Who We Are.
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The Members of Das Infanterie-Regiment Generalfeldmarschall von Mackensen Nr. 129 (3rd Westpreußisches) 11te Kompanie are proud members of the Great War Association. We are Living Historians who portray the common soldier (soldat) of the Imperial German Army in order to gain a better understanding of the First World War, the experience of the common soldier, life in the trenches, and to enjoy the kameradshaft of our members. Everyone within Elfte Kompanie has an equal say on all matters pertaining to the unit. We believe in doing things as correctly as possible and are constantly striving to improve authenticity within our unit whether that means improving uniforms or equipment, practicing drill, learning more of the German language, or making our bunker and section of the trenches appear closer to the way the originals did along the Western Front. While combat officially ends at 11pm at the GWA National events, the members of JR129 continue to immerse ourselves with wiring parties, mapping parties, guard mounts throughout the night, and a continuation of speaking in First-Person throughout the whole event. The most crucial rule we live by is to have fun, as there would be no reason to do this otherwise.
Our members mainly come from southwestern Ohio, however we also have members residing across the country, including Mississippi and Utah. Most of us have reenacted other time periods, including Ancient Rome, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II or a combination of these. A few of our members have also been involved with the GWA for over a decade or more. Our collective experience in all of these time periods laid an excellent foundation for the formation of JR129. If you have experienced other time periods, you will understand why World War One is nicknamed the "Reenactor's Reenactment" after you have participated in your 1st event.
Our members mainly come from southwestern Ohio, however we also have members residing across the country, including Mississippi and Utah. Most of us have reenacted other time periods, including Ancient Rome, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II or a combination of these. A few of our members have also been involved with the GWA for over a decade or more. Our collective experience in all of these time periods laid an excellent foundation for the formation of JR129. If you have experienced other time periods, you will understand why World War One is nicknamed the "Reenactor's Reenactment" after you have participated in your 1st event.
The Great War Association (GWA)
The GWA is an organization that strives to keep alive the history of the Great War, and honor those who fought its battles, through battle reenactments and educational events. Its membership recreates many of the sights and sounds of the 20th Century's most significant conflict. In addition to various special events around the country, the GWA owns the Caesar Krauss Great War Memorial Site near Newville, PA. On this 100 acre site in south-central Pennsylvania, we have authentically recreated a portion of the Western Front as it may have appeared circa 1917-1918.
Our battle reenactments take place within systems of opposing trenches complete with a crater-pocked No-Man's Land. There are belts of barbed wire, used to protect the sandbagged front line trenches, and the opposing positions are punctuated by bunkers with functioning machine-guns. Behind the main lines are supporting and communication trenches, connected to underground dugouts, where officers plan operations and the common soldiers eat and rest.
From the moment you arrive at an event you will be submerged in the Great War. From the clothing you wear, to the food you eat, to the trenches you fight in and the biplanes dogfighting in the skies above - nothing is out of place! World War One reenacting is truly, "The Reenactor's Reenactment!" To view the official GWA website follow the link on our “links” page.
Our battle reenactments take place within systems of opposing trenches complete with a crater-pocked No-Man's Land. There are belts of barbed wire, used to protect the sandbagged front line trenches, and the opposing positions are punctuated by bunkers with functioning machine-guns. Behind the main lines are supporting and communication trenches, connected to underground dugouts, where officers plan operations and the common soldiers eat and rest.
From the moment you arrive at an event you will be submerged in the Great War. From the clothing you wear, to the food you eat, to the trenches you fight in and the biplanes dogfighting in the skies above - nothing is out of place! World War One reenacting is truly, "The Reenactor's Reenactment!" To view the official GWA website follow the link on our “links” page.
Are you interested in Enlisting to Serve His Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II?
JR129 is a very close-knit unit, yet we are always more than happy to talk with anyone wishing to join our ranks. If you are interested in World War One Reenacting we would be happy to help you find a unit that is right for you, even if it is not JR129. One of the neat things about reenacting the First World War in the GWA is the wide variety of options. Units currently participating in the GWA represent soldiers from The Imperial German Empire, France, The British Empire, Canada, the United States, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire.
If you have an interest in World War One please contact us at [email protected] !
If you have an interest in World War One please contact us at [email protected] !
Disclaimer!
The members of Infanterie-Regiment Generalfeldmarschall von Mackensen Nr. 129 (3rd Westpreußisches) 11te Kompanie enjoy learning and recreating the history of the First World War. We have no connection with any rascist, radical, or anti-semetic organization. Please do not confuse the First World War which lasted from 1914-1918 with the Third Reich of Adolf Hitler and World War Two which was from 1933-1945. They include different armies from two different wars that were decades apart.
