Why was the 984 Grenadiere Regiment our choice for a unit to re-enact? There were a lot of paths that ultimately brought us to becoming the 5 Kompanie of the 984 Grenadiere Regiment, 275 Infanterie Division. Some of our members began our reenacting experience as members of a Waffen SS unit, as, for the most part, that is all that was readily available to join, in terms of German World War II units. Over the past 20 – 25 years World War II reenacting has expanded, and opened up, authenticity expectations have increased exponentially, and many new and different units have been formed. Soon, besides all of the Waffen SS and “elite” units like Grossdeutschland that were present at events, Luftwaffe Fallschirmjaeger, Heer Panzer and Panzergrenadiere units could be encountered as well.
As students of history, members of our unit realized one important thing. At best, Waffen SS troops accounted for no more then 12 % of the total German ground forces that took part in the battles of World War II. If one includes all “elite” units, such as Grossdeutschland, Fallschirmjaeger, Herman Goering Panzerkorps, and even the Heer Panzer Divisions, these units still account for less then 25% of all of the German ground forces that fought the battles of World War II. Most of the units that were employed were Heer infantry divisions of varying quality troops, and many of those included soldiers that varied in ages and battle experience. Whereas the “elite” units tended to consist of mostly younger, handpicked troops, the average infantry division comprised conscripted draft age youth, and older “Landwehr”, career soldiers. Most of these infantry divisions were formed in what were called Wehrkriess, or War Districts. For example, the 223 Infanterie Division, which was the predecessor of the 275 Infanterie Division, was formed from troops in Wehrkriess IV, in the
Upon deciding to form a new unit, it was decided early on that it was our desire to NOT represent an “elite” unit. A Panzer Division was suggested, but we decided that the Panzers tended to be more “elite”, then common, so we decided to keep looking. We did however, want to choose a quality infantry unit that had a good battle record, or at the very least, a record to be proud of. Initially, as some members had interest in Luftwaffe Field Divisions, we were leaning toward doing a LFD impression. After further discussion, it was decided that, even though a LFD impression was one of a “common” soldier, the LFDs still were a less then common force on the battle field. The idea was to bring the common, German infantry man back to the battlefield, something which is not often seen or encountered at many reenactment events and this was the ultimate goal of the group. A number of good quality infantry Divisions were looked at, units that in one way or another, fought battles on the Eastern Front, then later, after being rebuilt, fought the Western Allies. When one of our members suggested the 275 Infanterie Division, and we researched the unit’s history, it’s battle record, it’s use on the Eastern Front as the 223 Infanterie Division, and later re-formation as the 275 ID, and the fact that it’s ranks were initially filled with older, more experienced soldiers, while it’s later replacements consisted of raw, inexperienced recruits, and leftover Luftwaffe Fortress troops, we knew we found our unit. The 5 Kompanie, 984 Grenadiere Regiment, 275 Infanterie Division was a plain, field gray, common infantry unit, just like 75% of the combat units that were fielded by the Werhmacht during the war. We found a unit that we could accurately and authentically portray, and what makes us stand out is…. that we don’t stand out!!!!
If you think that the 984 is the type of unit that you would like to belong to, contact us. We are always looking for quality re-enactors to join our unit, whether you are a battle hardened veteran, or a raw recruit, we have a place for you in the 984.
The following passage was borrowed with permission from a member of the 2nd Panzer Division Reenactment unit. It is a monologue quoted from a German Soldier during World War II.......
........It's a big war, and I have only a tiny part. I'm certainly no politician. Who can say how it got started, who is at fault? For as long as I can remember, the Government, radio, and newspapers have all told us that this war was the fault of the Jews and Communists who see Germany as a threat, standing in the way of their plans to enslave the whole world. Lately, I've heard things from prisoners, seen some leaflets, and there's sometimes quiet talk of Allied broadcasts that cause me to question whether all we've been told is true. But that could just be Allied propaganda, I don't know. I do know I'm a loyal German, and a good soldier. Right now Germany is threatened, and what sort of person would I be if I did not defend my Homeland? But even those are things that are only really important in quiet times, like these. When the fighting comes, I do what I have to do to support my Comarades and survive. Someday soon, I hope this war will be over. When that time comes, the politicians and leaders will have to answer for their decisions. And any soldier, in any army, who has acted less than honorably should be held accountable for his own action. If I survive, I will say I have done my duty......
