| THE KOSB AT WAR 1939-45 A Second World War Historical Reenactment Unit in Texas, commemorating the service and sacrifice of the 6th King's Own Scottish Borderers in Northwest Europe 1944-45 |
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) |
A: Historical reenactment is an educational activity in which participants attempt to recreate some aspects of a historical event or period. This may be as narrow as a specific moment from a battle, such as the reenactment of Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg or as broad as the Renaissance. Scripted battles are reenactment in the strictest sense; the battles are planned out beforehand so that the companies and regiments make the same actions that were taken in the original battles. They are often fought at or near the original battle ground or at a place very similar to the original. These demonstrations vary widely in size from a few hundred fighters to several thousand, as do the arenas used (getting the right balance can often make or break the spectacle for the public).Tactical battles are generally not open to the public. Tactical battles are fought like real battles with both sides coming up with strate- gies and tactics to beat their opponents. With no script, a basic set of agreed-upon rules (physical boundaries, time limit, victory conditions, etc.), and on-site judges, tactical battles can be considered a form of Live action role- playing game, but, in the cases where firearms are used, with real weapons firing blank ammunition (depending on gun control ordinances). he development of "historical airsoft" tournaments is an offshoot of the military reenact- ment tactical. [ 1 ] Living history is an activity that incorporates historical tools, activities and dress into an inter- active presentation that seeks to give observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. Although it does not necessarily seek to reenact a specific event in history, living history is similar to, and sometimes incorporates, historical reenactment. Living history is an educational medium used by living history museums, historic sites, heri- tage interpreters, schools and historical reenactment groups to educate the public in particular areas of history, such as clothing styles, pastimes and handicrafts, or to simply convey a sense of the everyday life of a certain period in history. [ 2 ] Q: Why reenact British? Why KOSB? A: We are asked this all the time. We chose British infantry because of the sacrifice made by the common, long- suffering British soldier in Northwest Europe and in the Far East during the Second World War (1939-45). The war was won by the force of combined Allied arms, united in the cause against Axis powers. We wish to honor the service and sacrifice of the common British foot soldier - known as PBI or "poor bloody infantry" - during the war. We chose the KOSB regiment because of its Lowland affiliation and regimental history. We also interviewed several KOSB WWII veterans and upon researching the regiment during the war, chose the 6th Battalion because of its affilia- tion with the 15th Scottish Division, the 44th Lowland Brigade and its service in Normandy, Holland and Germany. Learn more about the King's Own Scottish Borderers by visiting the KOSB Regimental Museum. Q: Where is your reenactment unit located? What events do you take part in? A: 6th KOSB Historical Reenactment Unit is based out of Houston, Texas with membership in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri. We take part in events all across the state of Texas as well as the Gulf Coast consisting of weekend simulated tactical "battle" reenactments, simulated tactical "show battle" reenactments, weapons and uniform displays, airshows, gunshows, Scottish Highland Games, Irish Feis, Ceildh's, veterans day parades, wreath laying ceremonies, high school and college-level educational seminars and many other activities. Once a year we participate in a British WWII Training Weekend consisting of close order drill, fieldcraft, tactics, etc. That weekend is usually a chance to dress up in "walking out" uniform and participate in a regimental Mess building comradeship, teamwork and knowledge about our chosen wartime namesake.
A: Normally the unit has reveille (pronounced "rah-vall-ee") at 0500. The unit then assembles (rain or shine) for breakfast, shaving, loading weapons. At 0600, Allied Formation takes place in which all Allied units assemble to be briefed by the Allied Commander and his staff for the day's reenactment (a pre-deployment briefing similar to the 5-paragraph field order issued in the U.S. Army). The "enemy" - German reenactors - are conducting the same briefing in their AO (area of operation). Weapons and blank rounds are then checked, an authenticity inspection takes place and units deploy to the field in vehicles or on foot. "Battle" commences at a predetermined time with objectives provided for tactical "victory." "Kills" are solely based upon the honor system or established close assault rules. "Dead reenactors" move to a Casualty Collection Point (CCP) where they wait 30 minutes and are then resurrected and fed back into the battle as reinforcements. The battle usually ends around 1700 hours, upon which both Allied and Axis forces unload, place weapons on safe, and move administratively back to their respective AO's. Units are then individually debriefed back in camp. Show battles are performed in front of large crowds with the usual predetermined Allied victory! Many reenactors say that the private, simulated tactical battles are the highlight of participating in the hobby of WWII reenactment. Q: Who can join? How do I join? A: Membership is based upon those who can fulfill our Guidelines [ see Membership ]. We ask that those wish to join be in moderate to good physical shape. 6th KOSB Historical Reenactment Unit members will normally run, jump, sprint, dig slit trenches (foxholes), and route step with 20-25lbs of gear (including weapon) during a customary 48-72 hour full immersion tactical. We require all prospective members to dig a two-man fighting position at two (2) tactical battle reenactments (while fulfilling other, important guidelines) to prove they are physically capable of handling the rigors of a weekend tactical. |
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| On the road to Caen. PHOTO COURTESY THE KOSB AT WAR 1939-45 A column of British infantry in extended order, move toward their Forming Up Point (FUP) at the top of the hill. Recreated Photo: 1999 Mineral Wells WWII Tactical Battle Reenactment, Mineral Wells, Texas. |