Enigma Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Late last night I returned from Bastogne. Our Dutch group joined another group of Britisch, Czech, German and Belgium re-enacters. We portrayed the 9th US Armored. (Offcourse I am aware British forces also fought in the Ardennens...). The others had brought a M8 Armored car, 2 halftracks, 2 GMC's and a couple of Jeeps. Friday evening we recconoiterd a village for enemy activitie. We were supposed to be "ambushed" by another group who re-enacted Germans but due mis-communication we never met them. I was a rifleman. On Saturday was the march, we only did 9 KM's so we could return in time for the ceremonys in Bastogne itself. Met Joris along the way. On request I portrayed a Medic because my back wouldn't be able to cope with the added weight of a Garand. All weapons were decommissioned. The ceremonys were a bit challenging because of the cold and static nature. On Sunday we went to lay a few wreaths brought by the group. We also did a tactical excersize which was photographed by a professional Brit. who works for newspapers. I was again a rifleman. The weather; When we arrived there was snow but no fresh snow fell during our stay. The march was adangerous because some parts were icy, I fell once, no problem though. It did freeze and the wind made it colder. A lot of our transport was done without canvas covers. I was dressed warmly and only got painful/cold feet when we stationary or in the vehicles. All in all we had a fun weekend keeping in mind the sacrifices made by the soldiers back then. I have gained extra respect for thge veterans. When we complained about the cold we realised back then they fought, suffered and lots died. I'll send a few photo's along. I made only a few because the betterys in the camera were empty and the spare set only worked a few times when I kept them warm in my gloves. Finally I wish all of you a very enjoyable holiday season and New Year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Nice work Enigma and it does look bloomin cold. Nuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Lucky bastard, I fell like 7 times. Boy did I hate that icy trail, I even wrecked the stock of a thompson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Lucky bastard, I fell like 7 times. Boy did I hate that icy trail, I even wrecked the stock of a thompson mmmm strange, Enigma doesn't drink - falls over once. Joris does drink - fell over 7 times and breaks the stock of a gun. Am I missing something :coffee: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodge Deep Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Continental types... just nod 'n' smile and don't make eye contact! Looks like a good event though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 mmmm strange, Enigma doesn't drink - falls over once. Joris does drink - fell over 7 times and breaks the stock of a gun. Am I missing something :coffee: Oi, watch it mister! :beer: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Those Crazy Dutch... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great War truck Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 great photos. Any more? Well done all Tim (too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted December 16, 2008 Author Share Posted December 16, 2008 great photos. Any more? Well done all Tim (too) Batterys died and the spare ones weren't a lot better either... Here a mate who carried a B.A.R....another one carried a mortar with baseplate (no pic). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Newspaper article about the group I joined. http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1114065/I-dont-know-Ive-told---44-damn-cold.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great War truck Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Very well written and interesting. I note that the chap re-enacting a combat photographer is carrying a 45. Were photographers ever armed? Tim (too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Very well written and interesting. I note that the chap re-enacting a combat photographer is carrying a 45. Were photographers ever armed? Tim (too) :??? Well that's a good question... No idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Nice article indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fayjo56 Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 And we moan about the inclement weather at shows over here! Ref photographers being armed, watching D Day to Berlin DVD, members of George Stevens Special Coverage Unit certainly were, .45s and carbines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 I've just been lent a dvd "WHICKER'S WAR", looking at the wartime exploits of Alan Whicker with the British Army Film & Photographic unit, as he followed the Allied advance through Italy. Will let you know.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashley Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 I've just been lent a dvd "WHICKER'S WAR", looking at the wartime exploits of Alan Whicker with the British Army Film & Photographic unit, as he followed the Allied advance through Italy. Will let you know.... This was once shown on TV great programme i am sure you will find it interesting. Ashley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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