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In The News: The following article featuring two members of the NWHA's 3rd Armored unit appeared in the Bremerton, Washington Sun newspaper for May 16-19, 2002. The article is reprinted in the NWHA newsletter with the permission of the author and the Sun. The 3rd Armored are active in living history and parades in both the Bremerton and Portland/Vancouver areas. |
COVER STORY
A Salute to the Nation's Military
'Old' Soldiers Won't Fade Away
By Deborah Woolston, Sun Staff
Four soldiers will stand out from the ranks of spit-and-polish military in Bremerton's annual Armed Forces parade.
Their rumpled wool uniforms haven't been pressed recently. Their scuffed boots could use a polish. Their canvas haversacks have been wet. But their M-1 rifles have been lovingly cared for.
The 1942 Ford Jeep is dinged and muddy as if it might have been driven off a World War II battlefield in France, Germany or Italy.
And that's the whole point.
"We strive to look as if we came straight off a news reel," said Thomas Allen. "We're not pristine. We're about preserving World War II history."
Northwest Historical Association membership numbers between 300 and 400 in seven units throughout the Northwest. The 36th Armored Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division is the historic home of Allen, 42, and Dave Marshall, 38.
"People 30 and under are confused when they see us," said Allen about the public response to the unit. "That's kind of sad — that was the generation that saved the free world."
Allen retired from the Air Force in 1998.
"But World War II vets love us because we're keeping true to the historic nature of the war."
Historical accuracy is the goal of NWHA, which is adamantly nonpolitical and nonsurvivalist.
The association insists on authenticity down to haircuts, eyeglasses and weight as well as uniforms, gear and weapons. Its Web site, www.nwha.org, lists historically acceptable equipment and vendors. Jeeps and the M-1 Garand rifle are the two pricy items.
Sun Staff photo by Caroyln J. Yaschur
Dressed in wool uniforms, Thomas Allen, left, and Dave Marshall of Bremerton are committed to the authentic depiction of World War II in Europe as members of the Northwest Historical Association. Their historically correct gear includes a tent, M-1 Garand rifles, a 1942 jeep in camouflage, canvas cartridge belts and an entrenching tool. The men pose in a Bremerton back yard.
"We tell people up front that the minimum cost of outfitting is $1,000, and most of that is the M-1 rifle," said Allen, who paid $6,000 for his jeep.
World War II jeeps can be found on farms, but the Internet and magazines are productive hunting grounds.
The other military gear can be found in garage sales as well as from movie studios and reproduction companies.
"The first big batch to hit the market was after the movie 'Saving Private Ryan,' came out," Allen said. "Steven Spielberg wanted to be as accurate as possible, bless his heart."
In addition to public appearances, NWHA members re-enact battles and maneuvers at private gatherings at an Oregon military camp near Astoria.
"We're still kids at heart and playing," joked Marshall. "Except we have more expensive toys."
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Event Debrief: Completed events sponsored by the NWHA. |
Sponsored By: NWHA
Date: June 1st & 2nd, 2002
Pendleton, Oregon
The NWHA held an ETO tactical reenactment at a new site this June outside Pendleton, Oregon. The site was about a four hour drive from the Portland area, and about a seven hour drive from Seattle. This location was recommended as part of the club's search for more new sites, and along with Salem provides members with another great spot for reenacting.
Pendleton Site Terrain
The Pendleton location provides a mix of open terrain, woods, and heavy undergrowth in a mix that allows for different scenarios without repetition. The canopy is much more open than the sites the club normally visits, with pine and larch trees dominating. There are still a number of large fallen trees that provide good concealment and break up the terrain.
British Bren Gunner
Units stayed on-site in period camps. Open fires were allowed due to a low fire danger in the area, and firewood was provided by the event organizers. Temperatures were perfect, with nights cool and days much sunnier than usually seen out at the coast. The club is looking to take advantage of this excellent location at least once a year.
Grenadiers
See the following pages of the newsletter for photos from the event.
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