The 716 Signals Kompanie is a small but growing reenacting unit. We believe we are breaking new ground in the reenacting community. Rather than being a combat unit that operates largely independently, we seek to enhance the entire event by coordinating the efforts of all the combat units.

To do this we need reenactors with a different mentality. We are not out there busting caps, although we do become a target and need to defend ourselves. We need people who are prepared to be on the job. Just because we are not at the front line, does not mean we are kicking back and hoisting a brew. We need people who are prepared to learn German radio procedures and educate the reenactors we loan radios to.

We still have a place for those who want some front line action. Rather than lending a unit a radio, we can lend them a radio and an operator. It depends on the staffing requirements of the event.

History

Our unit was formed in the fall of 2003. We began as a pure Heer infantry unit. Our choice was borne out of a desire to give a better representation to the bulk of the German armed forces during the war. At time there wasnt a single non-elite German unit in the TMHS.

In February 2004 we were asked to help in the filming of D-Day the Lost Evidence. It was a fun and informative shoot that yielded some good footage.

In June 2004 we did a living history display at the Oklahoma City airshow. We were fortunate to be able to set up under the wing of a Ju 52 transport plane.

Outside pressures and commitments put our reenacting unit on hiatus until April 2008. At this point we decided to change our focus to the radio and communications impression.

So we are almost starting from scratch. Some members of the unit have moved on to other impressions and some have stayed. We are starting a new chapter in our unit history but our commitment to preserving history and the regular German soldier remains firm.