First Person

Showing up to a reenactment is like stepping into the past. Imagine immersing yourself in authentically recreated uniforms, field gear, weapons, and vehicles. To help facilitate this experience, it is recommended that you develop a “first person” to better understand the culture, individuals, and general history of what it was like to be a German soldier in the 1940’s. Below are some general guidelines:

- What is your name and where were you born? In what year? (Note: You didn’t have to be born in Germany to be in the German army! By late ’43, many units were made up of completely non-Germans, including Poles, Czech’s, white Russians, and from the Alsace region).

- What did you do before the war? Who were your parents? What did they do?

- In what year were you conscripted (or volunteered)? What was your first unit?

- Do you have a family of your own i.e. wife or children? What were your favorite pastimes?

These are just a few of the many points to think about when building a first person background. Listed below are characteristics and cultural traits of Germans that can help you “stay in character” during an event (see Der Erste Zug’s site for more).

Orderliness and discipline:

Germans to this day are very orderly and well organized. Everything must be followed to a “t” or chaos can ensue. Keep your camp or bedside neat, as well as maintain your uniforms and equipment in working condition. Also be punctual.

Posture:
The traditional German stance is much more upright. When they sat, the back was straight and head not drooped. Heck they even marched upright!

Singing: 
The Germans loved to sing in groups. This may sound odd to many Americans because singing can often seem weird, however it was very important measure of morale for German officers. No signing = bad morale! Take a few minutes each day and memorize a verse or two of your favorite German song. Many of these are listed on our site. They do not necessarily have to be patriotic marching songs either; many soldiers preferred old folk songs than anything else.

Keep busy: 
This is a trait often stereotyped of Germans. They love to work, almost to the point of mania. Keep yourself busy by writing letters, fixing up camp or your uniforms, or cleaning weapons.