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Welcome to the First Infantry Division!
I would like to welcome you to one of the premiere U.S. Reenactment groups in Britain.
We are an organization dedicated to representing the men of Company E, 16th Infantry Regiment of the First Division. A division that served in North Africa, Sicily and
mainland Europe; that landed in the first wave at Omaha Beach and fought its way through Normandy, France, Belgium and Germany. A division that fought in the
Hurtgen Forest campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, captured the first major German city, Aachen, and finished the war in Czechoslovakia.
Our members come from all across Britain and from many different backgrounds, but what we all share in common is a passion for military history, and a drive to
further our knowledge of what it was like to be a frontline Infantryman in World War Two.
And it is this passion and attention to detail that has caught the eye of former Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, now Commanding General U.S.Army,
Europe Carter Ham.
CLICK HERE to read his letter to us. We are also honored to be the only Re-enactment Group of be offically recognised by the First Division Museum at Cantigny in
Wheaton, Illinois.
It can be daunting coming to your first event not knowing what to expect. What you can be guaranteed is an enthusiastic and friendly welcome by the entire group.
You can also expect to become skilled in the trade of the ordinary U.S ‘G.I.’ of the Second World War. From being taught Infantry tactics and training how to use the
platoons weapons, to learning drill and field craft. You could be taking part in night patrols, digging and living in foxholes, or participating in large-scale battle
reenactments using blank firing weapons, all in an environment of strong camaraderie safety and fun. Where else would you get to fight against a Tiger tank and take
cover from an attacking Messerschmitt all in one weekend?
You don’t need to be super fit to join us but expect to have a busy weekend with the First, always followed by a chance to relax around the fire in the evenings to eat, and
get to know the rest of the unit. You’ll finish your first event probably a little tired and dirty, but we hope having thoroughly enjoyed yourself.
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!
I would like to welcome you to one of the premiere U.S. Reenactment groups in Britain.
We are an organization dedicated to representing the men of Company E, 16th Infantry Regiment of the First Division. A division that served in North Africa, Sicily and
mainland Europe; that landed in the first wave at Omaha Beach and fought its way through Normandy, France, Belgium and Germany. A division that fought in the
Hurtgen Forest campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, captured the first major German city, Aachen, and finished the war in Czechoslovakia.
Our members come from all across Britain and from many different backgrounds, but what we all share in common is a passion for military history, and a drive to
further our knowledge of what it was like to be a frontline Infantryman in World War Two.
And it is this passion and attention to detail that has caught the eye of former Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, now Commanding General U.S.Army,
Europe Carter Ham.
CLICK HERE to read his letter to us. We are also honored to be the only Re-enactment Group of be offically recognised by the First Division Museum at Cantigny in
Wheaton, Illinois.
It can be daunting coming to your first event not knowing what to expect. What you can be guaranteed is an enthusiastic and friendly welcome by the entire group.
You can also expect to become skilled in the trade of the ordinary U.S ‘G.I.’ of the Second World War. From being taught Infantry tactics and training how to use the
platoons weapons, to learning drill and field craft. You could be taking part in night patrols, digging and living in foxholes, or participating in large-scale battle
reenactments using blank firing weapons, all in an environment of strong camaraderie safety and fun. Where else would you get to fight against a Tiger tank and take
cover from an attacking Messerschmitt all in one weekend?
You don’t need to be super fit to join us but expect to have a busy weekend with the First, always followed by a chance to relax around the fire in the evenings to eat, and
get to know the rest of the unit. You’ll finish your first event probably a little tired and dirty, but we hope having thoroughly enjoyed yourself.
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 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?
£30.00 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
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 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?
£30.00 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
| 1st Signal Company |
| 1st Medical Battalion |
| 1st Military Police Platoon |
