bill Sheets. Old Business: June Meeting minutes were read. A motion was made to accept the minutes and seconded. A roll call vote was taken with four yes votes. The minutes were accepted. PAHA Allegations: The attorneys were communicating. Report on Defunct Units: Two units were possibly defunct. More information will be available the next meeting. ByLaw Proposal: Two proposals exist, the Loge proposal and Scherer proposal. David Jameson suggested sending them and other future proposals through the S&A Committee to check for overlaps with current bylaws. Outstanding Bills: For Edge printing $376.51 and $1183.75. Both were mailed to Rochelle Printing. New Business: Edge Content: Should non-members be given space n the Edge? David Jameson stated that we need to stick to our organization and our events. Some information on non-HRS events could be included as a service to the members. Other comments were that some decision should be left to the discretion of the editor but that the editor should check with the board if there is a question. Scott Bacon added more After Action Reports were needed. The discussion was tabled to get more input from other board members. st st Unit Charters: Two Charters are being considered. The 501 PIR, 101 Abn charter was incomplete. More information th th from this unit is needed for the S&A Committee. 7 Panzer, 7 Panzergrenadier Rgt. Charter is complete after a final revision. The S&A Committee voted with 9 for chartering and 3 against chartering. The board members had reviewed the th document. A motion for a vote was called and seconded. A roll call vote was taken with a 4 votes for chartering. The 7 th Panzer, 7 Panzergrenadier regiment was accepted into the HRS. After passing a one year probation period a charter will be issued. Treasurer Report: No report was available. Secretary Report: The secretary files were being transferred to Craig Dvorak. Commonwealth Report: No report was available. Allied Representative Report: Bill Sheets reports a merchant marine unit was forming. Axis Representative Report: No report was available. S&A Committee Report: The committee had requested more information on the age limit for participation according to the insurance. David Jameson reported that the insurance carrier had said that for those members under age 18 the insurance would not allow them to use weapons in battles. The insurance carrier was checking on those under age 18 participating in static displays and living history. Open Comment: Chuck Roberts asked about the certificate of insurance for his event in June that was applied for in January. The reply was that his event was covered. Chuck Roberts had further questions regarding a minor injury to a visitor to his museum event. The reply was that most likely this would have to go under the Roberts Armory policy since the HRS policy does not insure buildings. Further discussion ensued. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

19

12 Gauge blanks. A preliminary view.

By Robb Walters, 21 Panzer and Atlantic Wall Blanks

or the purpose of this report I took a look at the 3 most common commercially available factory smokeless (non-black powder) blanks. This is one of the most common blanks available. The photo to the right is a Winchester factory photo and it is accurate. The case is marked as a blank in 3 ways that would be noticeable to different shooting groups. First, as a Field Trial load. Many hunters will recognize that nomenclature. Second as a Popper load, an older name for shotgun blanks. Finally, they are clearly marked BLANK which should be clear to most reenactors and Safety officers within the reenacting hobby. When the round is sectioned you will notice that it is filled pretty tightly with ground up corn cob. As you can see in the picture, the cob is small. Corn cob is very light and especially being ground up this small, will have a very limited range from the barrel before burning up or simply falling to the ground. The corn cob filler should be safe within the standard stand off range of other blanks. Behind the corn cob is a wad. Most shotgun wads are thick paper or cardboard. This was is thin cork. Cork being crumbly should break up pretty quickly especially since it sits right on top of the powder charge. The powder is an odd elongated flake and is about 14 grains in weight, roughly 35 to 40% of the charge of a live shotgun shell of the same size. Not an excessive charge for the bore size though still powerful enough to be lethal at close range. There did appear to be a plastic wad of some sort at the base of the shell. (White insert in shell base in picture above.) Until I test the round in live fire I can not be certain in this will leave the shell. It does not appear to be designed to but it could be dangerous if it did. Before firing my thoughts are: Good: - Corn cob filler is inert - Corn cob filler should dissipate or burn up in the barrel or at close range. - Cork wad is thin and should break up very quickly - Powder charge is in line with most rifle blanks - Possible plastic wad that could be a projectile danger. (Note, I do not think the plastic wad will come out at this point but want to note this before field testing) - Shell hull is clearly marked in 3 ways that it is a blank for easy identification. - Plastic wad in case my prevent shell from being reloaded into live shells increasing safety and identification. I will get an expert opinion on this. Bad: - Possibility of wad becoming projectile. - Color is somewhat similar to standard Winchester shot shell hulls

20

The 2nd Blank is the Federal Game Shok Field Trial load. This is another common blank though it has been discontinued for the rest of 2009 and 2010 though it may be brought back in 2011. The photo is my own as this round has been around for a while with a few minor differences. This load has been popular in the past for animal training. The shell is marked as a Field Trial load as seen above. Upon cutting into the hull you immediately see that the filler is a large rounded plastic. At first glance the shell appears to be filled with Nerds candy. The plastic is obviously designed to be inert and to loose energy fast but I found that it did not dissolve under heat. After about 30 seconds under flame, the plastic was almost unaffected with the exception of the pellets that were closest to the flame, which slightly melted together. 2 weeks later I noticed the pellets still in my driveway un-changed in any way. Under the plastic filler there is a thick cardboard wad. While I did not weigh the powder charge, it appeared to be very similar in volume to the Winchester load. At this point I stopped with this load. I was not comfortable with its use in the reenacting hobby. Before firing my thoughts are: Good: - The shell is marked as a Field trail load. - The Powder charge did not appear to be out of line with similar blanks. Bad: - Plastic filler that does not look as if it will break up at a range we would consider safe. - Heavy cardboard wad that could become a projectile. - Color of shell hull is the same as many other Federal Brand live rounds. - One type of fired live shot shell from Federal. Though markings are different, they are not quickly obvious and hull color is the same. In poor light, or with a safety inspector that does not know the difference, it would be easy to slip in a live round based only on a single marking. The plastic filler looks to be dangerous for our use. I will test the rounds against the others mentioned in this review, but at this point feel that these rounds are unfit for our use. 3rd Blank Fiocchi 2 inch blank

This round has changed slightly over the years. Early designs were a clear hull marked BLANK - to an orange hull with no markings. Newer rounds are marked as in the picture I took recently. When cut into I found the shell to be filled with ground up corncob. What was most notable was that the corncob was more finely ground up than the Winchester load. This would fly less distance and disperse faster.

21

I dumped the corncob out in my hand to look at it to find that the corncob is the wad as well. There is no other wadding in the shell that could cause a secondary projectile. The powder charge looked to be in line with the other rounds. I could not weigh the charge due to it being mixed with the cob once poured out of the case. There was nothing else in the hull that could be a projectile. I was very impressed with the Fiocchi blank load. It was a very simple load that uses a minimum of components and looks to be designed well for its intended use. Before firing my thoughts are: Good: - Hull is clearly marked as a blank and is not a color that is common in shotgun shells. A quick search of several reloading supply companies did not show a hull available that was the same color. - Older shells are the same color or clear (semi-transparent) and marked as a blank. - BLANK is clearly marked on the shell reducing likelihood of being mistaken with any other load. - Small size of the corncob filler should keep the safety range within established fire zones. - High base shell is not as commonly reloaded. Bad: Before firing I could see little that would be considered an abnormal danger. All of the observations made to this point are based solely on pulling apart the rounds. I have not yet test fired any of them but will do so soon and make an additional report. The main concern of a large powder charge is a non-issue in the rounds shown above. While not light loads, these are well within the range of many rifle blanks. I am still concerned about the corncob. While ground fine and light weight, there is a potential for eye injury. This is one of the things I will test for. The wads may or may not be a projectile hazard but that will be noted in further testing as well. My initial review is that the Federal Field Trial loads are not in any way suited to our use due to the plastic filler. The Winchester load has strong potential and the Fiocchi loads appear to be an even better candidate. The main concerns would be immediate and unquestioned identification of the rounds by all safety officers and the ability of someone to reload the shells without them being noticed. The filler and wadding are secondary concerns. Once I fire the rounds I will report further on my opinions.

Greetings! Dr. A. Farbs here, Get ready for the best event of the year by heading out to Rockfarb before you get to the city limits of Rockford. All are welcome and highly encouraged to leave their FARB at this event and not bring any of it to Rockford. This includes things like your red spider man underwear, that big blue cooler, and your Mickey Mouse pillow! Leave all this junk at RockFarb! Send in a few questions! See you next month! 22

Rockford Schedule of Events

Thursday Sept. 24 12:00pm Gates open for setup. Friday Sept. 25 9:00am Camp setup stops for school tours. 8am- MP/FG briefing at picnic tables next to fire station. 2:15pm Camp setup continues. 11:00pm Quiet Time. Saturday Sept 26 8am MP and FG briefing at picnic tables next to Fire station. 9am Safety and Authenticity starts, S&A will be held at West end of village here the public parks. 10:30am Field Battle CO meeting-All unit CO's and/or NCO's required to attend if your unit would like to participate in battles at main battlefield. 10:45am All personal vehicles must be out of Historic Living Camp area. 10:30am Field Battle CO meeting-All unit CO's and/or NCO's required to attend if your unit would like to participate in battles at main battlefield. 11am Museum opens to the public. 11:30am Viginettes/skits start and will run throughout the day. 1:30pm Field Battle starts. 3:30pm Field Battle starts. 5:00pm Museum closes to the public. 7:00pm USO Dance at Museum Building, food served at this time, reenactors must be in uniform, spouses/partner must be in period clothing to get in free, otherwise they will have to pay $6 to get in. 11:00am Quiet Time, this will be strictly enforced! Sunday Sept 27 9am Safety and Authenticity starts, S&A will be held at West end of village where the public parks. 10:30am Field Battle CO meeting-All unit CO's and/or NCO's required to attend if your unit would like to participate in battles at main battlefield. 10:45am All personal vehicles must be out of Historic Living Camp area. 11am Museum opens to the public. 11:30am Viginettes/skits start will run throughout the day. 2:30pm Field battle starts. 4pm Museum closes to the public. 4pm Personal vehicles allowed on camp area IF all public are out of Living History camp area, all clear will be given by Military Police! 7pm Park closes to everyone.

23

Dateline Rockford, IL 2nd Panzer Soldaten heading into an uncertain future. Photo credit: Mike Beth, 2nd Panzer

Email your submissions for the next Edge to: edge_editor@167thspc.org.

The Edge Jonathan Stevens 0N349 Cottonwood Dr. Wheaton, IL 60187

www.worldwartwohrs.org