Interested in joining the 275.?
| Membership Application |
Interested in becoming a member of an authenticity-minded group of WWII German reenactors? Ausgezeichnet! You've come to the right place. Whether you're brand new to reenacting, or a seasoned veteran looking for a new, progressive
group, the 275th is the place for you.
New members must be:
-Male, age 16-45.
-In relatively good physical condition.
-Legally competent.
-Willing to learn enough German to understand commands and basic conversation.
-Able to afford an expensive hobby.
-Willing to do research and learn about their impression.
-Able to attend at least three weekend long events per year.
What's it like in the 275.?
In the 275. Infanterie, you can expect a reenacting experience like none other. With us, you can expect authenticity to be strictly enforced. It is our goal to portray the German Landser of WWII as accurately as possible.
You will be expected to create a German "Alter Ego" which will include a name, place of birth, and other tidbits of information.
You can expect to be fed authentic tinned rations, camp out in foxholes, sing marching songs, receive Feldpost, train, participate in drill, nighttime tactical maneuvers, guard duty, and otherwise participate in the many facets of front line life of a German Soldier in 1944-45. You will be addressed by your German name during events, so be sure to pick one you really like!
Members are expected to learn at least some German, enough to effectively communicate during battles and tactical maneuvers.
What does the 275. offer that other units don't?
Other reenactment units focus too much on burning blanks, elite impressions, and earning rank and medals. The 275. Infantry is a no-nonsense group whose primary focus is on studying the lifestyle and tactics of the German Army of the Second World War. While other groups sit in wooden folding chairs around a campfire before going to bed in a cozy eight man tent all to themselves with a cot and a cooler hidden inside, you will find us in the field, practicing tactical maneuvers, cleaning weapons, eating period rations, digging foxholes, repairing equipment, and otherwise acting out the role of the WWII German Soldier.
What do I need to get?
Before you can start coming to events, you're going to have to get a few things. The unit may be able to loan some items, but contact a Unit Officer at [email protected] to find out what is available. We have separated it into two phases.
PHASE ONE
These are the first items that a recruit is to purchase. You will need ALL of these items to participate. See PHASE TWO after you have completed PHASE ONE.
Contact a Unit Officer before purchasing any uniform or equipment items. All items are subject to approval. Check the "Approved Vendors" list on the "Reference Section" page to see approved vendors.
Members who require the use of eyeglasses must obtain period correct frames or wear contacts. You will not be allowed to participate with modern eye wear.
1. Field cap (Feldmutze): Model M-43
Wool field cap with brim. Should be feldgrau in color and bear a BeVo trapezoid insignia
2. Tunic (Feldbluse): Heer Model M-42 or M-43
It is preferred that most grenadiers obtain the Heer Model M-43 Feldbluse. M-40 models are accepted but strongly discouraged. M-36 models are not allowed unless the rekrut is over the age of 35. M36 tunics worn by older men must appear heavily soiled and worn. All tunics must fit properly.
3. Trousers (Keilhosen): Model M-43
Wool trousers with belt loops and ankle ties, these trousers are a simplified version of the early war M-37 pattern trousers. These trousers are to be worn with suspenders.
4. Socks (Socken)
All issue socks must be gray wool with white rings denoting size. Foot wraps are an acceptable substitute.
5. Short boots (Schnurshuhe)
Around 1942, the tall Jackboot began to be phased out by a shorter, lace-up boot paired with canvas gaiters. All lowboots must be worn in conjunction with gaiters at all times.
6. Service shirt (Heereshemd)
Rayon knit shirt worn under the Feldbluse. It is preferred that members obtain shirts of the pocketless type.
7. I.D. Disk (Erkennungsmarke)
Worn at ALL times when on duty/In Dienst. The Unit Commander will stamp it for you.
8. I.D. book (Soldbuch)
Carried at ALL times when on duty/In Dienst. This will be filled out by a Unit Officer.
9. Gaiters (Gamaschen)
Canvas leggings worn to keep dirt and rocks out of your boots. May have black or brown leather fittings. Post war Gamaschen are not allowed., "converted" or otherwise.
10. Belt & Buckle (Koppel mit Schloss)
Leather belt worn to carry ones equipment. Must have a Heer buckle. Web belts are also accepted but only if purchased from a reputable supplier (ATF, 1944 Militaria, or SM Wholesale)
11. Helmet (Stalhelm): Model M-42, 40, or 35
It is preferred that the Model M-42 Stalhelm be acquired as was the majority of the men in the later part of the war were issued these. No decals should be applied. If you have a small head, get an original shell, as reproduction helmets usually only come in large sizes.
12. Ammo pouches (Patronentaschen)
All K-98 pouches must be black. Originals are strongly recommended.
13. Bayonet (Seitengewehr)
Always worn to the rear of the wearers left hip. The carrier is to be black leather.
14. Bread Bag (Brotbeutel)
Original or proper reproduction Brotbeutel. The market is full of low-end reproductions, so make sure you research the characteristics of an authentic bag.
15. Canteen (Feldflasche)
.7 liter canteen with cover, strap, and cup. The cup may be bakelite or metal.
16. Gas mask and can (Gasmasken mit Tasche)
Original or quality reproduction gas mask carrying can. Must contain a gasmask by the member's 1st anniversary. Original cans are highly recommended, as current reproductions are flimsy and poor quality.
17. Spade & carrier (Spaten und Tasche)
Always worn on the wearers left with handle pointed toward the leg. Folding or flat style shovels are allowed. East German flat shovels are allowed if stripped and have the blades repainted black. The carrier may be black leather, or either tan or black Pressstoff material. Brown carriers are not allowed. Web carriers are not allowed.
18. Y-straps (Tragneriemen)
Both leather and proper web Tragneriemen are authorized for wear, with leather being strongly preferred. Make sure that you contact a Unit Officer before buying Y-Straps, as there are many poor reproductions on the market.
19. Mess kit (Kochgeschirr)
The Kochgeschirr is either secured to the Brotbeutel or to the assault frame. Post war mess kits are not allowed unless they are of the proper pattern.
20. 98K Rifle (Gewehr)
Every member must obtain a Kar98k rifle in order to participate. Contact the Unit Commander before purchasing any weapons. If your circumstances prevent you from legally owning a firearm, please contact the Unit Commander. We do have roles that you can fill.
PHASE TWO
Once a rekrut has finished obtaining everything in PHASE ONE, it is time to start finishing off their impression. By the member's 2nd anniversary with the unit, they must have completed both PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO.
1. Assault Frame (Gefechtspaeck)
Canvas web pack frame designed to carry the Zeltbahn, Mess kit, and a small bag in which personal provisions are carried.
2. Shelter quarter (Zeltbahn)
Triangular camouflage shelter quarter designed to be used as a tent section, a poncho, or as a camouflage smock. All zelts must be splinter camouflage.
3. Assault Frame Bag
Canvas bag attached to the Assault Frame. Regulation contents were: Rifle cleaning kit, Halbeiserne Portion (Half-Iron Ration), Wolle Schlupfjacke (Wool sweater) and Zeltleine (tent rope).
4. Greatcoat (Mantel)
The Mantel is a wool overcoat which was issued to every soldier in the German Army in WWII. This item is required to attend events in which there is snow on the ground.
5. Fettdose (Butter dish)
Original, post war, or reproduction butter dish. At some events, you will be supplied a ration of Schmaltz, and if you don't have a butter dish, you will have nothing to store it in!
6. Rifle Cleaning kit
Every member will be expected to keep his rifle clean at all costs! Investing in an original or immediate postwar rifle cleaning kit is essential to doing so. You can expect to clean your rifle every day at events, so make sure you have one of your own.
7. Assorted Personal Effects
Each member must think about what types of items they would need to carry with them to sustain themselves for up to a month in combat. This means things like ration items, shaving kits, tobacco, pocket knives, entertainment items such as magazines or harmonicas, small cameras, toothbrush, things which could be sent from home such as knit socks, letters, scarves, or baked goods. These things are necessary because it teaches members more about what it was like being a soldier. Try to put yourself in the mindset of a young man far from home and what he would carry with him to keep him going.
After PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO are completed, you will be eligible for awards and promotions.
group, the 275th is the place for you.
New members must be:
-Male, age 16-45.
-In relatively good physical condition.
-Legally competent.
-Willing to learn enough German to understand commands and basic conversation.
-Able to afford an expensive hobby.
-Willing to do research and learn about their impression.
-Able to attend at least three weekend long events per year.
What's it like in the 275.?
In the 275. Infanterie, you can expect a reenacting experience like none other. With us, you can expect authenticity to be strictly enforced. It is our goal to portray the German Landser of WWII as accurately as possible.
You will be expected to create a German "Alter Ego" which will include a name, place of birth, and other tidbits of information.
You can expect to be fed authentic tinned rations, camp out in foxholes, sing marching songs, receive Feldpost, train, participate in drill, nighttime tactical maneuvers, guard duty, and otherwise participate in the many facets of front line life of a German Soldier in 1944-45. You will be addressed by your German name during events, so be sure to pick one you really like!
Members are expected to learn at least some German, enough to effectively communicate during battles and tactical maneuvers.
What does the 275. offer that other units don't?
Other reenactment units focus too much on burning blanks, elite impressions, and earning rank and medals. The 275. Infantry is a no-nonsense group whose primary focus is on studying the lifestyle and tactics of the German Army of the Second World War. While other groups sit in wooden folding chairs around a campfire before going to bed in a cozy eight man tent all to themselves with a cot and a cooler hidden inside, you will find us in the field, practicing tactical maneuvers, cleaning weapons, eating period rations, digging foxholes, repairing equipment, and otherwise acting out the role of the WWII German Soldier.
What do I need to get?
Before you can start coming to events, you're going to have to get a few things. The unit may be able to loan some items, but contact a Unit Officer at [email protected] to find out what is available. We have separated it into two phases.
PHASE ONE
These are the first items that a recruit is to purchase. You will need ALL of these items to participate. See PHASE TWO after you have completed PHASE ONE.
Contact a Unit Officer before purchasing any uniform or equipment items. All items are subject to approval. Check the "Approved Vendors" list on the "Reference Section" page to see approved vendors.
Members who require the use of eyeglasses must obtain period correct frames or wear contacts. You will not be allowed to participate with modern eye wear.
1. Field cap (Feldmutze): Model M-43
Wool field cap with brim. Should be feldgrau in color and bear a BeVo trapezoid insignia
2. Tunic (Feldbluse): Heer Model M-42 or M-43
It is preferred that most grenadiers obtain the Heer Model M-43 Feldbluse. M-40 models are accepted but strongly discouraged. M-36 models are not allowed unless the rekrut is over the age of 35. M36 tunics worn by older men must appear heavily soiled and worn. All tunics must fit properly.
3. Trousers (Keilhosen): Model M-43
Wool trousers with belt loops and ankle ties, these trousers are a simplified version of the early war M-37 pattern trousers. These trousers are to be worn with suspenders.
4. Socks (Socken)
All issue socks must be gray wool with white rings denoting size. Foot wraps are an acceptable substitute.
5. Short boots (Schnurshuhe)
Around 1942, the tall Jackboot began to be phased out by a shorter, lace-up boot paired with canvas gaiters. All lowboots must be worn in conjunction with gaiters at all times.
6. Service shirt (Heereshemd)
Rayon knit shirt worn under the Feldbluse. It is preferred that members obtain shirts of the pocketless type.
7. I.D. Disk (Erkennungsmarke)
Worn at ALL times when on duty/In Dienst. The Unit Commander will stamp it for you.
8. I.D. book (Soldbuch)
Carried at ALL times when on duty/In Dienst. This will be filled out by a Unit Officer.
9. Gaiters (Gamaschen)
Canvas leggings worn to keep dirt and rocks out of your boots. May have black or brown leather fittings. Post war Gamaschen are not allowed., "converted" or otherwise.
10. Belt & Buckle (Koppel mit Schloss)
Leather belt worn to carry ones equipment. Must have a Heer buckle. Web belts are also accepted but only if purchased from a reputable supplier (ATF, 1944 Militaria, or SM Wholesale)
11. Helmet (Stalhelm): Model M-42, 40, or 35
It is preferred that the Model M-42 Stalhelm be acquired as was the majority of the men in the later part of the war were issued these. No decals should be applied. If you have a small head, get an original shell, as reproduction helmets usually only come in large sizes.
12. Ammo pouches (Patronentaschen)
All K-98 pouches must be black. Originals are strongly recommended.
13. Bayonet (Seitengewehr)
Always worn to the rear of the wearers left hip. The carrier is to be black leather.
14. Bread Bag (Brotbeutel)
Original or proper reproduction Brotbeutel. The market is full of low-end reproductions, so make sure you research the characteristics of an authentic bag.
15. Canteen (Feldflasche)
.7 liter canteen with cover, strap, and cup. The cup may be bakelite or metal.
16. Gas mask and can (Gasmasken mit Tasche)
Original or quality reproduction gas mask carrying can. Must contain a gasmask by the member's 1st anniversary. Original cans are highly recommended, as current reproductions are flimsy and poor quality.
17. Spade & carrier (Spaten und Tasche)
Always worn on the wearers left with handle pointed toward the leg. Folding or flat style shovels are allowed. East German flat shovels are allowed if stripped and have the blades repainted black. The carrier may be black leather, or either tan or black Pressstoff material. Brown carriers are not allowed. Web carriers are not allowed.
18. Y-straps (Tragneriemen)
Both leather and proper web Tragneriemen are authorized for wear, with leather being strongly preferred. Make sure that you contact a Unit Officer before buying Y-Straps, as there are many poor reproductions on the market.
19. Mess kit (Kochgeschirr)
The Kochgeschirr is either secured to the Brotbeutel or to the assault frame. Post war mess kits are not allowed unless they are of the proper pattern.
20. 98K Rifle (Gewehr)
Every member must obtain a Kar98k rifle in order to participate. Contact the Unit Commander before purchasing any weapons. If your circumstances prevent you from legally owning a firearm, please contact the Unit Commander. We do have roles that you can fill.
PHASE TWO
Once a rekrut has finished obtaining everything in PHASE ONE, it is time to start finishing off their impression. By the member's 2nd anniversary with the unit, they must have completed both PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO.
1. Assault Frame (Gefechtspaeck)
Canvas web pack frame designed to carry the Zeltbahn, Mess kit, and a small bag in which personal provisions are carried.
2. Shelter quarter (Zeltbahn)
Triangular camouflage shelter quarter designed to be used as a tent section, a poncho, or as a camouflage smock. All zelts must be splinter camouflage.
3. Assault Frame Bag
Canvas bag attached to the Assault Frame. Regulation contents were: Rifle cleaning kit, Halbeiserne Portion (Half-Iron Ration), Wolle Schlupfjacke (Wool sweater) and Zeltleine (tent rope).
4. Greatcoat (Mantel)
The Mantel is a wool overcoat which was issued to every soldier in the German Army in WWII. This item is required to attend events in which there is snow on the ground.
5. Fettdose (Butter dish)
Original, post war, or reproduction butter dish. At some events, you will be supplied a ration of Schmaltz, and if you don't have a butter dish, you will have nothing to store it in!
6. Rifle Cleaning kit
Every member will be expected to keep his rifle clean at all costs! Investing in an original or immediate postwar rifle cleaning kit is essential to doing so. You can expect to clean your rifle every day at events, so make sure you have one of your own.
7. Assorted Personal Effects
Each member must think about what types of items they would need to carry with them to sustain themselves for up to a month in combat. This means things like ration items, shaving kits, tobacco, pocket knives, entertainment items such as magazines or harmonicas, small cameras, toothbrush, things which could be sent from home such as knit socks, letters, scarves, or baked goods. These things are necessary because it teaches members more about what it was like being a soldier. Try to put yourself in the mindset of a young man far from home and what he would carry with him to keep him going.
After PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO are completed, you will be eligible for awards and promotions.
Optional equipment
These items are optional, and should only be purchased after PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO are complete.
1. Additional uniform. Members may be interested in buying an additional uniform, one to wear in the field and get muddy, and one to keep clean for formal events and walking out. Some members may offer their spare uniform(s) for loaner use to new members.
2. Jackboots. Many people prefer the look of Jackboots as opposed to the late-war lowboots. Members may only wear jackboots in the field if they have completed PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO. Jackboots must be proper reproductions. Postwar boots of any nature, converted or otherwise are never allowed. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.
3. Esbit Stove. Steel folding stove for heating rations. Postwar versions are not allowed, you MUST get a wartime stove.
4. Ammunition can. Original, or Postwar Yugoslavian manufacture ammunition can. Post war East German cans are never allowed.
5. Wool sweater. V-neck field gray wool sweater. Original, correct post war or proper reproduction.
6. Wool toque. Reproduction toque. Good for cold nights and winter combat.
7. Wool gloves. Proper reproduction wool gloves with size rings.
1. Additional uniform. Members may be interested in buying an additional uniform, one to wear in the field and get muddy, and one to keep clean for formal events and walking out. Some members may offer their spare uniform(s) for loaner use to new members.
2. Jackboots. Many people prefer the look of Jackboots as opposed to the late-war lowboots. Members may only wear jackboots in the field if they have completed PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO. Jackboots must be proper reproductions. Postwar boots of any nature, converted or otherwise are never allowed. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.
3. Esbit Stove. Steel folding stove for heating rations. Postwar versions are not allowed, you MUST get a wartime stove.
4. Ammunition can. Original, or Postwar Yugoslavian manufacture ammunition can. Post war East German cans are never allowed.
5. Wool sweater. V-neck field gray wool sweater. Original, correct post war or proper reproduction.
6. Wool toque. Reproduction toque. Good for cold nights and winter combat.
7. Wool gloves. Proper reproduction wool gloves with size rings.
