Purpose

Our mission is to recreate the life and experiences of the average German Landser in World War II. To this end we seek to honor and portray the German soldier who was doing his patriotic duty to his fatherland. We avoid political overtones and do not seek to glorify any Nazi ideals or actions.

Our Unit Role

Our official impression is the HQ Signals Company of the 716th Infantry Division. Our Soldbuchs reflect this but our true goal is to portray the generic Landser. That is, the basic infantry trooper who fought on all fronts for the entire war. We feel the non-elite troops are under-represented in WWII reenacting today.

As a headquarters unit, we operate outside of the normal chain of command at events. Our role is only to pass on information. We make no attempt to issue commands to individual units. Since we tend to be older, more experienced reenactors, we will often wear rank that may be considered by some as arrogant and pretentious. We are only reflecting our time in the hobby.

As a communications center, we need runners, clerks, radio operators and similar personnel. Since these are non-combatent roles, we can employ younger (15+) members of the reenacting community. This way, there is an actually useful role that tag along kids can fulfill.

Our HQ impression involves a large radio truck and one or more 10 meter antennas. This means we are a part of the event rather than a large encampment. At previous events, we have become a specific target for Allied units. We are also a natural compliment to a Feldgendarme HQ.

Life as a 716th Landser

Our field impression is primarily an early war look, reflecting the uniforms and equipment that would have been issued to the unit at its inception. Since early war equipment was generally not recalled when newer styles became available, and in some cases was issued from stockpiles throughout the war, an early war look is acceptable at any battle from Poland to Berlin.

We strive for the utmost in authenticity. We do not have a “good enough” attitude. The correct way is the only way. We seek to present the most accurate impression possible.

Why the 716th?

Our choice of the 716th is a result of several factors. First, it was a D-Day division. It was probably the first German division to make contact with the Allies on D-Day, making it is a historically significant unit. Since many reenactments center around D-Day and the Normandy campaign, portrayal of these troops will add an element that has been lacking.

Second, it was formed primarily from World War I veterans. These men were considered too old for frontline troops but valued because of their existing combat experience. This is more in keeping with the look of most reenactors today.

Third, the division's replacements were often younger Landsers who had been medically downgraded from other campaigns and boys too young to be sent to front line units. This allows us a large diversity in our unit composition.

Fourth, the 716^th reenactment unit is largely comprised of members from Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The primary U.S. Divisions reenacted in our area are 36^th, the 101st and the 82nd, all engaged the 716^th in France. Thus we are able to provide for modern generations a glimpse of how the adversaries of our local heroes were armed, clothed and equipped.