Next to the runway was the encampment of the Grossdeutschland Division re-enactors. We wandered over to take a look and ended up talking to one of the members for a half hour or so. Later, the GD staged a re-enactment against the Americans in a recreated French village.
Re-enactment Group History
The members of the Grossdeutschland Division are a dedicated group of military historians recreating the time period between 1939 and 1945.
As of today, Grossdeutschland is by far one of the oldest Living History German units here in the United States, having celebrated its 25th anniversary two years ago (2002) at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum's WWII Weekend.
We participate in World War II activities, such as public history displays, battle re-enactments and restoration projects.
As Grossdeutchland members, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are as authentic as possible in all aspects of the hobby. We are constantly trying to upgrade our impression. We do so by setting high standards in our uniform presentation, drill, field tactics, and, where possible, by using the German language. Currently, we have a growing membership of more than 80 people, on the East Coast and throughout the United States.
John Buzansky looks over the halftrack, which was made in Czechoslovakia shortly after the war. It is being modified slightly to make it look like a 1944 model.
In 1999, a true highlight for the group was our trip to Germany to meet with original members of the Grossdeutschland Division. The trip and the meeting provided us with an opportunity to learn more about those whom we portray, and to share with these men the impression that we have created. It was certainly an interesting, worthwhile, and fulfilling trip... in 2001, we were proud to bring original members of the Grossdeutschland Division to the United States as a part of our 25th anniversary celebration.
You never know what Hero of the Soviet Union will wander over into the GD encampment.
WWII Weekend
IntroductionAircraft
Ground
- Grossdeutschland Division (Re-enactors)
American Europe Encampment (Re-enactors)
WWII Re-enactment: US vs. Germans
British Encampment (Re-enactors)
German Afrika Korps Encampment (Re-enactors)
American Pacific Encampment (Re-enactors)
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