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Registration List│Rules and Regulations│Safety Briefing

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General Regulations and Battle Scenario Information
Please also visit our safety regulations page.
Site Rules and Regulations

Conneaut Township Park welcomes the D-Day event, its participants and its spectators. There are a few simple rules they ask us to observe.

1.      Please refrain from driving vehicles in undesignated areas, such as the lawns and tennis court areas.

2.      Please no fires on the grass. Use the sand pits at the ends of the company streets.

3.      Please leave the park as you found it. Police your trash and personal goods throughout the weekend and as you depart the event.

Authenticity Regulations

All WWII era re-enactors representing Axis and Allied forces of Western Europe in 1944 are invited to attend the event. ETO and Home Front impressions and displays are welcome and encouraged.  Participants are asked to refrain from wearing and displaying items not documented to the European Theater of Operations or US homefront. Educational materials and display boards, as well as tagged or labeled items intended for spectator’s education are permitted.

These authenticity guidelines have been developed to help D-Day Ohio attain the highest quality WWII representation and living history experience for spectators and reenactors. As such, the success of the event depends on the efforts of the participants and their cooperation in abiding by the safety and authenticity rules is very important.

Your cooperation and positive attitude in meeting or exceeding the authenticity guidelines is appreciated. In the rare event a participant chooses to ignore the safety or authenticity requirements, the event organizers may request the participant terminate their involvement in the event.

Exclusions: Eastern Front, PTO, Political and Celebrity impressions (of political figures) are not permitted at the living history encampment or the beach assault.  Those wishing to do a Celebrity Impersonation of non-political persons may contact event staff to discuss the permissibility of their proposed impersonation.  Individuals wishing to come to attend the event as an officer must be associated with a unit participating in the event.

 

Living History Encampment

To maintain the historical integrity of the event, the event staff requests that all reenactors adhere to simple guidelines that will help ensure a June 6, 1944 and before focus to the encampment. Excluding educational materials and display boards, if it is not appropriate to the European Theater of Operations in 1944, please don’t bring it. Items of modern manufacture needed for basic health and safety (e.g. coolers) should be hidden form view during public hours and discreetly used when the camps are open to reenactors.  Like all participants, there are items that we consider “questionable” and would prefer were left at home (please see the section on “Not sure? Don’t bring it.”)

Encampment and Camp Equipment

1.      Tentage and camp equipment must represent items in use in the European Theater of Operations during WWII.

a.      Modern tentage is permitted in the modern camping area. Included in Modern or Postwar tentage are: GP Small / Hex tents and M-1945 Command tents as these were not used in the European Theater.

b.      Ground-cloths or tarps must be period in style.  Modern blue or silver tarps may only be used after public hours or completely hidden from view. 

2.      Modern vehicles must be parked in the participant parking. Modern vehicles may not be parked in or along side the encampment, including the drive by the tennis courts.

3.      Each participant should police his or her own trash. Trash bags will be provided in the registration packet.

4.      Open wood fires are not permitted in the encampment, except in the sand pits at the end of the company streets.

Re-enactor Guidelines:

1.      Military courtesy will be in effect in the camps.

2.      Dress and grooming should be consistent with 1944 Europe and North American standards.

a.       Clothing styles and ensembles should be appropriate to the wearer’s impression (see below for specific information on military impressions).

b.      Obviously modern hair color is not permitted (e.g. blue or pink) and modern hairstyles should be covered or altered to appear “vintage”.

c.       Men’s facial hair should be trimmed to be appropriate to the impression they are portraying.

3.      All tools, drinking vessels, utensils and other common items should date to 1944 or before.
 

Vehicle Guidelines:

1.      Vehicles that plan to participate in D-Day Conneaut must be licensed and insured as is appropriate to your vehicle. All drivers must have insurance and a valid driver's license. Please be prepared to show these at registration when you arrive. If your period vehicle will have more than one driver, please list all drivers when you register.

2.      Spotters aren't required for Jeeps outside of the battlefield (e.g. VIP shuttle), but are still encouraged, as the drive through the encampment will be crowded with people. Your spotters can ask people to kindly clear a path for you, and watch for small children darting out in front of you. Larger vehicles will need spotters whenever they move.

3.      If you are willing to use your vehicle for a VIP shuttle (e.g., give a WW2 veteran a ride), or assist the event staff with transportation, please tell the registrar when you check in at registration, or in the comments section when you register.

Cameras/Camcorders on the Battlefield

Combat photographers and journalists, served an important role in documenting the history of the invasion and took part in the events that followed the initial landing. As many units appreciate photos of their members in action, photographers are permitted with special restrictions.  Photographers not already attached to a military unit will be assigned to one by the press officer, Dave Westrick. 

All persons in the landing zone will strive to meet the basic infantry standards described in the authenticity regulations.  No un-uniformed individual will be permitted on the battlefield.

Historic photo equipment is greatly preferred.  If you use modern equipment disguise it. Using an empty period camera body is the preferred method of concealment.   A non functional speed-graphic or other vintage camera can generally be obtained at a reasonable cost and most modern cameras will fit inside one. Unconcealed modern equipment will not be permitted on the beach. However, if you choose to be creative and conceal a video camera in such a way as it is not easily observed, it may be permitted. 

This does not mean you cannot bring a simple camera to quickly pull out and take a snap shot and quickly stow again.  We seek to avoid marring an otherwise authentic scene with the painfully obvious sight of a modern camera being freely and openly brandished.

Still and motion picture photographers who participate in the beach landing are invited to send a link to a location where your photos are displayed.  If you provide us copies we will be happy to post them on our website credited to you for all to view. 

This event involves a simulated beach landing, waterproof your gear accordingly.  D-Day Ohio, Inc will not be responsible for any damaged or lost camera equipment or film.

PLEASE NOTE: D-DAY CONNEAUT IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.   IF YOU PLAN ON USING FOOTAGE FOR PROFIT OR OTHER YOU MUST OBTAIN WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE EVENT ORGANIZER'S.   THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU CANNOT TAKE PICTURES FOR YOUR WEBSITE, OR SHOOT LIVE ACTION FOR YOUR UNIT. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS PLEASE CONTACT AN EVENT ORGANIZER.

Mortars / Mortar Simulations

See important messages in the safety regulations.

Combat 

As in the past two years, there will be only one beach landing this year to allow re-enactors to rest and participate on a more personal level with the general public.  Education and awareness is one of our main objectives.  This will also allow for the public to explore and learn in greater detail from various participants about D-Day.  This is your chance to show everyone what you know!

The battle for the last several years has used US Navy landing craft and vintage and/or reproduction WW2 aircraft in the event. Combat will be organized again this year to best represent the actual landing. German defenses will be set up with heavy weapons in proper areas and the Allies will land in coordinated waves.  Weather permitting, Allied troops will march to the embarkation point at the marina, board the landing craft and proceed by landing craft to the invasion beach.

Medics on the Battlefield

We have had some outstanding medic impressions at D-Day Conneaut in years past, and we hope to continue that tradition. Because of the great job our medics have done, and the vital role they play in representing D-Day, we have made some changes that we hope will be enhancements to the medic experience and for the overall improvement of this event.

We are planning to extend the scenario of Saturday's landing, after the shooting stops, by having medic teams treating and evacuating the wounded. At the end of the battle in year's past, the casualties stood up and walked off. As in years past, we are planning to keep the crowds off the battlefield, giving medics the opportunity to evacuate some of the casualties, set up an aid station and triage the “wounded”. We will recruit vehicles to assist in the evacuations. Bring your stretchers and practice your carrying positions!

We'd also like to expand the opportunity for medics and medic assistants to work together. As it is a frequent practice for new recruits to sometimes fulfill medics roles, we would like to extend our assistance to these individuals and help them team up with more experienced medic reenactors. For the experienced medic re-enactors, this is an opportunity to delve into more intense living history by having help for treating, tagging, and evacuating the wounded. It's also an opportunity for a more realistic battlefield experience for you, perhaps instructing a "scared new recruit" what they need to do to treat the casualty in front of them.
 

Like last year, we'd like all medics to check in at our Medic table at Registration. Why? 

Two reasons:

1.      We would like to conduct a simple briefing about what to do after the shooting stops.

2.      We want to brief everyone on what to do if they come across an actual, real, medical emergency—how to stop the battle and get a REAL medic, really fast. As you go about "treating casualties" you may be the first person to come across a real emergency that others haven't noticed, so we want to emphasize this procedure to you.

 Real Medical Emergencies
Registered Medical Personnel and Reenactors Portraying Medics

We would like all medical professionals who are licensed/certified to practice first aid or emergency care in Ohio, and would be willing to do so if needed during the event, to register at the Medic Registration table, so we can know who to call on in an emergency. We will explain at the event our system for determining a real medical emergency from a simulated one, so that no one in need of real assistance is overlooked.

 Vehicle Participation in the Landing

In the interest of making the beach assault reenactments a more accurate representation of the actual landings, vehicles will be held in reserve until the last wave for the safety of the infantry and vehicle crews.

When the shooting stops after the battle, vehicles will be recruited to help evacuate the "wounded." If you have litter-bearing attachments for your vehicle please ready them for this. If you have stretchers for your vehicle, please bring them. If your vehicle is not equipped to carry litters, but can carry passengers, your vehicle can still be used, whether it's a truck, jeep, etc. This will be an important aspect of keeping the scenario going after the shooting stops, to give the medics an opportunity to demonstrate their work, and give the public an accurate experience.

All vehicles driving through a battlefield reenactment must have "spotters." Spotters are uniformed re-enactors who walk in front of your vehicle to make sure you're not about to run over anything or anyone. This goes for jeeps as well as halftracks, DUKWs, or anything else. You must have a minimum of two spotters to drive your vehicle onto a battlefield. You are responsible for bringing/recruiting your own spotters. You must not drive faster than your spotters can walk, because they must stay a safe distance, off either corner of your vehicle, in front of whatever direction you are going at all times. They must walk upright where you can see them from the driver's seat and never "take hits" if shooting occurs around them. If the shooting gets hot, they may crouch during the shooting ONLY if the vehicle is at a complete stop AND they must remain in sight of the driver. This is a safety issue and is non-negotiable. No spotters = no ·battlefield driving. If you cannot bring uniformed spotters with you, come anyway and recruit some onsite.

Vehicle Participation for the entire weekend.

Vehicles that plan to participate in D-Day Conneaut must be licensed and insured as is appropriate to your vehicle. All drivers must have insurance and a valid driver's license. Please be prepared to show these at registration when you arrive. If your period vehicle will have more than one driver, please list all drivers when you register.  During the battle reenactment portions of the program, please kindly cover your license plate or remove it.  It just adds to the realism of the event.  We know how all of you are proud of your vehicles, but honor our veterans by taking a moment of time to conceal or remove your plate.  However, if you are driving into town, please remove your concealment or fasten it back onto your vehicle.  

Drivers, pleased be cognizant that there is a lot of public at this event.  Be aware 360 and look for yourself before making any sudden moves.  Your responsibility is driving first, reenacting second.  The Bridge Battle and Road to Victory engagement will be on paved roads.  The public maybe close by so drive safely.  Thank you!

Spotters aren't required for Jeeps outside of the battlefield (e.g. VIP shuttle), but are still encouraged, as the drive through the encampment will be clogged with people. Your spotters can ask people to kindly clear a path for you, and watch for small children darting out in front of you. Larger vehicles will need spotters whenever they move.

If you are willing to use your vehicle for a VIP shuttle (e.g., give a WW2 veteran a ride), or assist the event staff with transportation, please tell the registrar when you check in at registration, or in the comments section when you register.

  Living History Activities

There has been a massive effort to make D-Day an all day event packed with constant activities for the public and re-enactors. Refer to the event schedule for a general outline.   There will be mission briefings for landing troops and public tours of the "Atlantic Wall defenses" by the German high commander. There will be public weapons demos and briefings on different weapons the Germans and Allies used at Normandy. Displays will be set to best represent period camping and multi-unit coordination will take place by the planners. All re-enactors will get an information packet when they arrive with all rules, regulations and any other information that is pertinent. There will be NO parking in or near the display areas.

 Age Restrictions

A participant less than 18 years of age, but having reached their 16th birthday by the date of the event who desires to participate in the D-DAY CONNEAUT battle reenactments may do so only if accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times.  This means in their back pocket, not on the bluff or from the crowd, right next to them!  The parent or guardian will assume full responsibility and liability for the minor under their direct supervision.  

 Our insurance prohibits us from allowing participants under the age of 16 to participate in the battle.

Participants under the age of 16 are encouraged to participate in the living history encampment.  However, they must be supervised by a responsible adult unit member and the participant’s unit commander assumes responsibility for the minor. 

Registration / Pre-registration and Check In

Pre-registration is highly recommended for re-enactors. Those who pre-register will have first choice in camp layout/location and beach landing position, based on the camp layout and beach assault scenario developed by the planners.   Pre-registration for vehicles is also recommended.   You may arrive as early as Wednesday afternoon the week of the event.  Check-in and on site registration will begin on Thursday 10AM to 9PM and Friday 10AM to 10PM.  Saturday morning is your last chance to register, 7AM to 9AM.  If your not at the gate by then and have not pre-registered, we are sorry.  No late arrivals unless prior arrangements have been organized through your CO with the Registrar which can be contacted via the Who's Registered page.
 

A $10 GATE FEE WILL BE ASSESSED TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PRE-REGISTERED.  Those of you who choose to pay at the gate, we appreciate your support of D-Day Ohio and want you to know your contribution helps us continue the event.
 

All re-enactors will receive an information packet when they arrive on site.  This packet will contain a copy of these rules and regulations, as well as other pertinent information.

Not Sure? Don’t Bring It.

There are camp and personal equipment items which were likely not to have appeared in the European Theater of Operations. We consider these items “questionable” - a list of the items follows. If you have documentation for a specific items use and would be willing to bring the information, we would be delighted to share in your knowledge. If you are unsure about the use or appropriateness of any of these items, please consider leaving it at home. We have also included some items we commonly see that are not appropriate and should not be brought to or worn at the event.

·        M1944 “Haybox” “Mermite” Coolers –we consider these to be a modern cooler, as we can not document their use in the ETO. Please keep them out of plain sight during the hours that the camps are open to the public.

·        French Ranger Boots

·        Civilian Work Boots being worn as reproduction boots

·        Brown US Army Undershirts

·        M1965 Field Jackets

·        Modern Sunglasses (Oakleys or other obviously modern glasses)

 Volunteers

We are still in need for volunteers willing to help.  If you feel you could add to the event in any capacity, let us know. We have a number of activities requiring varying levels of time commitment.  In particular, we need those persons in Allied uniforms who are not permitted in the battle because of age or other restrictions to consider joining us in collecting donations.

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

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