Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much commitment is required?
There is no minimum commitment needed from you. From our experiences over the years, what you put in, you get out. We do, however, like everyone to get as involved as they can with the unit activities. We would like to see you at as many events as you can manage to attend.
2. I am under 18 – can I join?
We will accept applications from people who are under 18 but over 16 – please contact us for more details. If you are under 16, we regret that we will be unable to offer you membership. Please note that if you are in the 16-18 age group, you may be required to provide proof of age and we will also need written permission from your parent/guardian for attendance at events.
3. How much will it cost?
This is a multifarious question with many answers!
The bare minimum amount of kit we like you to own is a complete uniform (boots and gaiters, trousers, field tunic, under shirt, headdress and belt plus relevant insignia) – this will cost in the region of £350. If you want to get additional items, such as combat equipment, this can easily be another £400. Weapons (deactivated or replica) can be bought – this may be another £250. As a rough (and worst case!) guide, a full uniform, combat equipment and weapon could cost around £1250.
Obviously, this is a large outlay for most people and we will help by loaning items where possible for the first few events, however we encourage you to get at least the basic uniform within the first 12 months of membership.
4. Where do I buy equipment from?
We have a number of good sources for all the uniforms, insignia and items of field equipment you will need. These uniforms have to meet high standards of authenticity, so we urge you to please consult us before you buy anything at all. There is a lot of post war and poor quality reproduction items available, all of which fall short of our standards (if you are already have equipment from another unit, we may permit this to be used if it meets our criteria. Please note that we do not allow converted Swedish uniforms).
5. What about firearms?
If you wish to acquire a weapon, then that is up to you. We are not a ‘battle re-enactment’ group, so there is no requirement to own a functioning firearm. We allow:
- Deactivated weapons (must be deactivated to current home office standards);
- Non firing replicas;
- Blank firing replicas; and
- Live firing weapons (you MUST be in possession of a valid firearms certificate), but there are certain controls on these at events.
If you wish to take part in the battles, weapons can be hired for the battles from a Home Office approved armourer, who will attend events at the invite of the WW2 LHA Ltd. – costs and conditions will apply (these are levied by the armourer, not the LHA or the unit).
Be aware that the police do inspect us at events, and they view any violation of the firearms legislation very seriously!
Live ammunition, unauthorised pyrotechnics or black powder are NEVER permitted at any event.
6. Where do I stay at events?
We have tents available to sleep in (please be aware that, more likely than not, you will be sharing with others). We have some spare camp beds which are allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to use your own modern tent then there will either be a separate area for these, or you can put it up on the display in the evening, and take it down in the morning.
Sleeping bags are your responsibility.
7. What about food?
You are responsible for feeding yourself – there is a gas burner available for heating food on. You should be aware that some event locations are remote, and there may not be any local facilities.
Most of us take tinned food and remove the labels so they can be eaten in front of the public – you’ll be amazed at how many members of the public want to look into your mess tins!
In the evening we may go to a local pub for food or have a communal meal on site – this is again your choice.
8. Are there any membership fees?
Membership fees are paid directly to the LHA. They are currently £20 for normal membership, £15 for females and £25 for joint membership (e.g. husband and wife). The fees cover newsletters, insurance and administration.
9. Do you have any insurance?
The LHA has 3rd party public liability insurance for £5 million only. We also have employer's liability insurance for a minimum of £5 million. There is no member-to-member insurance. All our activities are carefully monitored and controlled for health and safety. Once you are a paid up member of the WW2 LHA Ltd., you will be provided with a copy of the relevant documentation.
10. What is the event season?
Typically, this runs from Easter to 30th September, though there are events outside these dates. As you might expect, the bank and school holidays tend to be the busier periods.
11. What other equipment can I buy?
There is plenty of other equipment available if you would like to expand your collection (anything from additional uniforms to armoured vehicles). All we ask is that this is kept within the theme of the unit. Please be aware, however, that German equipment is typically more expensive than Allied equipment, and is much more heavily faked – as stated earlier, if you are unsure ask advice!
12. I want to be a Field Marshall – can I?
In a word, no. We are a small unit that would have been commanded by only a few officers. We therefore restrict ourselves to junior ranks only. All new members will start as a basic soldier (irrespective of any military service or any rank held in other groups). Progression is on merit alone.
We also don’t allow new members to wear medals or awards – these are given on merit as well.
13. What happens at an event?
Rather than just having a static display of equipment, we make it interactive by using it and explaining it to the public (about 90% of the event time is taken up talking to them). You are welcome to do as much or as little as you like at events. No prior knowledge is required, however, and you'll be surprised at how much you can pick up in a short period of time - don't be afraid to ask!
The day typically starts at 8am when we set the display up. At 10am the public start to arrive, the main battle of the day is at 3pm, and the gates shut at 5pm. After hours, the time is your own and you are free to do as you wish!
14. What are the rules with regards to behaviour in public?
As we are portraying WWII German soldiers in public, it is
vital that we avoid giving the wrong impression. The following guidelines are to
help you avoid being accused of right-wing or racist activity. Our duty is to
honour the fallen soldiers of all nations of WWII.
Make no mistake, anyone found breaking any of the guidelines will be subject to
immediate disciplinary action - normally expulsion.
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Members of the unit will not, or ever have been, members of any subversive, fascist, racist or anti-Semitic organisation.
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Members of the unit will refrain from making any statement or gesture that can be seen to be a political statement to the press or public, not even in jest.
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Members of the unit will refrain from any political activity, discussions or the distribution of political publications or leaflets whilst at any event.
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The Nazi salute (straight arm) will NEVER be used at any time. Only the German military salute (hand to peak of cap/helmet) will be used. This is irrespective of any original order relating to saluting.
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The Nazi flag (defined as a red flag with a white circle or diamond with a black swastika) must NEVER be flown or saluted. The correct Wehrmacht battle flag will only be used when appropriate.
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Algmn.S.S., Waffen-S.S., S.A., H.J. etc, or any political badges or insignia will not be worn at any time.