Who We Are?

Originally formed in 1998, we are a UK based living history association that attempts to portray a sub-unit of the Panzer Füsilier Regiment, Großdeutschland c.1943-1945. Our primary objective is to re-create as closely as possible, the sights and sounds of a WW2 German armoured infantry unit from the Eastern front. Beyond this main focus, we have a wider interest in the overall conflict in the East, from both German and Russian perspectives.

We are comprised of military enthusiasts, historians and collectors, with the core of the group being formed of experienced living historians/re-enactors. We are indeed fortunate enough to have very knowledgeable, well respected men within our ranks, who come from all four corners of the country – including London, Cornwall, Manchester & Scotland.

Our emphasis is on living history and quality tactical events where we can faithfully create authentic looking displays, and implement original drills and tactical doctrine.

What We Do?

As mentioned above, we portray a unit of the Panzer Füsilier Regiment, Großdeutschland, in particular the 1st platoon (Zug) of the 1st company (Kompanie). We achieve this through the use of both original and high quality reproduction uniforms and equipment researched from wartime documents and photographs.

In addition to the items used within our personal portrayal, members of our group own an OT810 halftrack, altered to resemble an Sdkfz 251/D as used by the men of the 1st Battalion. This enables us to provide depth to our Panzertrüppen impression and is one of only a handful that is independently owned within their group in the UK.

Uppermost in our minds is our attempt to re-create where possible, a fresh, recently issued “look” for our portrayal, not that of 60 year old items, that could reasonably be expected to be in museums.

Finally, our emphasis is on living history and quality tactical events where we can faithfully create authentic looking displays, and implement original drills and tactical doctrine. Ours is a 360° impression and is widely recognised as having amongst the highest standards of authenticity found within the hobby, both at home and abroad.

When Do We Do It?

As you can see from our Events page, we undertake approximately six events throughout the year, choosing those that suit our impression. These include public, private tactical and training events and very enjoyable social excursions both at home and abroad.

As a unit, there is a strong emphasis on Living History & 'digging in'.

Crewing the PAK40

Our Ethos?

The membership of our group all have one quality in common, a desire to undertake our chosen hobby to the highest standards we can possibly achieve. That attitude has created a genuine kameraderie that underpins all that we have accomplished to date. Ours is a “voluntary” ethos that demands these standards from those who choose to join us, yet rewards with tangible personal achievement to those who do. We place great emphasis on all members deriving true enjoyment out of each event we attend. These are our aims.

Our Work

Alongside the public and private events we attend, many of our members have partaken in television work in recent years, including the three episodes of the BBC’s “D-Day The Road to Berlin” (courtesy of WW2LHA) and “Battlefield Detectives” (alongside our comrades the 2nd Guards Rifle Division). In 2006 we were also truly fortunate to have been invited to work with one of the premier collections of original WW2 German vehicles that is the Sdkfz Foundation.

Members of our group have also written three well received books on “GD” Living History and related research.

Interested?

If our portrayal is of interest and you feel that you can offer us the qualities we look for; the following information should enable you to make a decision as to whether we are the appropriate group for you.

Experience & Solidarity. A Hauptfeldwebel observes frontline replacements.

Membership Fees:

Membership of our group costs £20 per annum. This fee is primarily used to pay for costs incurred by the group over the year.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI):

All of our members are affiliated to the All Fronts Re-Enactment Association (AFRA- see our Links page) who provide comprehensive PLI (along with additional benefits), that enable us to attend both our public and private events with the required insurance cover. As such, PLI is compulsory for all those who wish to join our group. Membership of AFRA is £15 per annum.

Uniform & Equipment Costs:

As previously mentioned, our chosen standards are high and this is reflected within our approved supplier list (within our Links page). All new members are (where possible) provided with the basic uniform and equipment (if required) for their start with us. We do though encourage new members to collate their “impression” as soon as possible, as any items loaned are from our members’ own collections. The cost of creating your “basic” Füsilier impression (dependent on supplier and whether purchasing reproduction or original items) will be approximately £750-£1,000.

We Provide:

The group provides for its membership an excellent bi-monthly colour newsletter, a regularly updated website and interactive forum, a selection of quality events and organised historical/social trips both home and abroad.

Further Information

If you would like further information on joining Panzer Füsilier Regiment, Großdeutschland, or have questions regarding research of this period of history, please use the “Contact” page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frontline Action with the Panzer Füsilier Regiment Großdeutschland.