Axis Authenticity Regulations for Battle Participation

All German forces are welcome to help defend the bluff, including Heer, SS, and FJ units.  We ask that units that were not historically correct for defending the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944 do what they can to visually blend in with the historically accurate groups.  You do not have to remove insignia from your tunics.

The following is a list of uniforms, equipment and weapons authorized to represent Axis forces on 6/6/44 for Atlantic Wall defenses (D-Day Conneaut, Ohio)

Uniform*

Feldbluse (M36, 37, 40, 43 Feldgrau wool Tunic or HBT reed green)
Langhosen or Keilhosen (M37, 43 Feldgrau wool Trousers or HBT reed green)
Hemd (Mouse gray for heer or brown for SS service shirt )
Einheitsfeldmütze or Feldmütze (Feldgrau wool service cap)
Schirmmütze (Officers and NCO's only)
Koppel (Black leather equipment belt)
Koppleschloss (Belt buckle)
Marschstiefel (Jackboots) or Schnürschule w/ Gemaschen (Low Boots w/ Leggings)
Mantel (Feldgrau wool overcoat) 

* Uniforms must have the proper insignia unique to Wehrmacht Forces of WW 2.

* Please refrain from using Swiss conversions. These are noticeably incorrect.

* No Camouflage uniforms or Caps (During the beach landing battle) Camouflage will be permitted for the bridge battle.
  *SS troops may use Dot44 tunic & trousers, field made tunic & trousers in SS camo, Type 38 and 40 smocks, type 1 & 2 helmet covers, for bridge battle only.  FJ’s may wear appropriate camo for this battle also.

Equipment:  

Stahlhelm (M35,(M36 SS only),M40, 42 Steel helmet)
Koppeltraggestell* (Leather "Y" straps*)
Patronentaschen (2) (Ammunition pouches)
Brotbeutel (Bread bag)
Feldflasche (Canteen)
Kochgeschirr (Mess Kit)
Spaten (Shovel straight or folding with cover)
Seitengewehr (Bayonet w/ leather frog)
Tragbruchse (Gas mask can)
Zeltbahn* (Shelter quarter / poncho)
Gefechtsgepäck* ("A" Frame assault pack, optional)

* All leather should be of black leather but DAK "Y" straps, belt, bayonet frog and DAK "A" Frame assault packs are permitted due to that they were issued to Western front troops after the Afrika Korps campaign.

* No Zeltbahns or Helmet covers are to be worn during the battle. This is not Hedgerow country.

* Tarnjacke (Camouflage smocks) Splinter, Tan and Water, SS camouflage, or any other camouflage should not be worn during the battle, helmet covers included.  This camouflage policy is a continuation of previous years' policy. (except for bridge battle)

Optional Equipment: 

Of course any other equipment that would have been carried or used on D-Day such as Binoculars, Range Finders, Field-phones, ammunition crates, water cans, ammo cans, camouflage netting, sandbags, etc, are encouraged, to add to the ambient back ground of the Atlantic Wall Defenses and to the German camp. 

Axis Weapons: 

The following is a list of weapons permitted for D-Day Ohio. These weapons were present on D-Day 6/6/44 and well documented of that fact. If you bring any other weapon not listed below, you will be required to bring at least (5) different sources of documentation to prove your historical point. Keep in mind that we are adhering to what was common, not the exception. Yugoslavian M48 Mausers are not on this list because they are not period correct.  

K98 Mauser, Gewehr 41, Gewehr 43, Gewehr VZ24 (SS only), Gewehr 29/40 (SS only), Gewehr 33/40 (Gebergs only), Gr.G.Pzgr.40, MP 34 (SS only), MP 35 (SS only), MP 38A, MP 40, StG 44, Panzerbuchse 38, MG 15 (Infantry model), MG 34, MG 42, ZB 26 (Czech), FG42 

Pistols:

The Wehrmacht and SS used at least 18 different sidearms. These were secondary weapons used by Officers, NCO's, Gun Crews, etc., not the basic rifleman. If you must use one, please stick with what was used by the Wehrmacht and SS. 

Captured weapons:

The uses of some “captured” weapons of course were circulated throughout the Wehrmacht due to the fact that their originating countries were occupied by Germany. A German soldier on the West Wall using an Enfield Mk III/4 or an M1 Garand, Thompson, etc is not realistic and therefore not acceptable. 

Other Impressions: 

Officers, Medics, Observers, Gunners, Dispatch Riders, etc. are to ensure that their impressions are correct and meet authenticity standards. 

Snipers: 

Sniper impressions must have the correct uniform, equipment, optics, and rifle. No Mosin Nagant, Finnish, Swedish, or any other sniper rifles which were not present on the Wall. Sniper rifles must be configured to the time period with proper mounting, mounts and optics, either reproduction or original. NO MODERN optics or mounts. Snipers are required to meet authenticity standards. We are adhering to what was considered the norm, not the exception.

            Grooming Standards: 

Wehrmacht and SS Forces must meet the grooming standards of the period. No facial hair (Except for Gebergs - 2cm in length). Troops stationed for Atlantic Wall Defense were GARRISONED and required to shave and maintain grooming standards. Hair MUST be trimmed to Wehrmacht regulations. Uniforms were clean and well maintained. 

Eye-wear: 

If you wear corrective lenses, it is recommended that you wear the proper time period eye wear (with impact resistant lenses) or use contact lenses. 

Wristwatches, cameras etc: 

If watches are not time period, please do not wear them during the event. Camera use must adhere to event policy. 

Camp Displays: 

Axis participants are encouraged to set up their respective camps to encourage public interest. Anything time period (German and limited commonly found French items) to add to the ambient background of your camp is greatly encouraged. Keep ALL non-period items from sight and police your area of any garbage or debris.  Germans were neat and orderly in general so please have your camp reflect that reputation. 

Axis participants are encouraged to be in "German character" during the event. Speak the language if possible, observe the customs and mannerisms of the Soldat, observe and practice military order and bearing. 

If possible, avoid placing items on a blanket for 'Display". This is not realistic. Try to arrange your camp and personnel so that 'they' are the display.  Arrange 'display' items in such a way as they were seen realistically during the war. 

Flags:

No Nazi Party Banner flags permitted due to their nature and response.

Battle flags, Unit and divisional flags are acceptable due to the common use of them.

Updates to this section will be noted on at the top of this page.

Updates to this section will be noted on at the top of this page.

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