|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
U-505 Mannschaft
Welcome to the website of the U-505 Crew Reenacting Unit!
|Unit Members | Home |Unit History | Unit Photos |
The first event of the U-505 Mannschaft at Reenactor Fest 4 was a resounding success! We met a lot of great people that share our interest in this niche of WWII history and have already been contacted for multiple kandidat applications. The reenactor community was very supportive and showed great appreciation for our efforts. At the height of the event we had seven U-boat crewman "patrolling" the grounds. We were able to take a number of photographs in a 1930's style event room with a period phone booth and bar. These will be uploaded onto the site soon, but have already been uploaded onto our Myspace page . We'd like to thank all that attended the event for their kind words and support and can't wait to be a part of Reenactof Fest 5!
As the growing interest in Kriegsmarine reenacting became evident at Reenactor Fest 4, we've decided to organize the unit not just as the U-505, but as the 2nd Flottille. This makes the possibility of Marine helfrin, Kriegsmarine Feldgendarme and E-boat crewman impressions available as well. However our primary focus will still be on the U-505. Plans have also been set in motion for the founding of a US Navy unit to portray the task force which captured the U-505. We're looking for those interested in US Navy Sailor and US Navy Pilot impressions to be part of this. This part of the project is being headed by well established reenactor Bill Sheets of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, WWII HRS . More information on the development of this unit will be available soon.
As one might imagine reenacting Kriegsmarine isn't the first impression people think of when someone mentions WWII reenacting. This is obviously because it's pretty hard to portray the crew of a naval vessel without the naval vessel itself. As members of the U-505 mannschaft reenacting unit we simply want to educate the public on this mostly overlooked aspect of WWII history. Along with displays at WWII reenactments we hope to organize events with the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL to actually "man" the U-505 itself for public events and perhaps someday recreate the capturing of the vessel. Two of our leading officers in the unit are actually part of the filmed reenactment of the capturing that is featured as part of the U-505 exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Since these prospective events will more than likely only be a couple times a year we've developed an accommodating method of gathering at regular events.
Since all of us have regular combat impressions we portray at regular events we've deemed our U-boat crewman portrayal as a "Batman Impression". This meaning that by day each one of us, no matter what our regular impression, can go out with our regular combat units and participate in those activities. Then at night we can simply change uniforms and meet at USO dances or whatever other reenactor gatherings as a full U-boat crew and blow people away! Imagine being able to take part in the opening seen of Das Boot, within reason, recreated at the our "Occupied France" party (currently being planned for this coming reenacting season). Then be able to return to camp that night and change back to your regular impression for the next day. It simply gives us an opportunity to meet with one another and have some fun with a secondary impression that will not interfere with our primary combat ones. This is also done with inter-unit relations in mind. At these gatherings you'll be able to network and make lasting friendships with reenactors from all corners of the hobby and carry that into your interaction at future events.
This unit isn't one of strictly social gatherings though. We have a full set of readings, required for each member, to prepare us for future public displays and events with the Museum of Science and Industry so that they will have nothing but the most knowledgeable "Boot heads" at their disposal.
Minimal commitment, maximum event opportunity and pure camaraderie, what do you have to loose?! Join up today!
