About Us

The world has had many armed conflicts in its past but, none as significant as the events of World War II. More men were under arms than ever before in history. The world as we now know it was forever affected and changed by this conflict.

Now, some decades later, the 21st Panzer Division was formed to remember those men who fought in that war and to preserve the uniforms, equipment, weapons, and even the vehicles of that era. People from all different backgrounds such as militaria collectors, history buffs, students, military vehicles owners, teachers, businessmen, and even active duty military personnel fill our ranks as unit members. Our purpose is to relive (as close as possible), and to keep alive the traditions and memories of the combat soldier of WW II.

The 21st Panzer Division requires three things of our members: safety, authenticity, and a snonpolitical orientation. Our goal is to educate the public to the importance of preserving artifacts of the era, to sponsor the growth, development, and understanding of reenacting as a highly rewarding, enriching, and educational interest.

The 21st Panzer Division reenactment unit is based in Southern California and is an active member of the California Historical Group. Our unit members come from all over the state to participate in public events and battle reenactments. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact us for more information.

FAQs

What is reenacting and what do you do?

Reenacting is a form of reliving and studying history of certain time period that our former ancestors had to live through. Many people come from all walks of life to join in on recreating that time era and battle. At a reenactment battle, a scenario is made up from a certain historical battle (i.e. Normandy, Russian front, Italy) and each side fights against each other to achieve certain objectives predetermined in the scenario. Each participant is dressed in authentic uniforms and gear that each event calls for, and blanks are used in authentic weapons to simulate battlefield fire.

How do I know I am “shot?”

Being shot is based on the honor system. If one witnesses a flash in their general direction, it is most likely at you, therefore you “take the hit” i.e. play dead. Taking cover behind trees, rocks, mounds, etc. is beneficial in not getting hit, so keeping up combat awareness is always must. There are bylaws in the CHG manual that determine ranges on each weapon, which can be found on the main CHG site.

Do vehicles participate in the battles as well?

Yes, several individuals have took the time and money to purchase and maintain WWII era vehicles to make the battles that much better. Allied units’ vehicles consist of several M-8 greyhounds, jeeps, trucks, half-tracks, 2 Stuart tanks, and a Sherman! Axis vehicles consist of several Kübelwagons, half-trucks, motorcycles, trucks, anti-tank guns, and a Hetzer tank. The majority of these vehicles show up to the 2 Camp Robert’s events.

Ok, I want to join! What do I do?

First, contact our unit leader Dale Landers (619-286-3444). He will inform you on the next event, loaner gear, and other necessary fees. We have loaner gear and rifles so purchasing anything beforehand is not needed (except rations). Blanks can be bought at the battle site. Second, get on our forums (21stpz.proboards101.com) and introduce yourself! By your third battle, a unit vote will be held to see if you’re a suitable individual for the unit. It is advised to take a weapons safety class beforehand to understand the importance of gun safety if you have not handled one. Safety is first and foremost in reenactments.

Where can I get my gear?

Vendors are provided in the “Links” section of the site. These are approved vendors to purchase your uniform, gear, and other essentials. Please review the unit standards in uniforms and gear before purchasing. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Try to stay away from post-war East/West German items and other foreign military items. Reproductions should be used in the field rather than originals (save those for your display case!)

What should I get first?

Boots are the essential item of any foot soldier. So it is beneficial to your impression (and feet!) to get a good reproduction or converted pair of boots. At The Front carries both reproduction jackboots and low-boots for a good price that will last you a long time. A second item is your tunic and trousers. There are several models that are available so please review the handbook that fits your impression. All other essential gear and rifle must be bought within a year’s time in joining the unit.

What books can I read for further research?

We are fortunate enough this day and age to have access to hundreds of books on the German soldier and World War II in general. Provided below is a partial list of books any aspiring reenactor should have under his belt:

WW2 campaigns in general:

Fighting the Breakout: The German Army in Normandy from Cobra to the Falaise Gap by Generalmajor Rudolf-Christoph Freiherr Von Gersdorff and others.
Invasion! They're Coming! by Paul Carrell
The Bridge at Remagen by Ken Hechler
Pegasus Bridge by Stephen Ambrose
D-Day by Stephen Ambrose
Kursk in Normandy: Operation Goodwood by Perry Moore

German Research/Memoirs:

Handbook on German Military Forces by U.S. War Department
Wehrmacht: The Illustrated History of the German Army in WWII by John Pimlot
Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WW2 by Chamberlain and Doyle
The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer
Five Years, Four Fronts: The War Years by Georg Grossjohann
Sniper on the Eastern Front: The Memoirs of Sepp Allerberger by Geoffrey Brooks
Soldat: Reflections of a German Soldier, 1936-1949 by Siegfried Knappe

Relating to 21. Panzer Division:

21. Panzer- Division by Jean-Claude Perrigault (French text only unfortunately)
21^st Panzer Division by Chris Ellis
Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Hans Von Luck by Hans Von Luck (a must!!)

Research on Uniforms/Documents:

German Army Uniforms and Insignia 1933-1945 by Brian Davis
Paper’s Please! By Ray and Josephine Cowdrey
German Soldiers of World War Two by Jean de LagardeAngolia series
Rommel’s Afrikakorps series by Robert Kurtz