 |
| Thank you for taking an interest in "The First Division".
We are full members of the WORLD WAR TWO LIVING HISTORY ASSOCIATION, dedicated to the memory of all those who served during World War II. We are a group of collectors and enthusiasts who strive to achieve an accurate portrayal of the senior division in the US Army of World War Two, both in battle and the every day life of the GI. In order to do this we live in period tents, use period cooking equipment, and when the site permits, we live in foxholes and dig in. In short we strive to do everything the real GI had to do. In order to portray combat soldier, you must of course be reasonably fit and of reasonable age. Whilst you don�t have to be as fit as a British Paratrooper, please remember you will be carrying a 9.5lb M1 rifle along with full combat gear and performing US squad manoeuvres. If you are 17 stone, 4� 9� then we�re not for you! We�re not expecting you to have the age range or fitness of a British Army Paratrooper either but the way you look and behave is a prerequisite to joining us. Our recuitment age range is 17 to 50 The First Division was unique; therefore doing a complete recreation of such a unit requires great dedication. The First Division is a unit that adheres to the military code of conduct. Real soldiers follow orders. The same holds true of the First Division. We cannot accurately recreate the structure of a military unit without a realistic chain of command. If you aren't willing to follow instructions, and you aren't willing to work toward an authentic display then the First Division is not for you. Doing a first-rate portrayal, also requires the right gear. You must have all the items if you are going to look and act the part. If you buy the wrong uniforms or equipment you will not be allowed to use them or at events; so inform yourself and buy carefully! Remember, no modern or anachronistic material will be permitted! FEEL FREE TO ASK BEFORE BUYING IF NOT SURE. In the spirit of the First Division, our standards are very important. This is necessary in order to ensure safety, endurance, and the proper image of a military unit of WWII. These standards are not meant to deter members, but to outline the expectations that we have of our membership. Only by creating and maintaining such high standards in uniform, equipment, and attitude can we respectfully represent the First Division. The men of The First Division gave us their all� they deserve nothing less from us! |
|
Who are E Company? The members of E Co. come from all walks of life and share an interest in the American Soldier in W.W.II. The Company is a member of the W.W.II Living History Association, one of the largest W.W.II display societies in the UK. What do you do? Our aim is to portray with accuracy and respect the infantrymen of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. The 1st Infantry Division saw action in Algeria - French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France , Belgium, Rhineland, Ardennes and Czechoslovakia. We attend events and displays primarily for English Heritage for the public. These will take the form of a display of uniforms, equipment and tactics from the appropriate period. During the 2003/4 season the Unit attended events at Studland, Detling, Beltring, Lichfield and Old Sarum, Salisbury. The Unit also attends occasional events and shows organized by local councils etc. During the off season (usually Sept to April) we attend private battle events organized by the LHA which are non-public events, usually involving a series of scenarios of a wartime nature. During these events members live "in the field", recreating as accurately as possible the conditions an actual soldier went through. What should I expect from a weekend with E Co.? You should expect to live a little rough, get a bit dirty, have a lot of laughs, engage in various drills and fire fights, talk to members of the public, converse with actual veterans, behave with respect to the men we are commemorating and generally have a great time! Where else can you get buzzed by Spitfires, be pursued by a Tiger tank, exchange stories around the camp fire and make new friends in an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared interests?! How are the battle displays organized? Are they safe? The battle displays involve pyrotechnics and armored vehicles and are strictly choreographed for safety reasons. Pyrotechnics are only handled by qualified personnel. The LHA has strict safety regulations, although the battles do involve strenuous activity such as running, jumping from vehicles etc. If you have any concerns about taking part in such activity please talk to the C.O. and he will find a suitable role for you. Most levels of involvement can be catered for, depending on any Health & Safety issues. Minimum age is 16 and Height 5'5" What are the membership costs? �35.00 per year. Membership of the LHA costs �20.00 a year. This covers your Insurance, and a subscription of �10.00 is also needed to cover unit admin and communication costs. What about weapons? The LHA allows the use of blank firing weapons at it's displays. Members also have deactivate weapons for display purposes. Blank firing weapons can sometimes be hired at events. If you possess a current shotgun certificate or Fire Arms Certificate please contact the Unit C.O. for details of weapons you would be eligible to use/purchase What equipment do I need? Basically you will need to obtain the equipment of a W.W.II rifleman as this forms the basis of all roles in the Unit. For more information on uniform click here |
 |
 |
| Please read the letter from the commanding officer U.S. 1st Infantry Division U.S.A 2007 Click on the letter. |