Kfz70

The gauge is fed from the lower part of the block, I think it's possibly before the cooler, but I'd have to check. The cooling is done by water - this part hasn't been touched and was OK prior to the head blowing.

 

This is the cooling system (not a very good copy I'm afraid):

This is from the manual if it helps (apologies for the German!).

 

Engine is a Mercedes OM312. The crankshaft and oil pump haven't been touched (though the filter has been cleaned). The sump was removed to make sure there were no bits of engine in it when the head gasket blew!

 

As far as I can ascertain there isn't a pump relief valve.

 

The gauge is somewhat arbitrary as it has no markings on it (I need to replace it really) - it was reading roughly 2/3rds of the way round before the work. If it was revved whilst in neutral, the oil pressure went shooting round to maximum but was OK when under a load. There are no problems with engine temerature.

 

I've used various detergents on the coolant system - is there anything you've had particular success with?

Here`s a section of camoflauged bunker, thiough camoed on the inside !more to follow in another posting, bet Jack knows where it is

 

Ashley

 

Fort Henry, Studland Bay. Right hand side of the emplacement in front of the door leading down to the ammunition storage area I think...

Right, here's the problem...

 

- Engine is a 6 cylinder diesel, 4.5 litre.

- Oil pressure is reading at maximum - when the engine is turned over the oil pressure gauge goes straight to maximum and remains there when the engine has started.

- The gauge is mechanical and I've checked all the connections are OK.

- The head gasket has recently been replaced, but it was a professionally manufactured gasket and fitted in accordance with the workshop manual and manufacturer's instructions. The head was skimmed and pressure tested before it was refitted. As far as I can tell, the gasket has sealed as I'm not getting any oil in the coolant or vice versa (having said that, I've flushed the coolant through about 9 times and I'm still getting oil coming out!).

 

Anyone got any thoughts on this as I'm not sure where to go (I'll admit I'm out of my depth). Any assistance is very much appreciated (advice or physical!!).

 

Dave

They are from the Feldgendarmerie (military police). SOme interesting snippits of info for you:

 

When Major Richard Winters (506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, US Army) was confronted with approximately 14,000 armed German soldiers in the vicinity of Zell am See, Austria, on the 9th of May 1945, he decided to permit all of their officers to retain their side arms and, likewise, keep all their military policemen armed as well. "Nobody had told me, to the best of my knowledge, how to handle it. I think that I made this up on the spur of the moment. They [the Germans] worked out fine - there was no trouble between us. We weren't looking for any trouble because I only had about a battalion at that time - about 400 men probably, and we were vastly over-numbered. They could have wiped us out with the back of their hand, so you were careful about how you were talking and how you were acting because you didn't want to be ambushed here, and they could have wiped us out in a minute. The German military police were guarding their senior officers and any other duties they performed were left up to the Germans themselves. After telling them what I wanted them to do, and assigning them the areas that we wanted them to gather in and standby, I just pulled out and let them run their own show - I wasn't there to be a policeman. These guys were Prussian, professional soldiers, and I was a civilian soldier. You saw them [German military policemen] as you passed by, and they were standing in a doorway, and they were top-notch soldiers. They commanded your respect as a soldier and they were very professional. They ceased their duties after about 10 days to 2 weeks, when all the German POW's were moved out of Austria".

 

By 1943, the war was clearly starting to turn against Germany and morale amongst the front line troops was getting lower and lower. Until this time, the Feldgendarmerie and Geheime Feld Polizei had been relied upon to try and curb desertion and maintain discipline, however these men had other duties as well and the situation was getting out of hand. In November 1943, a new formation was created - the Feldjägerkorps. In order to be eligible for service, soldiers had to have a minimum 3 years frontline combat experience and have earned the Iron Cross 2nd class.

After the surrender of Germany, Feldjägerkommando III remained armed and at the disposal of the US Army in order to maintain discipline amongst the German PoWs. Feldjägerkommando III finally and formally surrendered its arms to the Allies on 23rd June 1946.

 

I have a few photos of the Feldgendarmerie still armed after the war ended

Not sure if this has been posted before, but it makes me laugh every time.

 

213 things Skippy is not allowed to do in the US Army

 

The Skippy List

 

Explanations of these events:

 

a) I did myself, and either got in trouble or commended. (I had a Major shake my hand for the pee bottle thing, for instance.)

b) I witnessed another soldier do it. (Like the Sergeant we had, that basically went insane, and crucified some dead mice.)

c) Was spontaneously informed I was not allowed to do. (Like start a porn studio.)

d) Was the result of a clarification of the above. (“What about especially patriotic porn?”)

e) I was just minding my own business, when something happened. (“Schwarz...what is *that*?” said the Sgt, as he pointed to the back of my car? "Um....a rubber sheep...I can explain why that's there....")

 

To explain how I've stayed out of jail/alive/not beaten up too badly..... I'm funny, so they let me live.

The 213 Things....

 

1. Not allowed to watch Southpark when I'm supposed to be working.

 

2. My proper military title is "Specialist Schwarz" not "Princess Anastasia".

 

3. Not allowed to threaten anyone with black magic.

 

4. Not allowed to challenge anyone's disbelief of black magic by asking for hair.

 

5. Not allowed to get silicone breast implants.

 

6. Not allowed to play “Pulp Fiction” with a suction-cup dart pistol and any officer.

 

7. Not allowed to add “In accordance with the prophesy” to the end of answers I give to a question an officer asks me.

 

8. Not allowed to add pictures of officers I don't like to War Criminal posters.

 

9. Not allowed to title any product “Get Over it”.

 

10. Not allowed to purchase anyone's soul on government time.

 

11. Not allowed to join the Communist Party.

 

12. Not allowed to join any militia.

 

13. Not allowed to form any militia.

 

14. Not allowed out of my office when the president visited Sarajevo.

 

15. Not allowed to train adopted stray dogs to “Sic Brass!”

 

16. Must get a haircut even if it tampers with my “Samson like powers”.

 

17. God may not contradict any of my orders.

 

18. May no longer perform my now (in)famous “Barbie Girl Dance” while on duty.

 

19. May not call any officers immoral, untrustworthy, lying, slime, even if I'm right.

 

20. Must not taunt the French any more.

 

21. Must attempt to not antagonize SAS.

 

22. Must never call an SAS a “wanderer”.

 

23. Must never ask anyone who outranks me if they've been smoking crack.

 

24. Must not tell any officer that I am smarter than they are, especially if it's true.

 

25. Never confuse a Dutch soldier for a French one.

 

26. Never tell a German soldier that “We kicked your ass in World War 2!”

 

27. Don't tell Princess Di jokes in front of the paras (British Airborne).

 

28. Don't take the batteries out of the other soldiers alarm clocks (Even if they do hit snooze about forty times).

 

29. The Irish MPs are not after “Me frosted lucky charms”.

 

30. Not allowed to wake an Non-Commissioned Officer by repeatedly banging on the head with a bag of trash.

 

31. Not allowed to let sock puppets take responsibility for any of my actions.

 

32. Not allowed to let sock puppets take command of my post.

 

33. Not allowed to chew gum at formation, unless I brought enough for everybody.

 

34. (Next day) Not allowed to chew gum at formation even if I *did* bring enough for everybody.

 

35. Not allowed to sing “High Speed Dirt” by Megadeth during airborne operations. (“See the earth below/Soon to make a crater/Blue sky, black death, I'm off to meet my maker”)

 

36. Can't have flashbacks to wars I was not in. (The Spanish-American War isn't over).

 

37. Our medic is called “Sgt Larwasa”, not “Dr. Feelgood”.

 

38. Our supply Sgt is “Sgt Watkins” not “Sugar Daddy”.

 

39. Not allowed to ask for the day off due to religious purposes, on the basis that the world is going to end, more than once.

 

40. I do not have super-powers.

 

41. “Keep on Trucking” is *not* a psychological warfare message.

 

42. Not allowed to attempt to appeal to mankind's baser instincts in recruitment posters.

 

43. Camouflage body paint is not a uniform.

 

44. I am not the atheist chaplain.

 

45. I am not allowed to “Go to Bragg boulevard and shake daddy's little money maker for twenties stuffed into my undies”.

 

46. I am not authorized to fire officers.

 

47. I am not a citizen of Texas, and those other, forty-nine, lesser states.

 

48. I may not use public masturbation as a tool to demonstrate a flaw in a command decision.

 

49. Not allowed to trade military equipment for “magic beans”.

 

50. Not allowed to sell magic beans during duty hours.

 

51. Not allowed to quote “Dr Seuss” on military operations.

 

52. Not allowed to yell “Take that Cobra” at the rifle range.

 

53. Not allowed to quote “Full Metal Jacket “ at the rifle range.

 

54. “Napalm sticks to kids” is *not* a motivational phrase.

 

55. An order to “Put Kiwi on my boots” does *not* involve fruit.

 

56. An order to “Make my Boots black and shiny” does not involve electrical tape.

 

57. The proper response to a lawful order is not “Why?”

 

58. The following words and phrases may not be used in a cadence- Budding sexuality, necrophilia, I hate everyone in this formation and wish they were dead, sexual lubrication, black earth mother, all Marines are latent homosexuals, Tantric yoga, Gotterdammerung, Korean hooker, Eskimo Nell, we've all got jackboots now, slut puppy, or any references to squid.

 

59. May not make posters depicting the leadership failings of my chain of command.

 

60. “The Giant Space Ants” are not at the top of my chain of command.

 

61. If one soldier has a 2nd Lt bar on his uniform, and I have an E-4 on mine It means he outranks me. It does not mean “I have been promoted three more times than you”.

 

62. It is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, no longer applies to Specialist Schwarz.

 

63. Command decisions do *not* need to be ratified by a 2/3 majority.

 

64. Inflatable novelties do *not* entitle me to BAQ or Separation pay.

 

65. There are no evil clowns living under my bed.

 

66. There is no “Anti-Mime” campaign in Bosnia.

 

67. I am not the Psychological Warfare Mascot.

 

68. I may not line my helmet with tin foil to “Block out the space mind control lasers”.

 

69. May not pretend to be a fascist stormtrooper, while on duty.

 

70. I am not authorized to prescribe any form of medication.

 

71. I must not flaunt my deviances in front of my chain of command.

 

72. May not wear gimp mask while on duty.

 

73. No military functions are to be performed “Skyclad”.

 

74. Woad is not camouflage makeup.

 

75. May not conduct psychological experiments on my chain of command.

 

76. "Teddy Bear, Teddy bear, turn around" is *not* a cadence.

 

77. The MP checkpoint is not an Imperial Stormtrooper roadblock, so I should not tell them "You don't need to see my identification, these are not the droids you are looking for."

 

78. I may not call block my chain of command.

 

79. I am neither the king nor queen of cheese.

 

80. Not allowed to wear a dress to any army functions.

 

81. May not bring a drag queen to the battalion formal dance.

 

82. May not form any press gangs.

 

83. Must not start any SITREP (Situation Report) with "I recently had an experience I just had to write you about...."

 

84. Must not use military vehicles to “Squish” things.

 

85. Not allowed to make any Psychological Warfare products depicting the infamous Ft. Bragg sniper incident.

 

86. May not challenge anyone in my chain of command to the “field of honor”.

 

87. If the thought of something makes me giggle for longer than 15 seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it.

 

88. Must not refer to 1st Sgt as “Mom”.

 

89. Must not refer to the Commander as “Dad”.

 

90. Inflatable sheep do *not* need to be displayed during a room inspection.

 

91. I am not authorized to initiate Jihad.

 

92. When asked to give a few words at a military ceremony “Romper Bomper Stomper Boo” is probably not appropriate.

 

93. Nerve gas is not funny.

 

94. Crucifixes do not ward off officers, and I should not test that.

 

95. I am not in need of a more suitable host body.

 

96. “Redneck Zombies” is not a military training aid.

 

97. Gozer does not dwell in my refrigerator.

 

98. The proper response to a chemical weapon attack is not “Tell my chain of command what I really think about them, and then poke holes in their masks.”

 

99. A smiley face is not used to mark a minefield.

 

100. Claymore mines are not filled with yummy candy, and it is wrong to tell new soldiers that they are.

 

101. I am not allowed to mount a bayonet on a crew-served weapon.

 

102. Rodents are not entitled to burial with full military honors, even if they are "casualties of war".

 

103. My commander is not old enough to have fought in the civil war, and I should stop implying that he did.

 

104. Vodka, green food coloring, and a “Cool Mint” Listerine® bottle is not a good combination.

 

105. I am not allowed to bum cigarettes off of anyone under twelve.

 

106. I may not trade my rifle for any of the following: Cigarettes, booze, sexual favors, Kalishnikovs, Soviet Armored vehicles, small children, or bootleg CD’s.

 

107. Must not mock command decisions in front of the press.

 

108. Should not taunt members of the press, even if they are really fat, exceptionally stupid, and working for UPI.

 

109. I am not authorized to change national policy in Eastern Europe.

 

110. Never, ever, attempt to correct a Green Beret officer about anything.

 

111. I am not qualified to operate any US, German, Polish, or Russian Armored vehicles.

 

112. When saluting a “leg” officer, an appropriate greeting is not "Airborne leads the wa- oh...sorry sir".

 

113. There is absolutely no need to emulate the people from “Full Monty” every time I hear the song "Hot Stuff".

 

114. I cannot trade my CO to the Russians.

 

115. I should not speculate on the penis size of anyone who outranks me.

 

116. Crucifying mice - bad idea.

 

117. Must not use government equipment to bootleg pornography.

 

118. Burn pits for classified material are not revel fires - therefore it is wrong to dance naked around them.

 

119. I cannot arrest children for being rude.

 

120. An EO briefing is probably not the best place to unveil my newest off color joke.

 

121. I should not use government resources to “waterproof” dirty magazines.

 

122. Radioactive material should not be stored in the barracks.

 

123. I should not teach other soldiers to say offensive and crude things in Albanian, under the guise of teaching them how to say potentially useful phrases.

 

124. Two drink limit does not mean first and last.

 

125. Two drink limit does not mean two kinds of drinks.

 

126. Two drink limit does not mean the drinks can be as large as I like.

 

127. “No Drinking Of Alcoholic Beverages” does not imply that a Jack Daniel’s ® IV is acceptable.

 

128. "Shpadoinkle" is not a real word.

 

129. The Microsoft ® “Dancing Paperclip” is not authorized to countermand any orders.

 

130. “I’m drunk” is a bad answer to any question posed by my commander.

 

131. No dancing in the turret. This especially applies in conjunction with rule #113.

 

132. The loudspeaker system is not a forum to voice my ideas.

 

133. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to replace the radio.

 

134. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to broadcast the soundtrack to a porno movie.

 

135. An order to put polish on my boots means the whole boot.

 

136. Shouting “Let’s do the village! Let’s do the whole shouldn't say thating village!” while out on a mission is bad.

 

137. Should not show up at the front gate wearing part of a Russian uniform, messily drunk.

 

138. Even if my commander did it.

 

139. Must not teach interpreters how to make "MRE" bombs.

 

140. I am not authorized to sell mineral rights.

 

141. Not allowed to use a broadsword to disprove “The Pen is Mightier than the sword”.

 

142. “Calvin-Ball” is not authorized PT.

 

143. I do not need to keep a “range card” by my window.

 

144. “K-Pot, LBE, and a thin coat of Break-free” is not an authorized uniform.

 

145. I should not drink three quarts of blue food coloring before a urine test.

 

146. Nor should I drink three quarts of red food coloring, and scream during the same.

 

147. I should not threaten suicide with pop rocks and Coke ®.

 

148. Putting red “Mike and Ike's” ® into a prescription medicine bottle, and then eating them all in a formation is not funny.

 

149. Must not create new DOD forms, then insist they be filled out.

 

150. On Sports Day PT, a wedgie is not considered a legal tackle.

 

151. The proper way to report to my Commander is “Specialist Schwarz, reporting as ordered, Sir” not “You can't prove a thing!”

 

152. The following items do not exist: Keys to the Drop Zone, A box of grid squares, blinker fluid, winter air for tires, canopy lights, or Chem-Light ® batteries.

 

153. I should not assign new privates to “guard the flight line”.

 

154. Shouldn't treat “pee-bottles” with extra-strength icy hot.

 

155. Teaching Albanian children to taunt other soldiers is not nice.

 

156. I will no longer perform “lap-dances” while in uniform.

 

157. If I take the uniform off, in the course of the lap-dance, it still counts.

 

158. The revolution is not now.

 

159. When detained by MP's, I do not have a right to a strip search.

 

160. No part of the military uniform is edible.

 

161. Bodychecking General officers is not a good idea.

 

162. Past lives have absolutely no effect on the chain of command.

 

163. Take that hat off.

 

164. There is no such thing as a were-virgin.

 

165. I do not get “that time of month”.

 

166. No, the pants are not optional.

 

167. Not allowed to operate a business out of the barracks.

 

168. Especially not a pornographic movie studio.

 

169. Not even if they *are* “especially patriotic films”

 

170. Not allowed to “defect” to OPFOR during training missions.

 

171. On training missions, try not to shoot down the General's helicopter.

 

172. “A full magazine and some privacy” is not the way to help a potential suicide.

 

173. I am not allowed to create new levels of security clearance.

 

174. Furby ® is not allowed into classified areas. (I swear to the gods, I did not make that up, it's actually DOD policy).

 

175. We do not “charge into battle, naked, like the Celts”.

 

176. Any device that can crawl across the table on medium, does not need to be brought into the office.

 

177. I am not to refer to a formation as “the boxy rectangle thingie”.

 

178. I am not “A lesbian trapped in a man's body”.

 

179. On Army documents, my race is not “Other”.

 

180. Nor is it “Secretariat, in the third”.

 

181. Pokémon® trainer is not an MOS.

 

182. There is no FM for “wall-to-wall counseling”.

 

183. My chain of command has neither the time, nor the inclination to hear about what I did with six boxes of Fruit Roll-Ups. ®

 

184. When operating a military vehicle I may *not* attempt something “I saw in a cartoon”.

 

185. My name is not a killing word.

 

186. I am not the Emperor of anything.

 

187. Must not taunt officers in the throes of nicotine withdrawal, with cigarettes.

 

188. May not challenge officers to “Meet me on the field of honor, at dawn”.

 

189. Do not dare SERE graduates to eat bugs. They will always do it.

 

190. Must not make s'mores while on guard duty.

 

191. Our Humvees cannot be assembled into a giant battle-robot.

 

192. The proper response to a briefing is not “That's what you think”.

 

193. The Masons, and Gray Aliens are not in our chain of command.

 

194. Shouldn't take incriminating photos of my chain of command.

 

195. Shouldn't use Photoshop ® to create incriminating photos of my chain of command.

 

196. I am not allowed to give tattoos.

 

197. I am not allowed to sing “Henry the VIII I am” until verse 68 ever again.

 

198. Not allowed to lead a “Coup” during training missions.

 

199. I should not confess to crimes that took place before I was born.

 

200. My chain of command is not interested in why I “just happen” to have a kilt, an inflatable sheep, and a box of rubber bands in the back of my car.

 

201. Must not valiantly push officers onto hand grenades to save the squad.

 

202. Despite the confusing similarity in the names, the "Safety Dance" and the "Safety Briefing" are never to be combined.

 

203. “To conquer the earth with an army of flying monkeys" is a bad long term goal to give the re-enlistment NCO.

 

204. NEVER nail a stuffed bunny to a cross and put it up in front of the Battalion Headquarters sign as an "Easter Desecration."

 

205. Don't write up false gigs on a HMMWV PMCS. ("Broken clutch pedal", "Number three turbine has frequent flame-outs", "flux capacitor emits loud whine when engaged")

 

206. Not allowed to get shot.

 

207. The Chicken and Rice MRE is *not* a personal lubricant. (Skippy wanted this noted for the record that this is not something he has ever attempted or considered! It was something we heard at dinner on 22 September 2001 and it was just so obscene it had to go here.)

 

208. Not allowed to play into the deluded fantasies of the civilians who are "hearing conversations" from the NSA, FBI, CIA and KGB due to the microchip the aliens implanted in their brain.

 

209. An airsickness bag is to be used for airsickness *only*. (Also not a Skippy-ism...this was the same dinner.)

 

210. Must not make T-shirts up depicting a pig with the writing "Eat Pork or Die" in Arabic to bring as civilian attire when preparing to deploy to a primarily Muslim country.

 

211. Don't ask LTC Steele to sign my copy of Blackhawk Down.

 

212. Must not go on nine deployments in six years that require a security clearance that I don't have, even if the Army tells me repeatedly that I have one and I have no reason to question them.

 

213. Do not convince NCO's that their razorbumps are the result of microscopic parasites.

 

Thank you!

I'm pretty sure this is a Staghound, but I'm not that hot on British stuff!!

 

http://www.fgtrupp82.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/lastdays2.jpg[/img]

Unknown location, taken late 1945.

I thought this time I'd show some of the medical items - none of these are mine, it all belongs to another chap.

 

Hauptbesteck 39 (Main surgery set, model 1939)

This set contains a large number of instruments which are common to many surgical procedures. There are 8 trays in total, each of which is perforated and has folding handles on the side so as to allow it to be lowered into the sterilizer without the need for handling individual items. The left side of the box contains 3 smaller tins, again each of which is perforated so they can be sterilized. The trays contents are:

1a and 1b - Scalpels; Spoons; Tweezers; Chisels

2a and 2b - Assorted clamps

3a - Scissors; Abdominal hooks

3b, 4a and 4b - Instrumentation for bone and skull surgery (saws, drill and bits etc.)

 

Truppenbesteck 35 (Troop surgery set, model 1935)

Bags 1 and 2 - Needles; Needleholders; Assorted clamps;

Bag 3 - Tweezers; Pincers; Scissors

Bag 4 - Tracheotomy set;

Bag 5 - Surgical hooks; Scalpels

Bag 6 - Anesthesia mask; Tongue clamp

Bag 7 - Assorted dental instruments

There are also various accessories such as Reflective mirror and headband (for ear, nose and throat examination); Phlebotomy needle; Syringes; Catheters; Small spirit burner/lamp

 

Gerät für direkte Bluttransfusion (Apparatus for direct blood transfusion)

This apparatus allows blood to be transferred directly from the donor to the recipient. It consists of a syringe which rotates between 3 tubes. The procedure is that the donor and recipient each have a needle inserted in the vein in the arm (in a similar position to where one would have a needle inserted when donating blood today). Blood is then withdrawn from the donor at position 1, twisted to the recipient at position 3 and the blood is pushed out of the syringe. It is then turned to position 2 and filled with saline solution to clean it out. It is then emptied at position 2 (there is a non return valve so as the waste saline does not enter the reservoir again). The process is then repeated.

It comes in a metal case and contains all the necessary needles and tubing.

 

Feldsterilisergerät (Field sterilization equipment)

his consists of a petrol burner and a large water tank. The water is heated to boiling and the instruments are lowered in, either individually or in the perforated trays. The bag on the stand in the picture above allows bandages and dressings to be sterilized for re-use where possible. A full tray of instruments from the Hauptbesteck took around 15 minutes to be sterilized.

 

Sanitätskasten (Medical case)

This case contains medical equipment (mainly medicaments) which were used by all medical units behind the front lines. The box has 2 removable trays which can be hooked on each side for easy access. The contents were: Standard tablet box; Assorted ampoules; Ointments for frost bite and trenchfoot; Burn compresses; Glycerin; Castor oil; Chloroform; Tetanus serum; Urology test chemicals; Bandaging material and plasters; Small sprit sterilizer; Wound irrigation apparatus; Assorted syringes; Rubber hose; Thermometer; Scissors; Medical manuals; Wire ladder splints.

 

Sauerstoffbehandlungsgerät 38 (Oxygen treatment equipment, model 1938)

This is a 10 litre oxygen cylinder. It comes self contained in a box, the upper half of the front drops down for access to the regulator. The mask and hose are carried with the cylinder. Also shown here is the spare cylinder box – this contains 2 cylinders.

 

Gebirgsverbindezelt

This original tent is 530cm long, 400cm wide and 250cm high at the ridge. Each wall has 2 mesh windows for ventilation. Our tent was originally slate grey in colour, but has faded over the years to a dirty white colour.

This is, really, a medical mountain troops tent, but as original tents are incredibly rare, we have to make allowances!

 

Opel Blitz Ambulance (Kfz. 31)

 

Although nowhere nearly as famous as the 3 tonne version, the 1,5 tonne Opel Blitz transport was built in large numbers as well (5,767 units). Production of this model ceased in 1942, however in November 1943 production recommenced, but they were built under licence by Daimler-Benz. The later model used a wooden cab whereas the earlier version had an all metal cab. Like most trucks, a variety of bodies were produced, including ambulance, signals and cargo body. These trucks were all 2 wheel drive.

 

This example is based on period photographs and is representative of an improvised box body made in the fiels.

Weight: 1.5 tonnes

Fuel Capacity: 57 litres

Maximum speed: 80 km/h

Engine: 6 cylinder petrol, water cooled

Engine size: 2.47 litres

HP: 55

The Fud2 set is probably about £4000 with the battery box. These were not used after the war, but some of the Russian and Czech sets were based on German technology. The Feld Fu f back pack set is about £1800 at the moment - a Czech set (I forget the designation) is based on this technology. The Fu 22 pair is about £1700 for the two.

 

The only item used post war was the telephone and exchange - I believe Denmark held a large number of these in war reserves util about 3 years ago, when the market became flooded!

 

The generators were used post war - the first set was used in a carpenters workshop until about 15 years ago. Mine (the second one) was used by a guy in Germany until I bought it off him earlier this year - it just needs a voltage inverter to give it a 240 V output from the 12 V socket (funnily enough I don't have much use for the 1000V output!).

 

Here's acouple of it set out:

 

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Fort Nelson, 2006

 

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Fort Nelson, 2006

 

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Fort Nelson, 2006

 

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Fort Nelson, 2006

 

I can post pictures and details of other items of equipment if you'd like to see them - most are totally non-MV related!!

Very nice Dave.

 

Welcome aboard..............never seen a GMC in those markings before :cry:

 

 

What GMC? :?

I thought you might like to see some items of German communications kit and equipment owned by myself and others in our group. Some are fairly mundane, others are slightly more interesting!!

 

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This Generator is a version of the early war KL100 designed by Auto-Union (now Audi) and DKW. The Swiss army acquired this particular one during, or shortly after World War II and, at some point it was overhauled and partially modified by the Swiss-Swedish company Brown-Boveri (whose data plates can be seen on certain parts).

 

The motor, dynamo, ignition assembly and many other parts still bear the four interlinked circle logo of Auto-Union (now associated with Audi). The fuel filter under the petrol tank has a DRP (Deutsches Reichs Patent) number indicating wartime era construction. Similar markings are also to be found on the carburettor. The original generator had an output of 210 volts at 600 watts; the new system is similar, but also has the facility for outputs of 12 and 24 volts. The original pull strap type starter has been upgraded, in this later model, to a rotating starting handle. All in all, the generator seems to be a slightly later version of the one shown in the manual with some additional tweaks by Brown-Boveri.

 

The original, German, example would originally have been cased in a wooden box with power output from a small power takeoff board underneath the petrol tank. The Swiss rebuild, resulted in a slightly larger generator being fitted along with a new power takeoff board; the entire assembly was then mounted in a metal frame with a loose canvas cover

 

Also with the Generator is the complete tool and spare parts set, contained in the three original parts tins that would have been mounted in the original wooden case. All of these parts (including tins and containers) are marked "Auto-Union", "DKW of Zschopau" or with the interlocked circle logo and everything has a part number. Something to note is that this company ceased to exist as Auto-Union-DKW in 1945 when the Russian Army overran the factory.

 

The spare parts in their tins - there is only 1 item missing from the whole set.

 

This is our second generator. This one has not been altered and is still operational (as is the one above). It has two outputs 1000V at 0,3A and 12,5V at 8A. It was designed to be used with signals equipment, the lower voltage for most of the field sets and the higher voltage for larger truck mounted sets and the 100 Watt sender unit.

 

Tornisterfunkgerät d2 - This transceiver is a backpack radio set consisting of 2 boxes - the radio itself and the battery/accessory box. The operator carried the battery box, with an assistant carrying the battery box. They were connected together by means of a 2,5 metre cable. Each box weighs around 20 kilograms. The radio has provision for a microphone, a morse code key and 2 sets of headphones. When used in the field, it requires a 2 metre antenna, which breaks down into 6 sections (these are stored in the lid of the battery box). Despite its size, the range of this set is very limited - approximately 9 miles. It requires 2 sets of batteries - a 2 volt storage battery for sending and a 130 volt HT battery for receiving. It operates in the frequency range of 33.8 to 38 MHz.

 

Feldfunkgerät f - This is another transceiver backpack radio set, but of a more compact design. The case is made of moulded resin and it is designed to be attached to the Y straps. The set weighs around 13 kilograms and has provision for 2 sets of headphones and a microphone. It has a small remote control device which can be removed from the set and attached to the belt (though this is connected to the set by a wire). This allows the operator to adjust the volume and tuning of the set without needing to gain access to the dials etc on the main panel. The antenna is a 1 metre fixed rod. Again this set has a very limited operational range - only around 2 miles, and the operator must have a clean unobstructed line between his set and the receiving radio. It requires a single type 2.4 battery and operates in the range of 27.2 to 33.3 MHz.

 

Wehrmacht-Rundfunkempfanger 1/P - This is essentially a radio receiver unit operating on 3 low frequencies (0.150 - 0.425 MHz; 0.517 - 1.54 MHz and 5.9 - 15.5 MHz). It also had provision for telephone equipment and other radio sets to be plugged into it so as to act as a loud speaker. A microphone could also be inserted thus allowing it to be used as a crude PA system (or karaoke machine!)

 

Lautsprechergerät (Funk) b - This is a simple speaker contained inside a metal box - these were usually issued with signal equipment which was either in a fixed emplacement or was vehicle mounted.

 

Fu 22 SE 20 - This combination is made up of separate units - a Torn Eb and a 20 watt sender unit (20 S.W.d).

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Torn Eb - this is a back pack receiver set which comprises 2 boxes - one for the set and one for the batteries and accessories. These boxes lock together so they can be carried. The combined weight is around 16 kilograms. The radio has provision for only 2 sets of headphones. In the field it uses a 2 metre trailing wire antenna, though the longer this is, the better reception. The range is dependant on the power of the transmitting unit, and the length of the antenna (with the right antenna, it was possible for troops stationed in France and Russia to listen to German home service boradcasts). As with the d2 set above, it has 2 sets of batteries; a 2 volt wet storage battery and a 90 volt HT battery. It operates in the frequency range of 0.10 - 7.095 MHz.

20 S.W.d - This set was originally used in Panzers in conjunction with other receiver units (normally the Ukw.E.d1 set), however it was not uncommon to find them used in radio vehicles and in semi fixed locations. The set is not designed to be carried in the field, and therefore requires a larger antenna and either a generator and power inverter, or batteries and a dynamotor for its power. The set itself weighs about 16 kilograms and has provision for microphone and morse key only. The antenna is a minimum of 2 metres tall, though the larger the entenna, the further the range it will transmit, to a degree. Its range is typically 50 miles for morse and 15 for voice, however with an 8 metre mast antenna, it can be trebled. This set operates in the range of 42.1 to 47.8 MHz, though it could be recalibrated to operate on either 24.9 to 27.3 MHz or 27.2 to 33.3MHz.

 

Gleichrichter - This is a mains power regulator unit which takes an input of between 90 and 220 volts AC (either from a generator or mains supply grid) and converts it to a regulated 12 volts DC suitable for running radios. This is used to power the Torn Eb and 20W sender unit.

 

Kleine klappenschrank zu 10 leitungen mit amtszusatz 33 - This switchboard enabled 10 lines to be connected to a single phone. The case is wooden with a bakelite top. When an incoming call was received, a flap would drop to indicate that someone required a connection. The plug underneath that caller would then be connected to one of the other 9 lines by inserting it in the upper hole (in the photo, a call has been connected to the recipient at line 1). On top are 10 connectors for the incoming lines.

The box on the left with the rotary dialler made it possible to connect the military phone system into a civilian phone system - as can be seen here it connects by sliding the 2 bars across to the exchange.

 

Feldfernsprecher 33 - This is a general purpose battery operated telephone. It has a bakelite case and weighs approximately 4,5 kilograms. It operates off a 1,5 volt dry cell battery. In order to call another phone, the user simply cranks the handle on the end which causes the magneto to generate sufficient current so as to cause the other phone to ring.

 

Most of this kit is usually housed in the back of the Kfz68 Antenna Vehicle. This particular vehicle was produced in mid to late 1944, after the Citroen Javel plant had been liberated. It was built to Wehrmacht (1942) pattern and is largely just as the factory photograph here illustrates.

The pre-war T-23U was, most noticeably, produced to a shorter wheelbase. They also tended to have more curved - ford type - front wings. Flat fenders began appearing just prior to WW2. There were numerous versions and many were supplied to the French Army, both at home and in the Colonies. The conquest of France by the Wehrmacht resulted in the 'remaining' T-23's being absorbed by the German war machine.

During the war the T-23 and it's larger sister the T-45 were kept in production and, at some point in 1942, an upgraded longer wheelbase version was produced for the Wehrmacht. During The war some 6000 trucks of the T-23/45 family were produced and they are very common in soldier’s photographs from the period. Most, though, made their way to the Russian Front where they were noted for their rugged reliability, but were fated never to return.

 

Hi all,

 

Thanks for the welcome. Pictures of the vehicles are posted below!

 

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"Needs slight attention", as they say in Windscreen!

Thank you for finding the group in question whereabouts.

 

But and a big but we need to consider are such units as das reich for one correct for reenactment? Considering their record any portral of such a unit puts it back into view of the public along with the questions and accusations,and the possibility of such events happening here.

I feel such units are better off left to dissapear into history and time, out of respect and morality.

And to be honest I find living history fascinating, and very educational with out the need to run around a field playing war with a pretty pyrotechnic finale.

Is it escapism or living an alter ego??

I wonder if the reenactment has grown due to the shows wanting a bigger and better extravaganza to draw the crowds in .... come to our show there will be a huge war and all the baddies lose don't worry kiddies they all get up at the end light a fag and go for a beer??

I know some will say unfair and flippant, but think to the bigger shows.

I feel that a slightly cleansed and neat portrayal of battle is being served to those who need to be shown truth.

I,ve listened people all ages and sexes at some events and it disturbs with comments like 'wow whata bang' cor their all dead etc etc.

This is not the reality, but a glorification

 

Concerned Jerry

 

 

Battles are an odd thing. I agree they are cleansed and, at times, farcical but it draws the punters in and at the end of the day most events need to make money, ergo, they need paying punters through the gate. When I started re-enacting years ago, I used to do them but for me personally, the novelty has worn off and I'm quite happy sticking to the living history side. Someone once said to me, years ago, we could go into that arena wearing Womble costumes, but as long as the guns and pyro go bang, the average punter will be happy. Maybe there is an element of truth to that, but by getting the kit and equipment correct, you add another dimension to it - almost a little reality (and I used that word cautiously).

 

I don't think that living history is escapism or an alter ego, I think that its a chance to show off and be the centre of attention! It gives me a chance to meet interested people, whether they are just there for a day out with the family and are wandering round wanting to know what this or that is; or whether they are knowledgable modellers, vehicle owners or wargamers and want to know the details of the kit. It also gives people a chance to look at kit close up and without a glass screen as you'd find in a museum - we allow people into the tents to look at and examine items themselves (the obvious exceptions are weapons and bladed items) - it also, I feel, gives a bit more purpose to my collection in that it allows me to do something with it, rather than just have it boxed in the loft or displayed in the house.

 

Whether SS re-enactment groups should be allowed is a difficult question with, I think, a multifarious answer. It's been argued about for years, and will be for years to come by people far more important than me!

 

Just my 0.02p worth anyhow.

 

Dave

 

PS, here's what we do: http://www.feldgendarmerie.co.uk

 

I agree. Definitely Yanks dressed as SS, as opposed to Brits dressed as SS. Maybe the threat to reenacting and our whole hobby has not threatened them as it has us. Or maybe a complete lack of taste and common sense. Actually a combination of all of these with a side order of stupidity to go with it.

 

I remember an article in a tabloid (the Sun i think it was) about 15 years ago where they claimed to have infiltrated an "extremist group of Nazis" (actually an SS living History group - maybe SBG). The article went on to say how they ran around the woods practicing assaults, weapons training and singing Nazi songs. Not much to worry us, but the paper dragged it out to two pages and tried to make it all scary. I think that this would have been the time of the Hungerford massacre. Anyway, wouldnt the same paper just love this?

 

So what can we do? To try and stop this threat to our hobby (which i feel it is) i have logged onto Youtube and flagged it up as being inappropriate. Hopefully they will take a look at it and take it off. It might help if other people did the same. If they got enough complaints about it maybe they would take it off. Do your bit now, then we can get back to more interesting things.

 

Tim (too)

 

 

That article wasin '94 or 95 I think. It was a group who portrayed the Hohenstaufen Division, if memory serves me correctly. It did cause a bit of a stir as one of the people involved was a serving regular army officer, and a few strong questions were asked. I can't remember the outcome.

Ths Das Reich group in the video are based in the USA. There is a UK based Das Reich group, and it's definitely not them.

Hello,

 

Another new member to the forum - I've been reading for quite a while but never got round to registering. A few on here may know me from the living history circuit.

 

My interests are WW2 German softskin vehicles - I own half a Mercedes-Benz 3 tonne truck and a Kubelwagen (in various boxes at the moment). My mechanical abilities are minimal, but I'm learning the hard way!

 

The vehicles are predominantly used for living history purposes, with a Feldgendarmerie group (military police).

 

I look forward to contributing where I can!

 

Dave

I received the following email from Dr Philipp Elliot-Wright today:

 

On Tuesday 26th September I attended a meeting at the Home Office in regard to the elements of the forthcoming Violent Crime Reduction Bill associated with the sale of deactivated and blank firing weapons. It will be recalled that in its original form it threatened to effectively ban all, including legitimate re-enactors, from purchasing, importing or manufacturing (ownership was not affected), any deactivated or blank firing weapons, alongside restrictions on the sale of primers.

 

The original clauses and definitions have now been significantly amended as a result of representations made to the Home Office to provide safeguards for re-enactors that ought to enable them to still obtain blank firing and deactivated items and an actual legal definition of re-enactment.

 

The crucial element is Clause 35. Clause 34 creates various offences related to the sale, transfer, manufacture and/or import “realistic imitation firearms”. However, Clause 35 creates various defences to Clause 34 offences. Within this there are crucial safeguards for re-enactors that shall permit them to still obtain both blank firing and deactivated items for the purpose of re-enactment.

 

Firstly, Clause 35 (1) reads “It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under section 34 in respect of any conduct to show that the conduct was for the purpose only of making the imitation firearm in question available for one or more of the purposes specified in subsection (2)”

 

Secondly, Clause 35 (2) (e) states that one of these purposes is “the organisation and holding of historical re-enactments organised and held by persons specified or described for the purpose of this section by regulations made by the Secretary of State”

 

Thirdly, Clause 35 (7) states that for the purpose of this section “historical re-enactment means any presentation or other event held for the purpose of re-enacting an event from the past or of illustrating conduct from a particular time or period in the past”

 

It has also been agreed that the Secretary of State ((Home Office) will henceforth recognise any group, regardless of size (i.e. one person and up), in respect of Clause 35 (7) “historical re-enactment…” provided it has third party public liability insurance in the name of the “society”. Thus history is being made. At last re-enactors will be recognised in law as a specific legal activity with a workable definition. In essence, taking Clause 35 (7) as the baseline, Whatever the “historic” activity being “illustrated”, from whatever period (the Home Office accepts that the “past” is anything from yesterday backwards, so ALL historic periods are covered, ancient, medieval, early modern and modern, right up to this moment in time). Equally, whether a society/group is one man/woman or 6,000, all it needs to do is fit Clause 35 (7) and carry third Party Public Liability insurance in its name. As it is an offence to put on any form of “public” display (even if private and on private land) without such insurance, all re-enactment groups will automatically fulfil this definition.

 

Philipp Elliot-Wright

 

Thus the definition of a re-enactment is defined.

 

 

I'll put my hands up now and admit I'm out of my depth here.

 

I have a 3 tonne Mercedes-Benz truck with a blown head gasket. Fixing this is out of my skills ability, and I'm loathed to embark on dismantling the engine not knowing what I'm doing. I also don;t have time at the moment due to work.

 

Is there anyone willing to take a look at the behicle and attempt a repair? The engine is a 6 cylinder diesel. I have a workshop manual, but it's in German. Vehicle is in the Bristol area on a farm.

 

I'll go and hang my head in shame now!! :help:

 

Any offers appreciated, I'm happy to pay expenses and time etc.

 

Dave