Red Army Re-enactment in the UK
I am 2 i/c of "2nd Guards Rifle Division" here in the UK. The group has been in existance 20 years now and is the oldest and largest group in the UK. We have over 50 members. There are a couple of smaller groups in the UK and we all get along very well and sometimes do joint events together.
I joined the group in 2001. Interest in the RKKA is growing fast in the UK, as our membership continues to grow each year. We even have two members who have running T34/85's, so we sometimes get the chance to ride the tanks infantry descent.
We do many public events throughout the summer months, some include battle re-enactments, while others are living history displays. Interest from the public is very good. We have strong ties with groups in Russia based in St Petersburg and for the past two years members have traveled to events in each others countries.
During the winter months we still keep busy with private tactical "battles" taking place. At these we are in great demand from the German units as they know we fight hard.
Our unit is "hardcore" and we try to live as closely as possible to that of a Red Army soldier in the field. A high proportion of the uniform and field gear we use is original issue of wartime pattern. Food is cooked over an open fire. No modern comforts are allowed! We will sleep under a Greatcoat and a plash-palatka. Awards are given for taking part in events and for long service. In order to obtain the coveted Guards badge you have to take part in 5 weekends of events. After 10 years continued service, the Order of the Red Star is given.
If you look at the homepage in my profile you will find a link to our unit's website. There are many photos of the group and our events on it.
Here we are at an event last summer on a rare hot day! Our unit always like to dig in if we possible can. The Kapitan entertains the troops. Note the ZIS 3 A/T gun which we were kindly loaned by the East of England Tank Museum where the event was held
Cheers, Ade.
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