Historiker

Well I’m back from Bellmeade and all the gear is dried out, wiped down and guns are cleaned… the vehicles… well I have some cleaning still to do! It was muddy and rainy.

The weather was hot arriving Friday and the sleeping fitful due to the heat… Saturday morning just after we awoke it started to rain… then pour! It rained all day long making the battlefield a muddy mess and the bottoms of the trenches we were to occupy - well they were a bit mucky!

I brought Gerda (BMW R-71) and Gracie (’41 Jeep) but didn’t take them on the field since it I figured they’d get stuck. A Kubel with several large Gebirgs did get well stuck, spraying the unlucky Fallschirmjagers in the nearest trench with mud!

The allies had a really nice encampment with a horde of jeeps, I lost count at 10! There were at least 4 Dodge weapons carriers and a Dodge ambulance, a White half track and even a cavalry horse. They had some nice - non leaky tents too… a good weekend to be an ally.

The axis was well represented too, in addition to about 15 Fallschirmjagers from FJR/2 there was some Gerbirgsjagers, SS and some Heer. One welcome addition was Luis, dressed as an SS Captain he was on the battlefield with his camera. Hopefully he’ll email me with some pictures as I didn’t take the Nikon on the field and the iPhone makes a lousy Keigberichter tool!

The Waco Tribune has some really good photos here.

Sapper prepares to tackle a UXB dropped on the allied camp by our Ju-88 during the night…

The allies have an abundance of non-leaking tents…

A crowded briefing as reenactors crowd in to escape the downpour…

May is a busy month for reenactments…

May 15th & 16th is the Bellmeade TX West wall Battle, it is a large city sponsored event where you will find a lot of vehicles and reenactors of all eras. Scooter Radcliffe, the city manager puts on a really nice event! I’ll be there with Gerda the R-71 and Gracie the POW GPW.

Links:
WWII Reenactment in Bellmeade
Directions
Schedule of events PDF
will will May 22nd & 25th – Memorial Day Celebration Honoring the Armed Forces: Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot

• Friday - Huey Helicopter Fly-in & Rides/Military Re-enactor Set-Up; Military Armament Train Arrives
• Saturday – Steam Engine Appearance 12:30 p.m./ Living History Exhibits (1776-Present)/Military Equipment & Vehicle Exhibits/Huey Helicopter Rides/Mock Battle, afternoon
• Sunday – Memorial Day Ceremony & 21 Gun Salute10 a.m./Huey Helicopter Rides & Departure of Military Armament Train; $10 Military Train Rides (30 min.) Saturday 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.;

  May 29th & 30th (portions of the announcement from our unit enforcedCommander)

  The Fallschirmjager Rgt 2 unit has had this annual shoot-fest over the past
  several years. This year we are inviting all axis units to attend. By doing this
  we are hoping to promote comradeship, better communications and a better
  understanding of all axis units. Even though we are inviting all the axis units
  the Fallschirmjager Rgt 2 will still hold an awards and trophy ceremony
  pertaining only to our unit. We are working on certificates for the other units
  in case they out shoot us jagers (ha-ha) because I know we have the best shots
  around.

  There will be some changes this year to be more authentic and appropriate.
  Dad, Tina and I are vigorously working to establish a camp site with gun
  emplacements for the 105 & 20mm as well as 3 bunkers and a trench line. We would
  like everyone to bring their tents and authentic camp site items to set up at
  this event.

  Range rules will be the same as in the past however only bring WWII German type
  weapons, only those shooting K98s and 8mm will be eligible for awards.
  entire

  Uniform: tropical uniform, soft cap, ammo belt, ammo pouches, bread bag,
  canteen, y-straps, hearing and eye protection. I know this is not strictly
  authentic but safety comes first. Field equip is not necessary in machine gun
  shoot but safety equipment will be. The uniform requirements for firing on the
  range will be enforced.

  This year we will start Friday morning and would like to have as many people
  there to set up and get things started. The competition will be Sat and continue
  on Sun. We will also have a work day on the first Sat, May 2nd for those that
  can help. We would also like for those that have period vehicles to bring those
  to the event if possible (if you would like to leave your vehicle at our place
  after Bellmead there will be space available). This will be an excellent
  opportunity to get outstanding photos of defensive positions and vehicles with a
  very authentic atmosphere. For I am sure Dan will have lots of filming to do
  that he might want to add to his movie.

  We will also have a swap meet at this event. Across from the camp site but outentire
  of camera angles for those that would like to get rid of excess items. I am also
  sure that Joel will have his photography booth for soldbuchs.

  We are looking at having a large turnout and would like to have port-a-pots on
  site but are asking for donations to pay for this convenience. Due to the large
  turnout this will be necessary. Another safety issue that will be enforced will
  be that no alcohol will be consumed until range is secured and all live ammo is
  turned back into Tina. We have added these extra precautions this year due to
  the possible turnout. The entrance to this event has changed, please use the
  entrance between Dad’s house and ours. It will be marked with signs and extra
  space for the entrance.

  It is imperative that we get an accurate headcount of all those planning on
  attending so that we can make plans accordingly as soon as possible. We also
  need to know if you are bringing a vehicle and attending the work day on May
  2nd. All those bringing class 3 weapons must have appropriate paperwork with
  them. We are also developing an itinerary for this event and will post as soon
  as available. This will also be posted on the info board in camp.

  Remember this event is for everyone to have a good time but safety will be
  strictly enforced.