Category: History

Posted on by Pat Costa

WW2 Reenacting Supply and Equipment Catalogs

This lists supply catalogs. Supply catalogs are books filled with descriptions and nomenclature of various items used by different branches.

Signal Corps and Radio and Telephone

The instrument sketch book Weston Electrical Instruments 1941 – A sales book showing various products. Some of these civilian models may have ended up in Signal Corps hands. Also nice to have a reference guide in case you come across an obscure electrical item that you’re not sure about.

Signal Supply Catalog 1945- SubClass 6r M-Z Tools, Pigeons Class 9, Meteorological Class 7 – A partial listing of the whole Signal Corps Supply Catalog. Consisting of the total stock numbers and nomenclature of all items available to the Signal Corps.

Signal Training Pamphlet No 4 Wo Code No 8256 – Construction and Maintenance of Lines Poled Cable and Multi-Airline 1948 – A post-war British Army guide on pole construction

Automatic Electric Telephone Supplies 1950 –Part One and Part Two. A product sales book showing telephone supplies available in 1950. Good for cross-referencing items. Includes hardware, wood, insulators, tools, wire, cable, cords, terminals, power, and miscellaneous items.

Medical Department

Combat Medics of WWII An Exhibit of the National D-Day Memorial, Bedford, VA – Good, quick outline of combat medics from all nations both Allied and Axis.

Medical Supply Catalog Med1 to Med3 March 1944 – This is the medical department’s complete catalog of available products. It lists items available, the associated stock number, as well as the price. It also includes pictures of some of the times. It’s a beefy PDF file that you download from my Google Drive. The Med-dept.com contains a wealth of information that goes into more detail on some of the items in the catalog, such as individual first aid packs.

Medical Department Supply Catalog 1942 – This is the medical department’s complete catalog of available products. It lists items available, the associated stock number, as well as the price. It’s a beefy PDF file that you download from my Google Drive. The Med-dept.com contains a wealth of information that goes into more detail on some of the items in the catalog, such as individual first aid packs.

Medical Department Supply Catalog June 1st, 1943 – A list of items available for the medical department, including costs and supply class. Also includes a section on organizational equipment, medical department assemblages and component parts, and the cost of medical department blank forms.

Identifying and Dating Medical Equipment in use by the US Army in WW2 – By Poppy Mercier Somme Poppies Repros Updated August 2025. Explains how to date medical equipment.

Quartermaster Corps

Quartermaster Corps Manual QMC 14-2: Use and Care of Office Equipment and Supplies – Dated Feb 1945. Written in response to the drastic reduction of office supplies, and describes how to use and care for office supplies to make them last longer. Contains nuggets of information like “use both sides of the paper” and “to re-use file folders, flip them inside out”. Also mentions reusing rubber bands as rubber was a wartime ration good. It also has a good section on how to care for typewriters, which, if you don’t know where to begin, is a good place to start! Print on ivory regular paper, 8.5″ x 11″

Quartermaster Supply Catalog QM 3-1 1946: List of Items for Troop Issue Enlisted Men’s Clothing and Equipment. This catalog was made in May 1946. Lists out all the things available to troops at the end of WW2. Supercedes QM1.

For the June 1943 version, see QM 3-1.

Officers’ Equipment Catalog 1938 No 33 – Lists items available for officers. Somewhat dated for WW2, but stuff would have been around.

QM 3-2 WACs and Nurses Clothing and Equipment: Circular No 4 Revised Oct 1943 and including Change 1 of April 1944 – First published in Oct 1943 and then updated in April 1944. A list of clothing and equipment items for Nurses and WACs.

For the June 1946 version, see: Armed Service Forces Catalog, Quartermaster Supply Catalog QM 3-2. List of Items for Troop Issue, WACS’ and Nurses’ Clothing and Equipment. Headquarters, Army Service Forces.

Quartermaster Supply for Posts, Camps, and Stations QM3-3. Lists items that would be available for issue to static places like camps and posts, etc. Published on June 15th, 1944.

Quartermaster Supply Catalog for Enlisted Men QM 1. Lists items for issue to enlisted men at the start of WW2. Published in 1943.

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM7-MISC 9, Organizational Spare Parts for Heater, Immersion Type, For Cans, Corrugated, QM Stock No. 65-J-1911-50 –

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM7-MISC 2A, Organizational Spare Parts for Stove, Cooking, Gasoline, M1941, One Burner, QM Stock No. 65-H-2880 –

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM7-MISC 3, Organizational Spare Parts for Stove, Cooking, Gasoline, M1942, One Burner, QM Stock No. 65-H-2881 –

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM8-MISC 11, Outfit, Burner, Pot Type, Oven, Bake, Field, M1942 –

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM8-MISC 8, Range, Field, M1937 –

US Army Tentative Specification, Equipment for Range, Field, M1937, Bake Pan with Cover and Stock Pot with Insert and Covers –

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM7-MISC 10, Organizational Spare Parts for Oven Bake, Field, M-1942, QM Stock No. 65-A-5500 –

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, QM7-MISC 11, Organizational Spare Parts for Outfit, Burner, Pot Type, Oven Bake, Field, M-1942, QM Stock No. 65-A-5040 –

QMC Tentative Specification, Sun Dried and Blanched Dehydrated Prunes, Peached, Apricots, Raisins –

Quartermaster Supply in the European Theater of Operations Vol. III. Published at the Quartermaster School at Camp Lee, VA in 1948. It includes the following chapters:

  • Chapter 1 – Invasion Plans (p. 1)
  • Chapter 2 – Methods of Supply (p. 9)
  • Chapter 3 – Procurement (p. 22)
  • Chapter 4 – Storage and Distribution (p. 40)
  • Chapter 5 – The ETO Field Jacket (p. 58)
  • Chapter 6 – Protective Clothing (p. 66)
  • Chapter 7 – Winter Clothing (p. 75)
  • Chapter 8 – Outfitting the Woman Soldier (p. 90)
  • Appendix I – Proposal for T/E 21 Clothing and Equipment Accompanying Troops Overseas (p. 98)
  • Appendix II – Equipment of Troops, December 1943 (p. 100)
  • Appendix III – Equipment of Troops, 25 February 1944 (p. 102)
  • Appendix IV-A – Class II Beach Maintenance Sets (p. 104)
  • Appendix IV-B – Follow-Up Maintenance Sets (p. 107)
  • Appendix IV-C – Items to Be Stocked for Maintenance Sets (p. 110)
  • Appendix V – Class II Reserve Stocks for Marshaling Areas, 30 March 1944 (p. 114)
  • Appendix VI – Allowances of Clothing and Equipment for Troops Engaged in the Continental Operation, 30 April 1944 (p. 115)
  • Appendix VII – Items to Be Bulk Shipped, 11 May 1943 (p. 120)
  • Appendix VIII – Hospital Stocks, April 1944 (p. 119)
  • Appendix IX – Flow of Clothing and Individual Equipment, 2 February 1945 (p. 121)
  • Appendix X-A – Controlled Items, 10 October 1944 (p. 122)
  • Appendix X-B – Items Controlled by OCQM, April 1945 (p. 123)
  • Appendix XI – Replenishment Requisition and Shipment Flow, 19 March 1945 (p. 124)
  • Appendix XII – Report of Individual Equipment Procured from British Sources, 1943–1944 (p. 125)
  • Appendix XIII – Draft of French Government’s Procedure Establishing General Terms for the Manufacture of Military Clothing, 19 November 1944 (p. 126)
  • Appendix XIV – Raw Materials Import Plan, 18 December 1944 (p. 128)
  • Appendix XV – Comparison of Commodities Required and Procured from Continental Production, February–September 1945 (p. 130)
  • Appendix XVI – Depot Mission in United Kingdom (p. 131)
  • Appendix XVII – Comparison of Clothing and Individual Equipment Requirements and Assets for First Period of a Continental Operation (p. 132)
  • Appendix XVIII – Individual Clothing and Equipment Requirements, Brittany Base Section, 8 September 1944 (p. 133)
  • Appendix XIX – Normal Flow of Class II Supplies (p. 135)
  • Appendix XX-A – Normal Flow of Class II Supplies for United States Forces (p. 136)
  • Appendix XX-B – Normal Flow of Class II Supplies for POW (p. 138)
  • Appendix XXI – Summary of Class II Depot Missions (p. 137)
  • Appendix XXII – Model Stock Clothing, 1 August 1943 (p. 140)
  • Appendix XXIII – Model Stock Clothing, 20 January 1945 (p. 142)
  • Appendix XXIV – Supplemental Size Tariffs for Shoes, Service Type III, 7 November 1944 (p. 154)
  • Appendix XXV – Shoepac Size Tariffs, 1 November 1945 (p. 155)
  • Appendix XXVI – Status of Protective Clothing, 9 February 1944 (p. 156)
  • Appendix XXVII – Status of Items of Clothing and Individual Equipment in Short Supply in the United Kingdom, 15 July 1944 (p. 157)
  • Appendix XXVIII – Items of Winter Clothing Recommended by the Office of the Quartermaster General, November 1943 (p. 158)
  • Appendix XXIX – Clothing and Equipment Recommended for Climatic Conditions Similar to Winter in Northern France and Germany (p. 159)
  • Appendix XXX – Winter Clothing for Special Conditions, 15 August 1944 (p. 160)
  • Appendix XXXI – Winter Clothing for Special Conditions, 9 September 1944 (p. 161)
  • Appendix XXXII – Movement of Winter Clothing to Armies, 20 September 1944 (p. 162)
  • Appendix XXXIII – The Winterizing Program, October 1944 (p. 163)
  • Appendix XXXIV – Additional Winter Clothing Requirements, 2 October 1944 (p. 164)
  • Appendix XXXV – Winter Clothing in ETO Waters, 20 November 1944 – 1 January 1945 (p. 165)
  • Appendix XXXVI – Special Cold Weather Clothing, 3 January 1945 (p. 166)
  • Appendix XXXVII – Total Issues as of 17 February 1945 (p. 167)
  • Appendix XXXVIII – Winter Clothing for European Theater of Operations, 9 March 1945 (p. 168)
  • Appendix XXXIX – Requirements for Local Procurement of Clothing and Individual Equipment for Enlisted Women (p. 169)
  • Appendix XL – 1945 Raw Materials Import Plan: Knit Goods for Enlisted Women (p. 170)
  • Appendix XLI – Clothing Allowances for WAC Enlisted Women

Army Air Forces Equipment Catalogs

Airborne Radio Equipment Handbook 1943 – A listing of which planes had what radios and where they were on the plane.

Graphic Survey of Army Air Forces Radio Equipment – Consists of four sections conducted in 1945.

Women’s Uniform Guide

American Women in Uniform 1943 by Mary Steele Ross – A quick overview of different uniformed Women’s organizations, their uniforms, pay, and rank.

Ordnance Catalogs

Ordnance Catalog Standard Nomenclature List A-5 ORGANIZATIONAL SPARE PARTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR GUN MACHINE CAL 30 BROWNING M1917 AND M1917A1 AND MOUNTS June 1943 – Outlines parts and equipment for several different types of machine guns.

Ordnance Catalog Standard Nomenclature List A-33 Mortar and Mount 81mm M1 Parts and Equipment March 1942 – Outlines the parts and equipment for the M1 81mm mortar.

Ordnance Catalog Standard Nomenclature List B3 for M1903, M1903A1, M1903A3, and M1903A4 Sniper Rifles May 1944 – Outlines parts for the M1903 rifle as well as the slings and bayonets.

Ordnance Catalog Standard Nomenclature List A-42 for Hand Carts M3A4 M4A1 and M6A1 June 1945 | Outlines the parts and equipment for the M3A1, M4A1, and M6A1 hand carts.

For an additional detailed review, see M3A4 Hand Cart on the Liberator Website.

Ordnance Catalog Obsolete General Supplies of Group A July 1945 – Lists various equipment classified as obsolete, including hand carts.

Posted on by Pat Costa

WW2 Reenacting Army Newspapers, Guides, Pamplets, and Bulletins

Easy 39th has a larger list of Pamphlets, so if you don’t see what you want here, you can head to that page. War Time Press is also another site to look at. However, they appear to only send out digital copies. For civilian magazines and newspapers, see: World War Two Civilian Magazines and Newspapers.

Yank

For a complete directory and listing of all WW2-era Yank magazines, see The Unz Review. Note that it only shows based on the individual article. You do not seem able to download a whole magazine. Nobody seems able to reproduce them either.

That said, I have some magazines that I’ve found that have been uploaded as a PDF: Yank Jan 6th 1943 The Navy Issue, Yank Magazine Jan 5th 1945, and Yank Magazine April 20th 1945. They are set up to be printed on a standard 8.5×11 piece of computer paper. The problem is that Yank Magazines are 10.25in. high and 14in. wide, and the PDFs contain watermarks and other post-WW2 library catalog information. Also, this is newspaper print, not modern printing paper.

Pocket Guides

A Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland – War and Navy Departments 1942 – Contains instructions on how to print this off.

Pocket Guide to the Cities of Southern France 1944 – Guide to cities in southern France. Maybe someone more handy with Photoshop can remove the references to the library in it.

Bulletins

All Hands Naval Personnel Information Bulletin September 1944 11×17 no 330 – a bulletin that contains information about the Navy Personnel’s activities.

BROWNING BELT FILLING MACHINE CAL 30 SHUTTLE TYPE TB 23-45-1 July 1942 – A technical bulletin

Pamphlets and Leaflets

No 21-1 Pamphlet Vital Facts for Men Overseas 1944 – A discussion of security when traveling overseas, censorship, and letter writing. Interestingly, it makes reference to a “Blue Envelope,” which could be used instead of V-Mail for highly personal matters that get examined by the base censor, not the unit censor. Probably because the unit censor would know you and the base censor wouldn’t.

General and Special Orders Bulletins Circulars Instructional Pamphlet No 1 Sept 1942 –

Pamphlet 21-13 Army Life 1944 | A document that goes over basic military introduction. See also a historical primer on Army Life written by Tim O’Neill.

If you wish to print it off, the cover is a brown cardstock.

Pamphlet 21-10 Pvt Droop has Missed the War June 5th 1944 | A document that implores soldiers to essentially “don’t do stupid shit with” like driving too fast, hanging out too close to highways, drinking and driving, swimming within 2 hours, and visiting firetraps and cabarets, etc.

73 Questions and Answers about the WAAC –

WAC Enlistment Pamphlet 1944 –

Pamphlet 21-23 Don’t Get Killed by Mines or Booby Traps Nov 17th 1944 | A guide that discusses types of German, Japanese, and US mines, how they work, how to recognize them, and where one might find them.

Essentially, don’t touch stuff.

Note that the pamphlet contains Nazi symbols and offensive imagery of the Japanese.

Pamphlet 23-2 Hits Count 1959 | A post-war document that discusses how to aim with the M1 Garand rifle. While not WW2-related, the tips are relevant.

Pamphlet 24-2 Radio Telephone Procedure Oct 22nd, 1943 – Part 1 and Part 2 | A short small booklet that explains Radio Telephone Procedure. Print off part 1 on 8.5in by 14in. Beige light cardstock, flip it over, and print off part 2. Then cut and fold.

The actual size is: 4.75in X 3.75in. If you want it as an image, you can see part 1 and part 2 here.

Pamphlet 27-4 Procedure for Military Executions 1944 | Outlines how to execute by firing squad and hanging convicted military personnel.

It is interesting to note that when the prisoner approaches the firing post or gallows, a band plays “The Death March”, which is Frederic Chopin’s Funeral March. When the prisoner is killed, the band plays “..a lively tune”.

For a history of how this song became associated with military executions, see: The History of the ‘Dead March’ played before military executions.

Also of note, when execution by firing squad happens, between 1 and 4 rifles out of the 12 used will be loaded with blank ammunition.

US Leaflet Face Paint – Camouflage – How to use face paint. Facts and how to.

Artillery Barrage Pamphlet 1944 – Things to report during your Shellrep or “Shell Report” that you provide when shelling happens.

Transportation

Ford Truck GPW Instructions for Unpacking and Assembly of Boxed Vehicle – Fully Sheathed Create Form 3679-1 | Describes how to unpack a jeep in a crate and assemble it.

Drivers School Schedule of Classes April to May 1944 – A classroom training schedule for training drivers. Includes topics and relevant field and technical manuals.

Medical

Removal of Wounded from Tanks Information Bulletin No 17 June 5th, 1942 | Discusses ways to remove wounded from tanks such as using slings or pulling them out. Mostly focuses on early war tanks like the Lee and Grant and includes British tanks like the Churchill and Valentine.

The Army Nurse

The Army Nurse Vol 2 No 1-8 Jan to Aug 1945 – The Army Nurse is a magazine-type publication for Army Nurses. It contains news and information related to the organization.

Comes from AFHRA Reel B1795.

The Army Nurse Vol 1 No 1-12 Jan to Dec 1945 – The Army Nurse is a magazine-type publication for Army Nurses. It contains news and information related to the organization.

Comes from AFHRA Reel B1795.

Ordinance and Weapons

How to Shoot the US Army Rifle – The Infantry Journal, 1943.

Misc

Jody Calls | A marching song invented by Private Willie Lee Duckworth in 1944 to help keep up morale during long marches.

This Jody Call Information paper explains more about the history.

Camp Crowder Guide and Telephone Use – Looks to be a little handout given to folks arriving at Camp Crowder, MI.

For a look at some of the soldiers training at Camp Crowder See: Camp Crowder Signal Corps Training Center 27th Battalion, Co D as well as A Camera Trip at Camp Crowder. For a humorous take see the Pvt Roberts Comic Strip.

For additional Camp Crowder information see: https://www.ibiblio.org/cizewski/signalcorps/crowder/index.html.

Radio War Guide July 1st, 1942 | A handout that outlines things a civilian radio station can take to help spread factual information about the war and help with general war-related programming.

Alphabetical list of APOs Jan 1942 to Nov 1947 | Lists out all the APOs for postal mailing.

If Captured These Are Your Rights 1944 War Department Pamphlet No 21-7 | A handout that outlines what your rights are if captured.

You should be able to print it out on 8.5in by 11in paper and then cut and trim pages. However, the front page may be cardstock.

Should get two staples along the outside seam.

Get Tough! How to Win Hand-Hand Fighting As taught to British Commandos and US Armed Forces by Capt WE Fairbairn.

The original book was published in 1942. This is a reprint of it. If I ever come across a PDF of the original book I’ll replace it.

Dirty Fighting An Introduction to the Principles of Combat without Weapons by Lt David Morrah Jr AAA School Camp Davis NC | A manual for hand-to-hand fighting.

Men-at-Arms German Combat Equipments 1939-45 – An Osprey publication that outlines what the German Equipment looks like.

Cohesion and Disintegration in the Wehrmacht by Edward Shils and Morris Janowitz Public Opinion Quarterly Vol. 12 No. 2 1948 | Discusses why the German Army was effective and why it collapsed. Essentially, it was effective when there was trust and not when there wasn’t.

Camouflage Simplified 1942 by Eric Sloane | A book describing ways to camouflage buildings from aerial observations through shadowing, pattern blending, painting etc.

Post-WW2

There’s a small number of post-WW2 manuals and guides I thought I might post here because they’re too cool and interesting not to share.

Combat in Russian Forests and Swamps Center for Military History 104-2, 1982. This replaces PAM 20-231, July 1951.

Germans marching through a russian swamp

FM 31-20 Special Forces Operational Techniques Dec 1965.

FM 31-73 Advisor Handbook for Counterinsurgency April 1965.

150 Questions For A Guerrilla – Alberto Bayo – Paladin Press – 1996. It is an interview conducted with General Bayo before he died. Likely as part of his experience with the Cuban Revolution.

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Rangers and Special Forces in WW2

I typically reenact 5th Rangers, D Co. This post isn’t meant to rehash the history of the 5th Rangers (or Special Forces) but to provide some interesting information about them. I’ve divided the information into a few distinct sections. The images below cover all rangers unless otherwise specified in the image.

The images come from Ross, Robert Todd. US Army Rangers & Special Forces of World War II: Their War in Photographs. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 2002.

Rangers in the Field

Ranger Toggle Ropes

A close-up of the Ranger toggle ropes used on Dday. Probably taken from a training landing or a few days after.

While this next image isn’t from the book it does describe the location of where folks were in a landing craft. Source unknow.

Darbys Rangers

The images below show a Table of Organization and Equipment for Darby’s Rangers but are instructive in a general sense for what the 5th Rangers ultimately had.

Ranger Helmet

The images show some examples of a Ranger helmet. To learn more about how to paint the diamond see: Painting a Ranger Diamond.

Ranger Patch

The image below shows an example of a ranger patch on HBTs and 4 pocket tunics.

D-Day Embarkation

The images below highlight activity around the Rangers as they prepare for Dday. In one image you can see a few BC1000s radios.

Unique Uniform and Equipment Placement

The images below highlight a few unique placements of field equipment. Such as a meatcan pouch attached to a belt.

Ranger Training

The images below show a few examples of Ranger training for D-day and in general. It also shows an example of “Ranger Training” for other units. As in some soldiers in other units were selected to take a “Ranger course” and be certified.

Ranger Haircuts

1st Ranger Battalion SV Boots

The 1st Ranger Battalion had SV books. With “S” meaning sole and “V” meaning Vibram.

2671st Special Reconnaissance Battalion

The 2671st Special Reconnaissance Battalion was an OSS unit. They spray-painted their M1943 with black stripes to help camouflage it during operations. This doesn’t apply to the 5th Rangers but cool to show.

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The M1 Helment for WW2 Reenacting

This will document some interesting things about the M1 Helmet that might be germane to reenacting. The images below unless otherwise mentioned come from two books –

The M1 Helmet: A History of the US M1 Helmet in World War II. by Mark A. Reynosa, 1996. Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA. Images from this book are marked MR.

The M1 Helmet of the World War II GI: A Reference based on the M-1helmet.com collection. by Pieter Oosterman, 2010. Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA. Images from this book are marked PO. To view part of the collection please visit M-1 Helmet.com

M1917a1 Helmet

The M1917a1 helmet is the same m1917 helmet design but with an improved liner.

Steel Helmet Production: The Helmet, Liner, and Straps

M1 Helmet Liner Manufacturing Companies: How to ID

Paratrooper’s Helmet

Helmet Camouflage and Nets

Field Modifications and Field Markings

Identifying your Helmet

GIs would write their name on the liner or chinstrap or etch it into the metal of the helmet itself.

Medic Helmets

Unissued Liners

Below shows how the liners were packed from the maker.

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WW2 Airborne Reenacting Information

This page will catalog some information related to reenacting US airborne divisions during WW2. I have an 82nd Airborne impression that I don’t often use. It’s a secondary impression that I’ll occasionally pull out, but I’ve acquired various documents related to the 82nd in crafting the impression.

Geronimo US Airborne Uniforms Insignia and Equipment in World War II. Bill Rentz, 1999. Schiffer Military History. Atglen, PA

The images below are some high-quality PDF scans that came out of the book. Shows the 82nd in North Africa, individual equipment issued prior to a jump, how patches were sewn on, medical harness equipment, Arm Identification flag examples, 82nd patch examples, and stenciled jump jacket, among others. For a complete view, you can download the pdfs in a zip file here.

82nd Airborne in Normandy: A History in Period Photographs. Francois, Dominique. 2004. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History.

The images below are some high-quality scans that come from the book. Shows aid station images, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Basketball Team, beer drinking, dropping supply bundles, private photos taken before departing for Normandy, individual equipment, parachuting dogs, The Tennessee Maneuvers, and others.

At the Point of No Return: Pictorial History of the American Paratroopers in the Invasion of Normandy
Michel de Trez, 1994 D-Day Publishing, Belgium

The images below are some high-quality scans that come out of the book. It has examples of rigger-modified medical pouches and kits, platoon demo kits, and individual demo kits, as well as a few pictures of first aid and soldiers taking positions prior to an attack.

Why 1st Aid Kits on 17th Abn Div Helmet Nets by Lt Col David P. Schorr

Why 1st Aid Kits on 17th Abn Div Helmet Nets by Lt Col David P. Schorr – This is a short document from the School of Combined Arms (Regular Course) 1946-1947. Schorr was the Executive Officer of the 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment. It provides a brief explanation as to why the first aid kits were attached to the front of the helmet. Spoiler: It provides a distinctive outline making “friendlies” easily recognizable in the dark. Now obviously, it only applies to the 17th Airborne Division around Operation Varsity but “attaching stuff to a helmet during a jump” was also something done by the 82nd and 101st on other jumps. It makes it easier to carry more stuff into combat.

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Feathers of Honor: Pigeons in WW1

Feathers of Honor: US Army Signal Corps Pigeon Service in World War 1, 1917-1918. Pdf file. By Frank A. Blazich Jr.
Source: Army History , Fall 2020, No. 117 (Fall 2020), pp. 32-51 Published by: U.S. Army Center of Military History

The article discusses the development of the pigeon service, training of pigeoneers, selection of the pigeons, and tactics used to bring pigeon communication as close as possible to the front lines.

Of course, you cannot mention pigeons in WW1 without a nod to Cher Ami, arguably the most famous pigeon ever. Cher Ami is credited with helping to relieve friendly fire on the Lost Battalion. Cher Ami is currently stuffed and on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC.

Identification stamps on a pigeon’s wing
A book with carrying tubes and paper for sending messages
Soldiers from the 42d Division prepare pigeons to carry messages back from the front.
Mobile Lofts for Pigeons
Cher Ami
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Signal Corps Communication at World War Two Reenactments

“Run and Gun” Events

These types of events are characterized by organizers bringing together a bunch of units and having them fire and maneuver at each other throughout a weekend without any well-defined or planned tactical scenario. Often called a private tactical. These can be fun, but you have to insert yourself, as the organizers rarely think to include signal elements.

Due to the nature of these events, your best bet is to come with several sets of BC-611s. These are usually cheaper, lightweight, and reproductions of them exist. Plus, folks can kinda strap the radio to themselves and still be able to run and gun with their unit. They’re not inherently tied to a radio for the whole event.

I’ve personally done events where I brought a pair of BC-1000s, and while cool, it’s a lot more equipment to lug around. Plus, these are all originals and are prone to breaking (once an original short antenna broke at an event), and heavy and cumbersome. Folks are usually tied to the radio for the whole event.

You would want to get a list of units and approximate strength before the event and work up a set of Signal Operation Instructions (SOIs) that outline call signs and frequencies, as well as which unit gets which BC-611. You would probably want to include some basic communication procedures as well as the phonetic alphabet.

You would then request one soldier from each unit to attend an SOI briefing. Where you go over the BC611 usage, instructions, and communication procedures. You’d likely have anywhere between 15 minutes and 30 minutes before the event starts to do this. So keep the briefing short, quick, and memorable. They should be able to explain it back to you, and they should also be instructed to train several others in the unit.

Printing off the booklet below might be helpful, too.

Pamphlet 24-2 Radio Telephone Procedure Oct 22nd, 1943 – Part 1 and Part 2 | A short and small booklet that explains Radio Telephone Procedure. Print off part 1 on 8.5in by 14in. Beige light cardstock, flip it over, and print off part 2. Then cut and fold.

I haven’t tested it, but it looks like it’s going to end up being some kind of wallet-sized/index card-sized pamphlet. If you want it as an image, you can see part 1 and part 2 here.

You would likely want to keep batteries for the units and other repair tools in a crate near the starting point and instruct folks that if batteries run out, this is the Signal Supply depot.

Units then go out into the field, and you communicate. You pick up the radios at the end of the event or have them drop them off at the supply depot.

Ideally, you should be using wire, but the nature of these kinds of events doesn’t allow for it. Runners are also acceptable, but most folks in this type of event don’t want to stray from their unit or spend the entire weekend running messages.

Static Events

This kind of event is where there’s a fixed side. Italian events usually lend themselves to this kind of concept. The Great War Association in Newville usually has an Italian-type event called Winterline.

Another example is when there is an extended bivouac, like at the D-Day Conneaut event. For these events, there’s a side of the ground that is used as a launching point and where “command and control” can exist.

For this kind of event, wire would be more appropriate both in historical terms and in practical terms. You can set up a switchboard and run field phones and wire out to where units are located. The field phones are easy to set up and move, and aren’t cumbersome. Plus units are typically hanging around their area, so someone will be available to take and make calls.

You would probably need one or two other people to assist with set-up, tactical operation, and take-down. Might want to consider rotating people out so the same group of people aren’t stuck doing wire. You would train these people at the headquarters on how to run the switchboard and check wires. You could even do a wire patrol scenario where you go check the wires.

Before the event starts, you would have an SOI briefing with a representative of the units who get field phones. You’d go over the basics of field phone operation and communication, and probably hand them Pamphlet 24-2. Extra equipment, such as batteries and tools, would be located at the Headquarters.

This article from Paratrooper.be has additional thoughts on using the field phones at an event.

Depending on how much time and how large the event is, you could implement the flow chart below.

Message Routing Procedure Flow Charts – Describes the routing of different kinds of messages when message center facilities are or aren’t available.

Combination Events

These events combine elements of both. Usually, these are more managed and mission-focused. For example, the “command and control” element would create a mission where you have to string 5 field phones to 5 unit positions. Or the event organizers create an expectation that folks will use a radio net. The missions might be worth a certain number of points, and the event has referees to make determinations of points/mission success and/or hits/kills, etc.

I once attended a Sons of Valor event in South Carolina (or maybe North Carolina?) in the early 2010s and provided cover to an engineering unit that actually built a bridge over a ravine and a transportation corps unit that then drove a jeep across it to deliver supplies.

Obviously, this requires event planners or organizers to think holistically and do a lot of planning up front to make it interesting, fun, and memorable.

But there’s more openness to providing SOI briefings and signal corps elements.

Living History Events

These events are characterized as being more for the public and carry an assumption that reenactors will interact with the public and share their displays. Some events include aspects of the above, but it’s mainly about engaging the public.

These can be interesting for signal corps elements, as you could demonstrate pole climbing, have kids run wire, splice wire, or operate switchboards etc.

You could provide folks with an SOI and let them communicate over a radio network.

Posted on by Pat Costa

World War Two: Diaries, Journals, and Accounts

I’m a sucker for primary sources. This post will be a catalog of sorts that’ll provide links to various diaries, journals, and accounts of World War II.

These will be either hard-to-find accounts or unpublished ones.

The first one is, of course, the diary I helped edit and publish.

WWII DIARY by Pvt. Donald Duane Johnson 1st Edition. Edited by Daughters Mary Johnson Corcoran and Jane Johnson Kill – Tells the story of Pvt, Donald Duane Johnson (1915-1993). Captured October 24, 1944 at Vedriano, Italy with the 351st Regiment, 88th Division, Company G, 2nd Battalion. U.S. Army Recaptured May 1, 1945 by 3rd Army, 319th Regiment, 80th Division, Company E, 2nd Platoon General Patton’s Army.

Recollections of a World War II Combat Medic -Zip file. By Bernard L. Rice. Indiana Magazine of History , Vol. 93, No. 4 (December 1997), pp. 312-344 (33 pages).

In this account, Bernard was part of the 12th Armored Medical Battalion providing medical assistance to the 12th Armored Tank Division. Bernard participated in the Battle of the Bulge, helped liberate Dachau, fought in the battle of Herrlisheim, crossed the Rhine, and was pushed into Germany by the war’s end. What I like most about the account is the mention of the little things like using oranges to practice sewing up wounds when he was in basic.

Finally, the account ends with mentions of the 12th Armored (I don’t think he was part of it) securing Werner von Braun‘s supersonic wind tunnel…who hilariously complained to the men that his bike was stolen. As well as an account of a few 12th Armored boys from the 23rd Tank Battalion and 4 infantrymen partaking in the Battle of Castle Itter (which is a super interesting story!).

The Odyssey of a Texas Citizen Soldier – Zip file. By Robert L. Wagner The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Vol. 72, No. 1 (Jul., 1968), pp. 60-87 (28 pages).

This is the account of Oran C Stovall a commander of the 111th Engineer Battalion which was part of the Texas National Guard unit, the 36th Infantry Division. He supported attacks to secure Naples and saw heavy action trying to cross the Rapido River to outflank Monte Cassino. Crossing the Rapido wrecked the Division. It was eventually sent to Anzio to help with the breakout and then to Southern France as part of Operation Dragoon. To help shore up the division they were assigned the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the segregated Japanese-American unit. The unit ended service securing parts of the Dachau.

Medical Testimonies – A link to the Med-Dept.com which contains a wealth of resources for all aspects of WW2 era medical information including numerous accounts of those working in hospitals (both on land and ship), on the front-lines, and in graves registration units.

Posted on by Pat Costa

12th Army Group Headquarters Movements

This book is Vol .IX of the 12th Army Groups Report of Operations (final after-action report). It describes the actions of the Headquarters Commandant Section and Special Troops.

You can download The Report of Operations: 12th Army Group vol. IX here.

What I find neat about the report is that it describes units typically attached to higher-echelon units and outlines (briefly) what they did. It’s a lot of units you would never think about but would be needed to help make the 1.3 million men in the group function.

For example, the 18th Finance Disbursing Section made between Feb 3rd, 1944 to June 30th, 1945 140,751 payments totaling $7,887,428.59. Also noted…they never had a case of VD or court martial.

And the 114th Signal Radio Intelligence Company which listened for lower-level German Army radio traffic and was able to locate a gas dump that US Army tanks were able to capture and use to gas up.

Of course, they also had the Office of the Chaplain who oversaw religious services for the men. It looks like the Chaplains were mostly Catholic or Protestant but also gave sermons to those of the Hebrew Faith, Mormon, and Christian Science faiths. It’s noted that:

“A listing of all the locations in which services were held would in itself give some insight into the variety which belongs to the experiences of Special Troops Chaplains. Apple orchards, world famous cathedrals and well known
shrines garages, moving picture houses, and stables, historic court churches, day rooms, and mess halls: magnificent private chapels, dingy billets, and in the bombed out ruins of what had once been churches, are just half the story of where our men knelt or stood with their heads bowed. The services were held in times of fair weather and bitter cold, in times of quiet and in times when gunfire could be plainly heard.”

And the 585th Army Postal Unit which was bombed on March 14th and the men worked through the night fixing and salvaging so they could be open for business the next day.

The book also contains a neat map of their movement. You can download it as a pdf here or look at the image below.