Who we Are

 

Our Living History Unit, Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 11. and Feld-Ersatz Kompanie is somewhat of a new approach to World War Two re-enacting. Our unit is growing with members throughout Northern California, Southern California, Nevada and the Western States.

 

We established the Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 11. and Feld-Ersatz Kompanie Living History Unit to bring together like minded people who are interested in the hobby of re-enacting WWII.  Our unit strives to accurately portray various period impressions of the German soldier that fought for their Fatherland during World War Two. 

 

Our Unit is broken down into two different sub-units; the Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 11. and the Feld-Ersatz Kompanie.  For our primary impression, we portray the Erste Kompanie (1st Company) of the Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 11. (armored reconnaissance battalion) of the 11th Panzer Division; the famed "Gespenster Division" (Ghost Division).  The unit we portray was a Leichter Panzerspähwagen Kompanie (a light armored car company) of the division's armored reconnaissance battalion.  We utilize our unit owned Panzerspähwagen Sdkfz. 222 (replica) in the field along with dismounted reconnaissance troops to act as the eyes on the battle field and to provide an armored fist to punch through strong defensive positions.

 

Our secondary unit/impression is actually a collection of different unit impressions.  The Feld-Ersatz Kompanie (field replacement Company) was designed to allow our members to portray several different units of the Wehrmacht which includes the several units listed.  Unit members may choose to portray several of our impressions or focus on one particular impression that they are interested in.

 

• 11. SS - Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier  Division "Nordland"

• 17. Luftwaffe Feld-Division

• 716. Infanterie Division

• 15. Panzer Division "Afrika Korps"

• Gebirgsjäger Regiment 100

• 5. SS-Panzer Division "Wiking"

For more information about our various impressions, please go to the 11. Panzer Division, 11. SS-Pz.Gren.Div.-"Nordland" and FErsKp Impressions tabs in the Main Menu.

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More About Us

 

We do not discriminate against anyone based upon their race, color, sex nor handicap. But we do require that members have some level of physical fitness and can appear to represent a German soldier who where generally physically fit.  However, we do not discourage anyone from joining up.

Our unit will not tolerate any negative attitude towards the hobby, other members of the unit nor our re-enacting community.  We are all working professionals and require a degree of professionalism and courtesy within our unit and the hobby as a whole. Those who can not abide by such a code of conduct will be asked to leave the unit.

If you wish to join or are just interested in checking us out, please go to

the "Contact Us" section.

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We are located in Northern California and we are a Living History & Re-enactment Unit, our parent club is the WWIIRPS, we attend our parent club's events as well as CHS and CHG battle events.  We also attend other living history public events throughout California.

We portray a World War Two era German soldier and our goal is to have fun, learn history, while accurately portraying a World War Two era German soldier at battle re-enactments and living history events.  We wish to make friends and send a positive message to the general public and other members within the hobby.  We also strive to provide a good core unit in the field, creating an overall great first person experience.

 
As a unit we wish to grow and establish an overall excellent appearance, researching and applying actual wartime experiences. It is the goal of all re-enactors and living historians to create a "back in time" feeling to experience the era they portray first hand. We welcome all re-enactors and living historians interested in World War Two history to check us out.

  
While we would like to be able to invite everybody into the Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 11. and Feld-Ersatz Kompanie Living History Unit, there are some conditions that must be met for full membership.  There is a 1 year, or 3 battle probationary period.  We reserve the right to accept or dismiss any member deemed unsuitable.  We are looking for like-minded individuals that are interested in developing a true sense of Kameradschaft (camaraderie) with our unit members and who can bring honor upon our unit and our hobby. 

Anyone with a negative, nasty, vulgar or an overly aggressive attitude towards other members of the unit, our hobby or the general public, will be immediately dismissed from this unit.

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Unit Guidelines

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• You must be at least 18 years of age

• Participants 15-17 years of age must be present with a responsible adult unit member

• You must not have a felony criminal record and be legally capable of owning a firearm

Participating in re-enacting events can be a strenuous physical activity that requires the participant to be in good general health.  Ask yourself the following questions:

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• Can you lift 50 lbs?

• Can you walk 1-2 miles?

• Can you wear 20-25 lbs of gear?

• Do you have any physical conditions or health issues that may cause you difficulty in a wilderness environment?

The hobby of re-enacting is a fun and educational environment, but it is not for everybody. The Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 11. and Feld-Ersatz Kompanie Living History Unit is organized and operated as a military unit.  This is not only essential to maintain the visual accuracy of the units as we portray World War Two era soldiers, but it also helps our members stay safe and we exhibit proper behavior within the hobby.  We ask you to work as a team, take orders, have good manners, exercise good sportsmanship, be helpful, contribute to the unit, put in hard work, be responsible of equipment and vehicles, respect officers, and behave in a safe and conscientious manner. 

 

We expect our members to have pride in themselves and in our unit by following the rules, co-operating with others and help towards the goal of making this a fun and rewarding hobby.

 

 

World War II Research and Preservation Society

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The World War II Research and Preservation Society is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to honoring, researching and preserving the common experiences both Allied and Axis soldiers and military personnel experienced during the Second World War.

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Based in Northern California, our unit strives to achieve this by engaging in tactical reenactments, camp displays and public events to further educate both our own members, guests and the public on what many experienced during this pivotal event in human history. And by doing so, we strive to perpetuate the legacy and importance of World War II.

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Reenactments feature both Allied and Axis units, who strive to present an accurate impression of their particular unit with regards to uniforms, gear, equipment, weaponry, vehicles, structure and formation during these events. Members are also educated on individual unit histories, as well as the reasons why World War II had to be fought. Our members are comprised of teachers, law enforcement officers, doctors, students, business owners, active and former military personnel, along with many others who simply have a passion for history and a desire to experience it close hand.

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The World War II RPS typically features between three and five battle reenactments per year at various spots throughout California. These events feature tactical maneuvers and mock battles, involving blank-fire weapons and vehicles where permitted. Individuals and their units are invited to attend as long as they are in good standing with the World War II RPS and have completed all necessary requirements and registration.

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Reenactments feature members stemming from all kinds of units from various theaters of the war, including American, British, German, Japanese, Russian, French and others -- all adhering to the kind of uniform and equipment standards consistent with what would have been used for that particular reenactment scenario. While most reenactments involve the European Theater of Operations (ETO), there are various North African and Pacific reenactment campaigns in which we partake, and units often have secondary impressions to participate in such events.

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We do not condone, nor will we allow, any extremist or radical idealism within our ranks. Given the sensitivity of some subject matter of the Second World War and its causes, such behavior will not be tolerated. 

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Instead, we are always looking for persons with a passion for history and desire to perpetuate the stories of an average foot soldier on either side of the conflict. 

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For more information, please check out how to join the World War II RPS or contact us.