January 25th through the 28th saw me once again trekking up to Fort Indiantown Gap for the annual Battle of the Bulge reenactment/ living history extravaganza/militaria vendor mall. As usual, it was a large affair with a lot of activities for the WWII living historian. This year, for the first time, I got there on Tuesday and stayed until pack-up time on Sunday morning. Once again, I was with the Volkssturm and the German hospital. In an event which is full of excellent barracks displays, the hospital is, in my humble opinion, quite amazing. Peter and Kate Gentry have an astonishing array of period equipment and frankly look ready to do an actual surgery if the need arises!
This year, one of our VS members was knowledgeable in the field of radiology and was able to give a mini-workshop to the hospital staff in the 1940’s X-ray equipment which was there. We also had the services of a number of wonderful young ladies portraying helferin or nurses. These personnel took great care of me when I appeared at their facility with a ‘head wound’ for the benefit of the spectators. Also, once again, we were awarded the title of Best Axis Barracks.
There are always some great impressions at this event and I made an effort to get pictures of as many as possible. While the reenactment of the Battle of the Bulge is the main activity of the week, there is always a lot else going on as well. Many reenactors attend the event but do not go out into the field for the battles. There are a number of living history scenarios which are on-going during the week, as well as various social activities. This is, after all, a good opportunity for a lot of folks to see one another for perhaps the only time all year.
As you can see from the pictures, we had a bit of snow during the week. This caused difficulties for those coming in while the snow was falling, but for those of us already there, it just added to the atmosphere. The barracks are warm, there are hot showers and we had plenty of food, so I found the snow quite pleasant. It helped that the weather had cleared up by the time I left for home on Sunday.
Since I didn’t go out in the field, I can’t comment on how the battle reenactments went. I am sure they were cold and the snow and ice had to make the footing treacherous…definitely a young person’s game. I did make it to the French cafe and a number of parties (not to mention the great shopping) and I had an excellent time. I am already looking forward to next year. If you are a WWII reenactor and have not made it to this event (FIG or The GAP, or whatever you want to call it) you owe it to yourself to attend. It is a great event and kudos to the WWII Federation for putting it on.
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