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Debriefing: Completed events sponsored by the NWHA. |
March 1945
Sponsored By: NWHA
Date: March 24th & 25th
Camp Rilea, Oregon
In March the club finished up a set of two late-war scenarios based on the Allied push across the Siegfried line. The event was held at Camp Rilea during a quiet period for base training, so the club had access to a number of different areas. A light drizzle fell off and on throughout the weekend, but participants were spared any heavy rain. Units stayed in the wartime barracks, maybe for the last time as new ones are constructed in their place.
Medic and Track
The 3rd Armored Division brought out their 2 1/2 ton truck and a halftrack, allowing for all personal vehicles to be left back at the barracks. With their help the club was able to fight a scenario in one area then move to a new location and terrain when it had finished. One of the club's newest units, Das Reich, had an excellent turnout and seems to be growing fast.
German Lineup
The tactical rules introduced this year remained in use, and are starting to make an impact. Units should be divided into sections before scenarios with defined NCOs. If the unit strength falls below 50% the section should stop any offensive action. If their NCO is also a casualty then they should fall back or surrender. Sections should be formed up when leaving the deadpool rather than coming out individually. Small groups or individuals may be employed as scouts, but if left without support they should always fall back when contact with the enemy is made. The idea is to eliminate actions that would generally be considered tactically hopeless, and to improve realism by considering the affects on morale of casualties within a unit.
Johnny Canuck
See the following pages of the newsletter for photos from this event.
June, 1944
Sponsored By: NWHA
Date: Memorial Day weekend, 2001
Ft. Stevens, Oregon & Camp Rilea, Oregon
The format for this year's annual D-Day Commemoration event received high marks from both participants and the public. The event combined living history camps and daily public battles at Ft. Stevens along with afternoon reenactments at Camp Rilea.
Commonwealth Campsite
The Commonwealth and American units set up living history camps as part of the park's Memorial Day display. Each group had a squad tent and a number of two-man tents, along with displays of weapons, uniforms and equipment. The GI's had an M2 halftrack, a weapons carrier, and a jeep, while the Canadians and British brought out two jeeps, one of them set up as an airborne jeep. During the day the German units displayed their gear and allowed the crowd a chance to fire a propane MG34, while the Commonwealth units held games of soccer and cricket. A large number of people came through the displays, which were part of a larger event at the park that included Civil War camps, vehicle displays, and the resident early-war Coastal Artillery display unit.
Fighting in Public Battle
Five public battles took place over the weekend, and were watched by large audiences from the holiday crowds at the coast. The 11 Panzer brought their SdKfz 251 for the weekend, and it proved to be a good draw for the public. It started life as a Czech halftrack and has been heavily modified, a process that is still continuing with an upcoming alteration to the side armour. Pyrotechnics provided by the 6 Fallschirmjaeger were set up in foxholes and on the halftrack. 'Fritz' the dummy earned another campaign medal (and well-deserved wound badge) when his foxhole was blown by a satchel charge, and the SdKfz 251 popped smoke charges during each display.
Crowd at Public Display Battle
A tactical reenactment was held at Camp Rilea on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening. With both halftracks out and with numbers relatively equal, the battles turned out to be evenly matched and fairly fast-paced. The club had access to the urban site along with the southern sections of the base.
See the following pages of the newsletter for photos from this event.
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Upcoming Events: Tactical Reenactments & Living History Events sponsored by the NWHA. |
"Operation Bagration", Summer 1944
Sponsored By: NWHA
Date: July 28th & 29th, 2001
Salem
In late June 1944 Soviet armies began a massive Summer offensive in Byelorussia codenamed "Operation Bagration". The attack began exactly three years to the day from the German invasion of Russia. Five weeks later the Soviet armies reached the outskirts of Warsaw, where they paused as the city burned. Germany's Army Group Center had been destroyed. Seventeen divisions disappeared and 50 more were shattered. Bagration proved to be the most grievous defeat for the Wehrmacht in the war.
This event will take place in the State Forest east of Salem, Oregon. For specific maps and directions please contact your unit commander or check your printed copy of the newsletter. The roads are accessible to most vehicles, including those without 4-wheel drive. Parking on site is available along with space to pitch modern tents and access to portable toilets.
Two period camps will be set up on-site away from the personal vehicles and modern camp site. Accommodations at local hotels are also available. Water will need to be brought in for the event, so please bring ample supplies in your car. Fires are NOT allowed, so bring propane stoves and lanterns. As part of the Park regulations you MUST carry a shovel or entrenching tool while in the field. You will be able to build fortifications or dig entrenchments and leave them, however, do not dig or have firefights within 25 feet of any running water. Please pick up as much trash and spent brass as possible. There is no limit on the time for battles, they can start as early as desired and last into the night.
This event will strictly be for German and Russian impressions. The club's Russian unit is an Associate Unit of the NWHA, and acts as a second impression for members of the regular units. If you are a club member interested in joining the Russian unit for this event please send email to za_rodinu@nwha.org. Event dues are to be determined based on the cost of the portable toilets and the number of attendees.
This event is closed to the public. If you would like to attend as a guest please see our Registration letter on the main web site under the 'Events' page. Print the letter and coordinate with the unit that best matches your impression.
Autumn 1943
Sponsored By: NWHA
Date: September 22nd & 23rd
Camp Rilea, Oregon
In the Fall of 1943, nearly a year before the Normandy landings, the Allies attacked the European mainland with an invasion of Italy. On September 3rd, 1943 the British 8th Army crossed over from Sicily onto the Italian mainland. On September 9th the joint Anglo-American 5th Army landed at the beaches of Salerno while to the east the British 1st Airborne landed at the port of Brindisi. The paramount failure of Italian war aimes led to Mussolini's arrest and a peace treaty signed between the new Italian government and the Allies.
British Troops in Italy
German opposition around the Salerno beach-head was surprisingly tough, and no breakout could be made until the 8th Army moved north and affected a linkup. Now the 5th Army advanced up the western half of Italy while the 8th Army advanced up the eastern half. The vital rail and air centres in southern Italy, Naples and Foggia, were taken in early October against determined Heer and Fallschirmjaeger resistance. The Allies pushed across the Volturno, Trigno, and Rapido Rivers, reaching the prepared German defenses of the Winter Line and Gustav Line. 5th Army alone had suffered over twelve thousand casualties, and the bitter fights at Ortona and Cassino still lay ahead in the coming winter.
German & Italian Paratroopers
We expect the billeting will be in the usual WW2-era barracks along the west road and firing range (or the replacement barracks in that area if they're finished). Normally the barracks are opened at 4pm on Friday; you should check with your unit commander to verify the time and location. Battle fees for Camp Rilea are $15 for one day and $25 for two days. Ammunition is available to purchase, but please bring cash only. Formation time will be 8:45am Saturday and Sunday. Remember that while the barracks are very comfortable and warm, we know that the unexpected can happen, so please be prepared and bring warm clothing, sleeping bags, and a tent if possible.
American Troops advance North
This event is closed to the public. If you would like to attend as a guest please see our Registration letter on the main web site under the 'Events' page. Print the letter and coordinate with the unit that best matches your impression.
