German "HEER" Guidelines
updated 8/28

The German Army unit we will be representing is an element of the 272nd Infantry Division.  We are establishing some very strict authenticity regulations for this event, along with a very interesting (and correct) organization, as well as an unique scenario. We want to offer something that has not been attempted in WW2 reenacting as of yet. The following link is a brief history of the 272nd in Normandy:

THE 272nd INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE DEFENSE OF CAEN, JULY 1944

The following regulations may seem extreme for some.  Please understand that we are just trying to bring the overall event experience to a new level in this hobby.  We are not out to alienate anyone or any group.  These standards will be enforced at the event, so do take the time to review them so there are no surprises.

Those with unit specific patches, cuff titles, or shoulder boards will be asked to remove or hide them.  We are not trying to take away any unit's pride, but do wish to keep to the scenario we are portraying.  Again, we are not looking to attack any organizations impression.  This is just to provide a unique historical event scenario.

Should you have any questions or concerns about these regulations or the event, please feel free to email Justin Smith (the German Coordinator) at: Sturmsoldat@excite.com
 

Helmets
M42 helmets are preferred, but M40 or M35 models are acceptable.  The less decals in the field the better, but single decal Heer helmets are permitted (no double decals).  Correctly painted "Normandie Camo Scheme" helmets are permitted.  Spanish helmets are not allowed.

Caps
M43 caps in feldgrau wool preferred, M38 or 42 acceptable.  No HBT or Camo caps permitted.

Tunics
M42, 43, & 40 tunics are preferred but M36 tunics are acceptable. Correct repro Reed Green tunics are discouraged as the 272nd is documented as not wearing them. Swedish conversions are not permitted.

Trousers
M43 trousers preferred, but M40s are acceptable.  Again, these must be of correct pattern and not that of a foreign country.  Correct repro Reed Green trousers are permitted & encouraged.

Boots
Low boots and gamaschen are highly encouraged, but jackboots are allowed if the previous version is unavailable.  Low boots can be left natural (well-oiled) brown or dies black but must be of a correct documented German or European pattern with leather soles and hobnails. Sorry, no rubber soles permitted.

Insignia
Basic infantry insignia and shoulder boards (white piping) only.  No cuff titles or special patches/boards are to be worn.  If your tunic has a cuff title and you absolutely do not wish to remove it, then you must keep the sleeves rolled up as not to show the cuff title.  Also, please try to keep award insignia to a minimum.

Camouflage
NO CAMO UNIFORM PARTS ALLOWED.  Only Wehrmacht zeltbahns of correct pattern are permitted (no Swiss "square" zelts).

Eyewear
No modern eyewear permitted.  Must be of correct period frames or contacts.

Weapons
Please keep them to the correct WWII German types.  German K98s, MP40s, G41/43s, & MG34/42s are acceptable.  Sorry, no Foreign, Russian, or late war (MP44s) permitted.

Equipment
Basic infantry gear setup is the call.  A mix of web & leather gear is permitted.  Everyone should strive to have and wear the gas-can (with mask & gas-cape bag is encouraged), shovel, & bayonet.  We will be living in the field, so expect to carry what you bring.  Again, these must be of correct pattern and not that of a foreign country (ex: Swiss Zelts, obvious post-war breadbags, etc...).

Identification
Proper Heer ID paperwork (either a Soldbuch, Ersatz Soldbuch, etc...) are required.  It doesn't have to be unit specific to the unit we are portraying at the event, it just has to be proper ID paperwork for the Heer branch).  Please make sure you have something along these lines on you & filled out.  ID disks "Erkennungsmarken" are highly encouraged.

Appearance
Hair should resemble a period style cut. Short on sides and sort of long on top.  For examples: click here.  Slight stubble is permitted. No beards, no mustaches, & no side burns.  We have been fighting for some time now, so being dirty is HIGHLY encouraged.

Food
Food should be that of German iron rations & food scrounged from the local areas. We are in France, so acquired "period" civilian foodstuffs are permitted.  Of course all items must be wrapped in period style and have period labels (nothing modern permitted).

In General

• Make sure that you are familiar with German verbal, hand and whistle commands. These can be found at www.dererstezug.com and clicking on the “articles” tab and then “commands etc.”.
• Proper respect will be paid to all NCO’s.
• Make sure you know how to dig a foxhole and conceal it. We will be digging in!  These basic’s can again be found on the der Erste Zug website under “articles”.
• We will be living in the field, so expect to carry what you bring.
• No Filtered cigarettes.
• There will be only one port-pot, so bring toilet paper!   
• Only bring what you can carry on your back!!!

Should you have any questions or concerns about these regulations or the event, please feel free to email Justin Smith (the German Coordinator) at: Sturmsoldat@excite.com