FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why would you want to reenact WW2?
A: The most common answer you would find from a WW2 Reenactor is to "honor the men and women who served." Pretty general answer, but if you look deeper, it is true. In doing living history, you are basically fulfilling the role of a history teacher. You expose items, uniforms, vehicles and information that would never be presented in a scholastic environment. Many reenactors have also been involved with Museums (like the Nimitz and D-Day), movies and published material.

The other reason is personal, most folks go beyond the reenacting, they are historians. They collect info and items from the 1939 to 1945 to preserve and in turn learn more about a time that is now falling further and further into history.

Q: Why British, especially a small elite unit?
A: On the British note, most of the unit members have ties, however distant to the Isles. The role of the Commonwealth during the war is not the usual agenda for WW2 movies and books. Remember, the King's forces were fighting for several years before the US stepped in to help.

Why the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI) is a different story. Part goes back to the unit seeking an identity in its forming. The additional part is that this particular impression represents a unit that made history, both as the first combat unit to land on D-Day intact, and also to take the first casualties of the endeavor. They were a great bunch of men, who, both individually and as a whole, represent the finest in British Military Service. It has been a great honor to meet them over the years.

Q: This looks pretty intense, and expensive, is it?
A: I would be a liar if I say it is cheap, but this is a hobby. If you were to reenact Civil War, Pioneers, just about any time period, the cost would be around the same. Figure that to get outfitted properly, over the first year or so, you are going to spend less than a thousand dollars. How far and quick you take it, greatly effects the bottom line. Our unit provides some loaner gear to get you started, with proper guidance from veterans, you assemble your basic kit.

Q: What is the commitment required?
A: It is up to you. We have approx. 8 battles per year, with different living history venues thrown in. We have a core of folks that attend 90% of the events; we have others that come out for three. You can come out to one, or all. Really depends on your real life.

Q: Who are the bad guys? (or Who are the Germans)
A: I wish I could say that they are a group of evil people, but actually, they are great bunch of gentlemen. They do not allow neo-nazi inclinations into their ranks, nor are offensive items displayed outside military requirements. They research, restore and teach the items, uniforms and daily life of the average German soldier.

Q: So how many folks do this?
A: In the Texas Military Historical Society, we have around 220 members. They represent US, British, French, German and Partisan units. The OBLI has around 20 members with 10 being the core group, the rest coming out as they can.

Q: Ok, so how does one get started?
A: First, drop me a line. If I have a unit member near you, will get you in contact with them. We require all new members to have sponsors. They will help with equipment questions, unit info and all that other stuff you remember to ask after you talk to someone. I would highly recommend contacting the unit before wasting hard earned money on gear. Better to buy right the first time.

Q: Is this the entire FAQ?
A: No, but as more items come up, I will add them!

Regards,
Bill