The Reenactor's Corner

The Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) is perhaps the most iconic of all historical German military awards . During World War Two almost five million were issued in recognition of bravery in battle or distinguished military service. In this latest of our occasional series looking at WW2 German military awards Rudi Lange takes a closer look at the history of the Iron Cross and reflects on if and how it sh...

Reenacting is a hobby best enjoyed as part of a group - however work, family and other commitments often have to come first. So its no surprise that low attendence is a constant fear for many event organisers. In this episode  Chris shares his tips and tricks on how to motivate your unit members to find the time to show up at events...... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Pa...

Reenacting is a hobby that often encourages the aquistition of more and more kit in an effort to enhance the experience. However,  in this episode Chris asks if authenticty takes a hit when your amount of gear starts to get out of control... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions re...

In this first of an occasional series looking at medals issued by Germany during the Second World War Rudi Lange takes a deep dive look at the Kriegsverdienstkreuz (War Medal Cross)  - which was awarded to both serving members of the military and civilians engaged in outstanding contributions to the war effort.  With thanks to www.wehrmacht-awards.com  A big thank you to everyone who supports the...

Like any hobby Reenacting is constantly changing and evolving - sometimes in unexpected directions. In this episode Chris looks at some of the reasons why Soviet reenacting grew in the years before Covid and why the trend cycle has, maybe, now moved on and interest in WW2 Soviet  is on the decline .… A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, n...

2025 is a big year for WW2 reenactors as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict . In this episode Chris talks to Adam from the Militainment YouTube channel about how reenactors can  mark the event and how the end of the war is viewed in modern day Germany… To follow Adam please click on the links below... Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/militainment_adam/ @militainment_adam...

Its thought that over 30 million soldiers were conscripted into the Red Army during WW2 and many saw action in some of the most brutal campaigns of the conflict. In this episode Chris talks to Andryusha Taras of Osoaviakhim Foundation about their unique approach to reenacting, postitioning themselves as more of a living history network than a traditional reenacting group. There is also news of a p...

As Chris and the rest of the team take a New Year break we've dug deep into the archives to bring you again an episode from way back in August 2020 !  As temperatures plummet across the Northern Hemisphere here's one of our original show hosts, Lasse, talking to Nicholas, who has served in the Norwegian armed forces and shares his tips on how to stay safe whilst reenacting during the coldest month...

Join Chris and podcast regulars Ludwig Topf and Rudi Lange as they celebrate Christmas and look back on a busy year of reenacting.  Thanks to Christophe Piefke and his accordion for playing us out so beautifully at the end of the show and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of our listeners and Patreon supporters from everyone here on the team ! A big thank you to everyone who support...

Music has always played an important role within the military - from signalling manouveres on the battlefield to bolstering morale around the camp fire. In this episode Rudi Lange talks to reenactor Christoph Piefke about how he uses his talents as a musician within the hobby to enhance authenticity levels and build  kameradschaft.  A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon...

Back in the summer 100s of German and American WW2 reenactors attended a big event in France, marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. In this follow up episode Ludwig Topf is joined by one of our original podcast hosts, Lasse from Norway and Rob from Sweden to talk about how the event played out and what made it so unique and special. For more information on the event click on the...

Early war events based on France Summer 1940 are few and far between, in part due to the lack of WW2 French Army Reenactors. In this episode Chris talks to Dylan Williams about an ambitious new event in Illinois next summer which will focus on this time period - and hopes to become an annual event in the US reenacting calendar. For more details on the Fall Gelb 2025 event please follow the link be...

Keeping up our annual tradition join Chris as he shares listeners spooky stories about things that go bump in the night whilst reenactors are manning those lonely machine gun posts or out on patrol at 2am....... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the a...

Film, radio and press photography played an important role feeding the German news and propaganda machine during WW2. In this episode Rudi Lange talks to Hans Wickmann about his Propagandakompanie (PK) impression and his three year search to find an original WW2 Arriflex 35 movie camera to film reenactment events.  A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate ev...

The German Stahlhelm is perhaps one of the most iconic totems of WW2 and a crucial part of any reenactors impression. In this episode Chris discusses the best ways to buy your helmet and how to restore originals or improve the appearance of a reproduction... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular...

In this episode Ludwig Topf is joined by Lasse and Rob to discuss their involvement in the recent Cobra to Lüttich event in Normandy which saw almost 100 WW2 German reenactors take part in recreating  the key events of the Avranches breakthrough and the German counter-attack at Mortain.  

This year the annual D-Day event in Conneaut, Ohio marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. In this episode podcast regular Rudi Lange talks to Chris about his experiences over the three day event, which draws huge numbers of reenactors and  spectators from the USA and beyond.... A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter...

In the first of a new series of occasional kit deep dives Chris focuses on  WW2 German Field Caps - which under went several changes following the issue of  the iconic M34 in the mid 1930s.  A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, and your regular contributions really do keep the show on the air. You can sign up f...

The internet, and social media in particular, have introduced a whole new dimension to reenacting - helping us connect, research and share our passion for living history. However it has also brought with it risks that need to be taken seriously. In this episode Chris is joined by podcast regulars Rudi and Ludwig to talk about how to manage our online profiles in connection with the hobby and raise...

Back in 2004 Erich Wessel attended his first WW2 Living History event at Peak Rail in the UK . He was 11 years old at the time  - now, 20 years on, he has just returned from the same event. In this episode Erich joins Chris to share his reflections on how the hobby has changed and developed over the past two decades. A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate...

Work or combat uniform ? Hot weather use only or all year round? No pockets, two pockets or four? After carrying out extensive research using original German wartime documentation Chris takes a deep dive into HBTs to challenge common misconceptions about Drillichanzug. To read the article Chris refers to in this episode please follow the link below.. https://festung.net/reproduction-first-and-seco...

In this episode Ludwig Topf talks to Chris and Rudi about attending events at historic sites following the recent Dover Castle reenactment in the UK. Plus there's a discussion on how German soldiers are portrayed by Hollywood and how movie plot lines are often far removed from the reality of World War Two.

UK based Epic Militaria has become one of the best know vendors within WW2 Reenacting . In this episode Chris talks to Adrian from Epic about how they design and source their reproductions, customised helmets and when those much anticipated M38 gasmasks might be available. A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - we appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, a...

Join us as Chris and Rudi celebrate our 5th birthday !! When the podcast first started we had no idea we would make it this far and grow such a loyal band of listeners - thank you.  Here's to all of the fantastic guests who have appeared on the podcast since 2019 and to Lasse, Ben, Ludwig, Rudi and Mike who have all played a big part in our success. A huge thank you also goes to all of our support...

In this episode Chris talks to Adam Bednar and Ernst Schäfer about the recent Romanian Spring Event in Wisconsin . Over 175 German and Soviet Reenactors took part and we hear what went into creating an event on such a big scale and how the organisers ensured it would be a success .  https://www.facebook.com/groups/850256482980698 A big thank you to everyone who supports the podcast via Patreon - w...