2. Kompanie News Archive - 2012 - 2014
21.10.2014 - Update 15. Rockford
It's been since May, since we had our last update, and we apologize for the delay! Over the summer, we participated as members of the SS-VT-Standarte 1. "Deutschland" during the Invasion of France, at events in Peoria and Rockford. This is a new impression for us, and one we really enjoyed doing and hope to do again soon! We have also had many new members join the ranks of 2. Kompanie and we are very pleased to have them on board. This year at Rockford, we had our highest turnout to date with 22 soldats in attendance!
Our next official unit event will be the Brickyard Battle in Peru, Kansas which will be on November 15. That will be our final event of the year, and we will start working on our winter projects for next year! Stay tuned, we have big things in the works!
We have updated the website, and have added a new photo section featuring us portraying "Deutschland" as well as a new "Impression Page" for that impression. We will be continuing to update the website and the roster in the next week, so please bare with us!
Thanks again for stopping by, we will see you in the field!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
Our next official unit event will be the Brickyard Battle in Peru, Kansas which will be on November 15. That will be our final event of the year, and we will start working on our winter projects for next year! Stay tuned, we have big things in the works!
We have updated the website, and have added a new photo section featuring us portraying "Deutschland" as well as a new "Impression Page" for that impression. We will be continuing to update the website and the roster in the next week, so please bare with us!
Thanks again for stopping by, we will see you in the field!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Untersturmfuhrer und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
4.5.2014 - Update 14. Awards and Promotions
On June, 24, the SS-Totenkopfdivision is committed to the action of Operation Barbarossa. The division moved east as part of Army Group North, combing the forests and crossing the Dvina River at Dvinsk. The villages of Dvinsk, Klaslau, and Dagda are secured, and the town of Rosenov soon follows. On July 5, the division rested to prepare for their attack on the Stalin Line.
At that time, the following awards and promotions were handed out:
SS-Rottenfuhrer K.Schmidt - Awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and promoted to the rank of SS-Oberscharfuhrer.
He will serve as the Chef for 1. Zug, 2. Kp.
SS-Rottenfuhrer W. Menges - Promoted to the rank of SS-Unterscharfuhrer.
SS-Sturmmann J. Sievers - Promoted to the rank of SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Oberschutze K. Spitzer - Promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Oberschutze K. Werner - Promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmmann, and awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver, and the Wound Badge in Black.
SS-Schutze B.Bielschmidt - Promoted to the rank of SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Rekrut N. Gross - Promoted to the rank of SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Rekrut F. Gibb - Promoted to the rank of SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut P. Diemer - Promoted to the rank of SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut A. Traw - Promoted to the rank of SS-Schutze.
Gluckwunsche, Manner!
At that time, the following awards and promotions were handed out:
SS-Rottenfuhrer K.Schmidt - Awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and promoted to the rank of SS-Oberscharfuhrer.
He will serve as the Chef for 1. Zug, 2. Kp.
SS-Rottenfuhrer W. Menges - Promoted to the rank of SS-Unterscharfuhrer.
SS-Sturmmann J. Sievers - Promoted to the rank of SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Oberschutze K. Spitzer - Promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Oberschutze K. Werner - Promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmmann, and awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver, and the Wound Badge in Black.
SS-Schutze B.Bielschmidt - Promoted to the rank of SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Rekrut N. Gross - Promoted to the rank of SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Rekrut F. Gibb - Promoted to the rank of SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut P. Diemer - Promoted to the rank of SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut A. Traw - Promoted to the rank of SS-Schutze.
Gluckwunsche, Manner!
5.4.2014 - Update 13. Weldonkrieg 2014 as "Prinz Eugen"
On March 28-30, 2014 the men of 2. Kompanie attended a re-enactment at the U.S. Army training ground at Weldon Springs, Missouri. This was the site of the first WWII re-enactment back in 1975, and this was the first event at the training ground in decades, after the site was closed to the public.
For this event, the men of 2. Kompanie portrayed SS-Gebirgsjager, or Mountain Troops, of the 7.SS-Division "Prinz Eugen". This unit was made up of Volksdeutsche, or ethnic Germans from Austria, Czech, Yugoslavia, Bosnia, and Croatia. They were trained as mountaineers, and spent the majority of the war in the Balkans, fighting Tito's Partisans.
Their uniform differed by having a distinctive collar tab featuring an odalrune, which was unique to this formation. The men wore mountain boots, and as Gebirgsjagers, often just wore their caps, either woolen Bergmutzen or M43 caps or camo caps.
The event was a success, and the men of 2. Kompanie enjoyed portraying the foreign volunteers of Prinz Eugen, and plan to do it again in the future.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
For this event, the men of 2. Kompanie portrayed SS-Gebirgsjager, or Mountain Troops, of the 7.SS-Division "Prinz Eugen". This unit was made up of Volksdeutsche, or ethnic Germans from Austria, Czech, Yugoslavia, Bosnia, and Croatia. They were trained as mountaineers, and spent the majority of the war in the Balkans, fighting Tito's Partisans.
Their uniform differed by having a distinctive collar tab featuring an odalrune, which was unique to this formation. The men wore mountain boots, and as Gebirgsjagers, often just wore their caps, either woolen Bergmutzen or M43 caps or camo caps.
The event was a success, and the men of 2. Kompanie enjoyed portraying the foreign volunteers of Prinz Eugen, and plan to do it again in the future.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
9.2.2014 - UPDATE 12. Im Kessel von Demjansk
Some survivors of Erste Zug, 2. Kompanie pose for a Kriegsberichter during a pause in the fighting on 8. Feb. 1942, near Demyansk.
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On 8. Feb, 1942, the Soviets launched a major counter-offensive that encircled the men of the SS-Totenkopfdivision in the Demjansk area of Staraya Russa. Over the next several months, the men of the SS-TK, alongside several Heer formations, would find themselves completely surrounded and cut off, from the rest of the German Army.
The Soviets threw everything they had at the encircled German troops, which included everything from poorly trained conscripts, to crack Soviet Siberian Troops, to even Guards Tank Divisions. At this time, the SS-Division "Totenkopf" was still a Motorized Infantry Division, not a Panzer Division, and therefor was not as well prepared for tank warfare. They did not have any number of tanks, and merely had smaller anti-tank guns, which they found out early on were useless against Soviet T-34 tanks.
The men of SS-Totenkopf held out, and stood their ground. Men like SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Max Seela, formed teams of volunteers armed with gas bombs, bundle grenades, satchel charges, and anti-tank mines, and ran out during Soviet assaults, tossing their improvised explosives on tanks and destroying them. Max Seela, and many other Totenkopfmen would receive the Knight's Cross, Germany's highest award for bravery, during their heroic defense of Demjansk.
For months, the men of SSTK beat back the Soviets, and laid waste to their assaults. Eventually, in April, the men of SSTK with support from the other Heer units operating in the Kessel, managed to lead an assault and break out of their encirclement and link up with the rest of the German Army, therefor stabilizing the entire Eastern Front, if only for a short time.
The SS-Division "Totenkopf" left the Demjansk sector with under 25% of it's personell still fit for duty. The Infantry Regiments inside the Division were virtually destroyed. All the men had either been killed our wounded. The Division would refit in France, in the fall of 1942.
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Yesterday, 8. Feb. 2014, 72 years exactly from the date the Battle for Demjansk began, the men of 2. Kompanie took to the field to engage Ivan. To honor the men of SS-Totenkopf, and their valiant stand at Demjansk, we decided to base our impression for this event, off of the appearance of the real SS-Totenkopf men in their defense. (For photos, check here. They are a sepia color.)
The reason we chose to portray the men of SS-Totenkopf when we formed this unit was because of their valiant stand at Demjansk. It was an honor to portray these men, during their bravest hour.
We were fortunate enough to have several new members join the unit, and make it out to their first event. To them, Wilkommen!
If you would like to see photos from this event, check our gallery, here. For the color photos, check here.
Thanks for visiting us, check back with us soon!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
--------------------
On 8. Feb, 1942, the Soviets launched a major counter-offensive that encircled the men of the SS-Totenkopfdivision in the Demjansk area of Staraya Russa. Over the next several months, the men of the SS-TK, alongside several Heer formations, would find themselves completely surrounded and cut off, from the rest of the German Army.
The Soviets threw everything they had at the encircled German troops, which included everything from poorly trained conscripts, to crack Soviet Siberian Troops, to even Guards Tank Divisions. At this time, the SS-Division "Totenkopf" was still a Motorized Infantry Division, not a Panzer Division, and therefor was not as well prepared for tank warfare. They did not have any number of tanks, and merely had smaller anti-tank guns, which they found out early on were useless against Soviet T-34 tanks.
The men of SS-Totenkopf held out, and stood their ground. Men like SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Max Seela, formed teams of volunteers armed with gas bombs, bundle grenades, satchel charges, and anti-tank mines, and ran out during Soviet assaults, tossing their improvised explosives on tanks and destroying them. Max Seela, and many other Totenkopfmen would receive the Knight's Cross, Germany's highest award for bravery, during their heroic defense of Demjansk.
For months, the men of SSTK beat back the Soviets, and laid waste to their assaults. Eventually, in April, the men of SSTK with support from the other Heer units operating in the Kessel, managed to lead an assault and break out of their encirclement and link up with the rest of the German Army, therefor stabilizing the entire Eastern Front, if only for a short time.
The SS-Division "Totenkopf" left the Demjansk sector with under 25% of it's personell still fit for duty. The Infantry Regiments inside the Division were virtually destroyed. All the men had either been killed our wounded. The Division would refit in France, in the fall of 1942.
-------------------
Yesterday, 8. Feb. 2014, 72 years exactly from the date the Battle for Demjansk began, the men of 2. Kompanie took to the field to engage Ivan. To honor the men of SS-Totenkopf, and their valiant stand at Demjansk, we decided to base our impression for this event, off of the appearance of the real SS-Totenkopf men in their defense. (For photos, check here. They are a sepia color.)
The reason we chose to portray the men of SS-Totenkopf when we formed this unit was because of their valiant stand at Demjansk. It was an honor to portray these men, during their bravest hour.
We were fortunate enough to have several new members join the unit, and make it out to their first event. To them, Wilkommen!
If you would like to see photos from this event, check our gallery, here. For the color photos, check here.
Thanks for visiting us, check back with us soon!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
1.2.2014 - Update 11. Upcoming events and impressions
Hello friends, thanks for checking back with us. It's been a while since we have updated our page, so I figured it was time for an update. I have updated our event calendar, listing the events for 2014. I have also added some photos from our final event of the 2013 season, and I hope you enjoy them.
I have also added a new section of photographs, located here, in support of our upcoming project where we will be portraying men of the 7.SS Division "Prinz Eugen". Stay tuned for more information on that.
Our next event will be next weekend, where we will be attending an Eastern Front tactical in Greenfield, Illinois. After the event we will post pictures. Our impression will be our main impression, 3.SS "Totenkopf", with the specifics of being in the Demjansk sector in February, 1942. (Considering the event is on Feb. 8, which was the day the encirclement of SS-Totenkopf in Demjansk began.)
I have also added a new section of photographs, located here, in support of our upcoming project where we will be portraying men of the 7.SS Division "Prinz Eugen". Stay tuned for more information on that.
Our next event will be next weekend, where we will be attending an Eastern Front tactical in Greenfield, Illinois. After the event we will post pictures. Our impression will be our main impression, 3.SS "Totenkopf", with the specifics of being in the Demjansk sector in February, 1942. (Considering the event is on Feb. 8, which was the day the encirclement of SS-Totenkopf in Demjansk began.)
Quite possibly our biggest news of the year...
At the end of February, we will be participating in a full immersion tactical event in Waverly, TN, based on the fighting in the Hurtgen Forest in the fall of 1944.
Although 2. Kompanie does portray various units, thus far it has been limited to German units, even more specifically, Waffen-SS units. For the first time in our almost five years as a unit, the men of 2. Kompanie will be portraying American G.I.'s from the United States 28th Infantry Division, the "Keystone Division", or the "Bloody Buckets" as referred to by the Germans.
The 28th Infantry Division is a National Guard unit, formed and based in Pennsylvania. They fought in WWI, WWII, and Korea. The division is one of the most highly decorated formations in the U.S. Army, and was made famous during the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, which preceded the even more famous Battle of the Bulge.
The Division was nearly decimated in the fighting in the Hurtgen Forest, and was the only unit in the U.S. Army to shoot a soldier for refusing to return to the front.
For this specific event, we will be re-creating the men of the "Bloody Buckets" during their infamous struggle in the Hurtgen Forest in the fall of 1944.
It has been more work than we have ever done before, starting from scratch to build accurate impressions of the U.S.G.I. Following the event in Waverly, we plan to do G.I. perhaps once or twice a year as one of our many alternate impressions.
Following the event in Waverly, we will be updating the website with photos from the event, and more historical information on the U.S. 28th Infantry Division. The image above is a preview of our impression, you see a member of 2. Kompanie portraying a G.I. medic. Stay tuned!
At the end of February, we will be participating in a full immersion tactical event in Waverly, TN, based on the fighting in the Hurtgen Forest in the fall of 1944.
Although 2. Kompanie does portray various units, thus far it has been limited to German units, even more specifically, Waffen-SS units. For the first time in our almost five years as a unit, the men of 2. Kompanie will be portraying American G.I.'s from the United States 28th Infantry Division, the "Keystone Division", or the "Bloody Buckets" as referred to by the Germans.
The 28th Infantry Division is a National Guard unit, formed and based in Pennsylvania. They fought in WWI, WWII, and Korea. The division is one of the most highly decorated formations in the U.S. Army, and was made famous during the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, which preceded the even more famous Battle of the Bulge.
The Division was nearly decimated in the fighting in the Hurtgen Forest, and was the only unit in the U.S. Army to shoot a soldier for refusing to return to the front.
For this specific event, we will be re-creating the men of the "Bloody Buckets" during their infamous struggle in the Hurtgen Forest in the fall of 1944.
It has been more work than we have ever done before, starting from scratch to build accurate impressions of the U.S.G.I. Following the event in Waverly, we plan to do G.I. perhaps once or twice a year as one of our many alternate impressions.
Following the event in Waverly, we will be updating the website with photos from the event, and more historical information on the U.S. 28th Infantry Division. The image above is a preview of our impression, you see a member of 2. Kompanie portraying a G.I. medic. Stay tuned!
27.9.2013 - UPDATE 10. Awards and Promotions
Over the past weekend, the men of 2. Kompanie were heavily engaged in actions against Soviet forces in the area of Lushno.
During the attack, SS-Schutze Spitzer destroyed a T-34 using a Tellermine. The Totenkopfman laid in wait, and when the leading T-34 came over the berm, Spitzer sprung up and ran towards the tank, tossing the mine under the tracks, destroying the tank.
Following the combat near Lushno on 21. September 1941, several awards and promotions were handed out:
SS-Schutze Spitzer, awarded the Tank Destruction Badge and promoted to the rank of SS-Oberschutze; the first 2. Kompanie man to be awarded the Tank Destruction Badge!
SS-Oberschutze Adler awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver.
SS-Sturmmann Seibold awarded the Wound Badge in Black.
Also, the following men have been accepted as full members in 2. Kompanie:
SS-Rekrut Heydrich Schmidt promoted to SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut Rich Strauss promoted to SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut Felix Ostheim promoted to SS-Schutze.
Gluckwunsche, Manner!
During the attack, SS-Schutze Spitzer destroyed a T-34 using a Tellermine. The Totenkopfman laid in wait, and when the leading T-34 came over the berm, Spitzer sprung up and ran towards the tank, tossing the mine under the tracks, destroying the tank.
Following the combat near Lushno on 21. September 1941, several awards and promotions were handed out:
SS-Schutze Spitzer, awarded the Tank Destruction Badge and promoted to the rank of SS-Oberschutze; the first 2. Kompanie man to be awarded the Tank Destruction Badge!
SS-Oberschutze Adler awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver.
SS-Sturmmann Seibold awarded the Wound Badge in Black.
Also, the following men have been accepted as full members in 2. Kompanie:
SS-Rekrut Heydrich Schmidt promoted to SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut Rich Strauss promoted to SS-Schutze.
SS-Rekrut Felix Ostheim promoted to SS-Schutze.
Gluckwunsche, Manner!
25.9.2013 - update 9. rockford
Just a quick update, following our weekend in Rockford, IL for WWII Days at Midway Village. Our unit had 14 men in attendance, formed into two squads, one led by Mahlandt, the other led by Seibold. The Zug was commanded by Zoepf.
We had several new members come out with us for the first time this weekend, and we look forward to having them on board in the future! We had a great time at Rockford, and for the first time at Rockford there was a large Eastern Front battle in the main field. The men of 2. Kompanie engaged and routed the Soviet forces which had several pieces of armor including a T-34.
If you visit our Color Photos, and "Totenkopf" Photo page, you can see some photos from our weekend. We hope you enjoy them!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
We had several new members come out with us for the first time this weekend, and we look forward to having them on board in the future! We had a great time at Rockford, and for the first time at Rockford there was a large Eastern Front battle in the main field. The men of 2. Kompanie engaged and routed the Soviet forces which had several pieces of armor including a T-34.
If you visit our Color Photos, and "Totenkopf" Photo page, you can see some photos from our weekend. We hope you enjoy them!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
30.8.2013 - UPDATE 8. 2. KOMPANIE IS NO LONGER INDEPENDANT
For our 8th update here on our website, we have some big news to announce. This unit was formed back in 2009, and took the field for the first time in 2011. We never joined an established re-enacting organization, and were determined to make our unit successful on our own. We are now three years into our existence, and a well established, and recognized unit in the WWII community.
Earlier this year, we had been invited to join a Re-enacting Society, based here in the Midwest. This organization is WWII HRS (Historical Re-enacting Society), and it is the premier organization in the Mid-West. This organization has units representing a variety of nations and units, and puts on some excellent events, such as Rockford. We decided as a group, that it would be great to be a part of this excellent organization.
Back when this unit was formed, we had talked about joining the HRS, and even went as far as creating a charter for our unit, which is required, although it was never turned in. I updated the charter and a month ago, I turned it in. As expected, we passed the authenticity inspection easily. Today, August 30, 2013, after an interview with the board of directors, 2. Kompanie has been accepted as unit in the WWII Historical Re-enacting Society.
We are very happy to be accepted into this great organization, and look forward to working alongside with all the other great units in this organization.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
Earlier this year, we had been invited to join a Re-enacting Society, based here in the Midwest. This organization is WWII HRS (Historical Re-enacting Society), and it is the premier organization in the Mid-West. This organization has units representing a variety of nations and units, and puts on some excellent events, such as Rockford. We decided as a group, that it would be great to be a part of this excellent organization.
Back when this unit was formed, we had talked about joining the HRS, and even went as far as creating a charter for our unit, which is required, although it was never turned in. I updated the charter and a month ago, I turned it in. As expected, we passed the authenticity inspection easily. Today, August 30, 2013, after an interview with the board of directors, 2. Kompanie has been accepted as unit in the WWII Historical Re-enacting Society.
We are very happy to be accepted into this great organization, and look forward to working alongside with all the other great units in this organization.
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
15.8.2013. - Update 7. Website updated!
Thanks for checking back to see us! We have been active updating the website, and adding new articles.
We have added profile pages for all our members, as well as all Knight's Cross Winners of the SS-TK Div. We added a few other pages for reference, and several new photos.
Our "Totenkopf Original Photos" section has had the glorious addition of over 400 new photos, many which I personally have never seen, so I hope you all enjoy them.
Over the summer break, following our max push event at Jefferson Barracks, we did attend a training day, put on by our kameraden in LAH.
During training, men in 2. Kompanie were ran through formation drill and facing movements. They were also trained in marching, moving in both Schutzenkette and Schutzenreihe, as well as basic rifle drill. The training day was wrapped up with Gruppe and Zug sized exercises and the artform of 'Hinlegen'.
Following the training day, men of 2. Kompanie and their kamerads in LAH closed down the house at a local German restaurant.
Our next event is Rockford, Illinois, held on September 21-22. We will be attending as the SS-Division "Totenkopf", in September, 1941 around the area of Lushno. We are expecting upwards of 20 members in attendance, and we hope everyone who has visited our site or been following us on Facebook will stop by and say hello!
In our first month with our new website, we had over 5,000 views. We hope you find our articles informative and easy to access. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or ideas, we'd love to hear them. If you go to our F.A.Q. page, you can fill out a questionaire/information request form!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
We have added profile pages for all our members, as well as all Knight's Cross Winners of the SS-TK Div. We added a few other pages for reference, and several new photos.
Our "Totenkopf Original Photos" section has had the glorious addition of over 400 new photos, many which I personally have never seen, so I hope you all enjoy them.
Over the summer break, following our max push event at Jefferson Barracks, we did attend a training day, put on by our kameraden in LAH.
During training, men in 2. Kompanie were ran through formation drill and facing movements. They were also trained in marching, moving in both Schutzenkette and Schutzenreihe, as well as basic rifle drill. The training day was wrapped up with Gruppe and Zug sized exercises and the artform of 'Hinlegen'.
Following the training day, men of 2. Kompanie and their kamerads in LAH closed down the house at a local German restaurant.
Our next event is Rockford, Illinois, held on September 21-22. We will be attending as the SS-Division "Totenkopf", in September, 1941 around the area of Lushno. We are expecting upwards of 20 members in attendance, and we hope everyone who has visited our site or been following us on Facebook will stop by and say hello!
In our first month with our new website, we had over 5,000 views. We hope you find our articles informative and easy to access. If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or ideas, we'd love to hear them. If you go to our F.A.Q. page, you can fill out a questionaire/information request form!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
27.4.2013. - update 6. "awards and promotions"
SS-Standartenoberjunker O. Zoepf awarded the Eastern Front Medal and Iron Cross 2nd Class.
SS-Rottenfuhrer A. Mahlandt promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer.
SS-Sturmmann K. Schmidt promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Oberschutze J. Sievers promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Schutze E. Busse promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Schutze J. Hoeft promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Schutze K. Hawkins promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche Alles!
SS-Rottenfuhrer A. Mahlandt promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer.
SS-Sturmmann K. Schmidt promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Oberschutze J. Sievers promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Schutze E. Busse promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Schutze J. Hoeft promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Schutze K. Hawkins promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche Alles!
19.1.2013. - update 5. "awards and promotions"
SS-Sturmmann A. Mahlandt awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge and promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Schutze K. Schmidt promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Schutze A. Adler promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Schutze J. Sievers promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche Alles!
SS-Schutze K. Schmidt promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Schutze A. Adler promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
SS-Schutze J. Sievers promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche Alles!
24.12.2012 - Update 4. "2012 END OF YEAR REPORT"
Soldaten auf 2. Kompanie..
We are getting ready to wrap up 2012, and wouldn't ya know it, the world didn't end! How about that? This has been a great year for us, and I want to thank all of you for your hard work, your time, and your dedication to this organization. It's been through everyone's efforts we have gotten as far as we have.
We have received countless compliments from re-enactors about the improvements we've made to our impressions. We are constantly striving to be better, and people see that, and that's what makes us stand out among the crowd! We have even been given perhaps the greatest compliment a Waffen-SS re-enactor could ever ask for, and that is having an actual veteran of the Waffen-SS tell me personally, that we were the best re-enacting group he had ever seen portraying SS men. He said we really looked the part and reminded him of many of his friends during his time in the war. What more could we ask for?
In 2012 we also took this hobby to a new level by being, one of the only units in the country to portray multiple impressions based on the event. Over in Europe units have been adapting impressions to portray various units at different events to maintain accuracy for years. This is something that hasn't been done over here in the states, which is obvious when you see all the Soviets and Western Front events. We have stepped it up on two seperate occasions to change our own impression to better suit the event. In April, we attended Camp Atterbury as men of the 17.SS, and at Oosterbeek we attended as men of the 9.SS. It is not an easy task to change an impression, and we have shown our dedication to authenticity by doing this on several occasions and taking it in stride. I want to thank everyone who bought extra items so that we could always accurately portray a different unit. I hope to do more of this in 2013!
In 2012, 2. Kompanie attended thirteen events! They were as follows:
Camp Clark - Battle of the Bulge
Indianola, IA - Ost Front
Waverly, TN - Ost Front
Macon, MO - Ost Front
Camp Atterbury - Operation Overlord
Jefferson Barracks - Public
Jacksonville, IL - Public
Daytovna - Ost Front
Mariongrad - Ost Front
Rockford, IL - Public
Spring Hill, TN - Oosterbeek, Market Garden
Peru, KS - St. Peru 1945
Ft. Bellefontaine - River Battle
In 2012, at our 13 events, we had 26 members of 2. Kompanie come and attend events, averaging 11 in attendance per event. That is excellent! We had one or two events with bad numbers, but we also had a few events with numbers close to 20 members. EVERYONE dedicated time and money, and because of that we had excellent turn outs. At any given event we can always portray a full German Gruppe, and sometimes we can field two! Considering the fact that this unit started last year, these are incredible numbers, and I thank you all!
In 2012, for the first time, men of 2. Kompanie were awarded awards and given promotions! We now have several men who have been promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmmann, including: John Klockenkemper, Aaron Mahlandt, and Franz Seibold. We have also handed out awards to a select few members, and this should be something to get excited over because our unit has the strictest award criteria of any German re-enacting group I have ever seen! Hats off to these guys, they deserve it!
Also for the first time, in 2012, we had members of 2. Kompanie collectively pool their money together to help purchase items needed for the group. Prior to this year, everyone was focused on getting their impressions solid. After that happened, it was amazing to see the members of this unit pull together to help purchase items the entire group needed. I got used to having to buy all the extra stuff myself, and now I have guys willing to help me and it blows me away. This also goes for all the guys who while they are at events, buy food and drinks for the whole unit, and even pay for ammunition and registration fee's for the members hurting for cash. That is kameradschaft. That's what it's all about guys. Supporting your kamerads.
Last but not least.... 2012 was a year of growth for 2. Kompanie. Since the start of the new year, we have had 14 new members join our ranks, and of those 14, all but 4 have attended events with us so far! We have been lucky enough to have recruited excellent people, and not a single person wasn't a good fit for our group. I am very thankful we have the new members that we have, you guys are fantastic and I couldn't be happier you all have decided to come aboard with us.
Okay children, your Mutti is done singing your praises. Enjoy it, because after this it's back to my role of bad cop! I just want to say one last time, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your time, money, dedication to this organization. We have a fantastic group of guys, and I hope we can continue this group until we all need motorized wheelchairs to get around the battle field. I am really looking forward to 2013, I have a feeling it will be even better than 2012!
Ich liebe dich alle.. Servus!
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
2./SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1.
SS-Division "Totenkopf"
We are getting ready to wrap up 2012, and wouldn't ya know it, the world didn't end! How about that? This has been a great year for us, and I want to thank all of you for your hard work, your time, and your dedication to this organization. It's been through everyone's efforts we have gotten as far as we have.
We have received countless compliments from re-enactors about the improvements we've made to our impressions. We are constantly striving to be better, and people see that, and that's what makes us stand out among the crowd! We have even been given perhaps the greatest compliment a Waffen-SS re-enactor could ever ask for, and that is having an actual veteran of the Waffen-SS tell me personally, that we were the best re-enacting group he had ever seen portraying SS men. He said we really looked the part and reminded him of many of his friends during his time in the war. What more could we ask for?
In 2012 we also took this hobby to a new level by being, one of the only units in the country to portray multiple impressions based on the event. Over in Europe units have been adapting impressions to portray various units at different events to maintain accuracy for years. This is something that hasn't been done over here in the states, which is obvious when you see all the Soviets and Western Front events. We have stepped it up on two seperate occasions to change our own impression to better suit the event. In April, we attended Camp Atterbury as men of the 17.SS, and at Oosterbeek we attended as men of the 9.SS. It is not an easy task to change an impression, and we have shown our dedication to authenticity by doing this on several occasions and taking it in stride. I want to thank everyone who bought extra items so that we could always accurately portray a different unit. I hope to do more of this in 2013!
In 2012, 2. Kompanie attended thirteen events! They were as follows:
Camp Clark - Battle of the Bulge
Indianola, IA - Ost Front
Waverly, TN - Ost Front
Macon, MO - Ost Front
Camp Atterbury - Operation Overlord
Jefferson Barracks - Public
Jacksonville, IL - Public
Daytovna - Ost Front
Mariongrad - Ost Front
Rockford, IL - Public
Spring Hill, TN - Oosterbeek, Market Garden
Peru, KS - St. Peru 1945
Ft. Bellefontaine - River Battle
In 2012, at our 13 events, we had 26 members of 2. Kompanie come and attend events, averaging 11 in attendance per event. That is excellent! We had one or two events with bad numbers, but we also had a few events with numbers close to 20 members. EVERYONE dedicated time and money, and because of that we had excellent turn outs. At any given event we can always portray a full German Gruppe, and sometimes we can field two! Considering the fact that this unit started last year, these are incredible numbers, and I thank you all!
In 2012, for the first time, men of 2. Kompanie were awarded awards and given promotions! We now have several men who have been promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmmann, including: John Klockenkemper, Aaron Mahlandt, and Franz Seibold. We have also handed out awards to a select few members, and this should be something to get excited over because our unit has the strictest award criteria of any German re-enacting group I have ever seen! Hats off to these guys, they deserve it!
Also for the first time, in 2012, we had members of 2. Kompanie collectively pool their money together to help purchase items needed for the group. Prior to this year, everyone was focused on getting their impressions solid. After that happened, it was amazing to see the members of this unit pull together to help purchase items the entire group needed. I got used to having to buy all the extra stuff myself, and now I have guys willing to help me and it blows me away. This also goes for all the guys who while they are at events, buy food and drinks for the whole unit, and even pay for ammunition and registration fee's for the members hurting for cash. That is kameradschaft. That's what it's all about guys. Supporting your kamerads.
Last but not least.... 2012 was a year of growth for 2. Kompanie. Since the start of the new year, we have had 14 new members join our ranks, and of those 14, all but 4 have attended events with us so far! We have been lucky enough to have recruited excellent people, and not a single person wasn't a good fit for our group. I am very thankful we have the new members that we have, you guys are fantastic and I couldn't be happier you all have decided to come aboard with us.
Okay children, your Mutti is done singing your praises. Enjoy it, because after this it's back to my role of bad cop! I just want to say one last time, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your time, money, dedication to this organization. We have a fantastic group of guys, and I hope we can continue this group until we all need motorized wheelchairs to get around the battle field. I am really looking forward to 2013, I have a feeling it will be even better than 2012!
Ich liebe dich alle.. Servus!
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
2./SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1.
SS-Division "Totenkopf"
17.11.2012 - update 3. "awards and promotions"
-SS-Rottenfuhrer B. Ebert was promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer, and awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and Wound Badge in Silver.
-SS-Standartenoberjunker O. Zoepf was awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver and the Wound Badge in Black.
-SS-Schutze A. Mahland was promoted to SS-Sturmmann, and awarded the War Merit Cross with Swords 2nd Class and the Wound Badge in Black.
-SS-Schutze F. Seibold was promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
-SS-Schutze C. Werner was promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche, Alles!
-SS-Standartenoberjunker O. Zoepf was awarded the Infanterie Assault Badge in Silver and the Wound Badge in Black.
-SS-Schutze A. Mahland was promoted to SS-Sturmmann, and awarded the War Merit Cross with Swords 2nd Class and the Wound Badge in Black.
-SS-Schutze F. Seibold was promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
-SS-Schutze C. Werner was promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche, Alles!
28.4.2012 - update 2. "awards and promotions"
SS-Scharfuhrer S. Dussetschleger was promoted to SS-Hauptscharfuhrer, and awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
SS-Standartenoberjunker O. Zoepf was awarded the War Merit Cross 2. Class with Swords, Anschluss Medal, and Sudetenland Medal.
SS-Rottenfuhrer R. Long was promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer, and awarded the Wound Badge in Silver.
SS-Sturmmann B. Ebert was promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Oberschutze J. Mees was awarded the Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze.
SS-Oberschutze D. Zeller was promoted to SS-Sturmmann, and awarded the Eastern Front Medal.
SS-Schutze J. Klockenkemper was promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Schutze A. Brasette was promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche, Alles!
SS-Standartenoberjunker O. Zoepf was awarded the War Merit Cross 2. Class with Swords, Anschluss Medal, and Sudetenland Medal.
SS-Rottenfuhrer R. Long was promoted to SS-Unterscharfuhrer, and awarded the Wound Badge in Silver.
SS-Sturmmann B. Ebert was promoted to SS-Rottenfuhrer.
SS-Oberschutze J. Mees was awarded the Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze.
SS-Oberschutze D. Zeller was promoted to SS-Sturmmann, and awarded the Eastern Front Medal.
SS-Schutze J. Klockenkemper was promoted to SS-Sturmmann.
SS-Schutze A. Brasette was promoted to SS-Oberschutze.
Gluckwunsche, Alles!
29.3.2012. - update 1. "first official web update"
Thanks for visiting our webpage, we hope you found it interesting. We are always adding new information and photo's so check back often. Also, with our News! page, you will be able to always get the latest information regarding your friends at 2. Kompanie! Myself and Herr Klock are currently in the process of a huge overhaul on the website, so keep checking back!
So far, 2012 has been a very busy year for us. It is nearing the end of March and we have attended over five events already!
We fought in skirmishes held in Neveda, MO, where the tactical scenarios were based around the Battle of the Bulge. 2. Kompanie had a great turnout with over 18 members in attendance, and was the largest formation on the field. The unit faught exceptionally well at Platoon strength throughout the day. A nice lunch was had in the field, provided by Brother Dave, our trusty Sturmmann. An after action report can be found on our events page, soon!
After that, as usual, we attended the Eastern Front tactical at Indianola. It was a fantastic event, with great weather and an amazing meal! About 12 members of 2. Kompanie made the trip to Indianola, Iowa to attend an Eastern Front event. The site had some very nice, and demanding terrain, consisting of many large hills and a creek. The weather was beautiful, and there was about an inch of snow on the ground. Lunch was provided by our hosts, and was a huge pot of noodles, meat and sauce. Every man had his filling! Note to other event hosts: Do what these guys did! An after action report can be found on our events page, soon!
A small detachment of 2. Kompanie attended an Eastern Front event in Waverly, TN. The scenario was based around the fighting in the Seelow Heights area during 1945 between Soviet forces and scattered German resistance. Unfortunatley, the Russians were extremely outnumbered and could only put up a small defense to the onslought of the German horde. A round of applause for the men of 5. Kompanie, Grossdeutschland who were in attendance, their impression was top notch, and their machine gun team was spot on! Keep up the good work, boys!
In March, 2. Kompanie attended an event hosted by the 38. Jagerregiment, in Macon. MO. The event co-ordinator was having a hard time finding Russians, so half of the 14 men of 2. Kompanie in attendance went as Soviet troops. And let me say, as one who went Russian, we had the better half. ;) The fighting was intense all day, and the scenarios were well planned and actually held together, which was a change of pace for most tacticals. We really have to hand it to the Jagers on this one, they put on a terrific event! An after action report can be found on our events page, soon!
Coming up, we have a 24 Hour, Full immersion tactical, being held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. It is supposed to be the largest tactical of the year with hundreds of reenactors, and dozens of tanks and vehicles. 2. Kompanie will be trying out our new Panzershrek! The after action report will be posted in two to three weeks!
Following Atterbury, we have what we expect to be our largest turnout of the year at the public WWII Days at Jefferson Barracks. It is a public event, that is free for reenactors and held by the 2nd Ranger Battalion. 2. Kompanie will be out in full force, so come see us! It will be April 28-29.
We have more events coming up, so stay tuned! We will also be uploading photos from the events we have already done, as well as the ones coming up!
Bis Spater, Kameraden!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
So far, 2012 has been a very busy year for us. It is nearing the end of March and we have attended over five events already!
We fought in skirmishes held in Neveda, MO, where the tactical scenarios were based around the Battle of the Bulge. 2. Kompanie had a great turnout with over 18 members in attendance, and was the largest formation on the field. The unit faught exceptionally well at Platoon strength throughout the day. A nice lunch was had in the field, provided by Brother Dave, our trusty Sturmmann. An after action report can be found on our events page, soon!
After that, as usual, we attended the Eastern Front tactical at Indianola. It was a fantastic event, with great weather and an amazing meal! About 12 members of 2. Kompanie made the trip to Indianola, Iowa to attend an Eastern Front event. The site had some very nice, and demanding terrain, consisting of many large hills and a creek. The weather was beautiful, and there was about an inch of snow on the ground. Lunch was provided by our hosts, and was a huge pot of noodles, meat and sauce. Every man had his filling! Note to other event hosts: Do what these guys did! An after action report can be found on our events page, soon!
A small detachment of 2. Kompanie attended an Eastern Front event in Waverly, TN. The scenario was based around the fighting in the Seelow Heights area during 1945 between Soviet forces and scattered German resistance. Unfortunatley, the Russians were extremely outnumbered and could only put up a small defense to the onslought of the German horde. A round of applause for the men of 5. Kompanie, Grossdeutschland who were in attendance, their impression was top notch, and their machine gun team was spot on! Keep up the good work, boys!
In March, 2. Kompanie attended an event hosted by the 38. Jagerregiment, in Macon. MO. The event co-ordinator was having a hard time finding Russians, so half of the 14 men of 2. Kompanie in attendance went as Soviet troops. And let me say, as one who went Russian, we had the better half. ;) The fighting was intense all day, and the scenarios were well planned and actually held together, which was a change of pace for most tacticals. We really have to hand it to the Jagers on this one, they put on a terrific event! An after action report can be found on our events page, soon!
Coming up, we have a 24 Hour, Full immersion tactical, being held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. It is supposed to be the largest tactical of the year with hundreds of reenactors, and dozens of tanks and vehicles. 2. Kompanie will be trying out our new Panzershrek! The after action report will be posted in two to three weeks!
Following Atterbury, we have what we expect to be our largest turnout of the year at the public WWII Days at Jefferson Barracks. It is a public event, that is free for reenactors and held by the 2nd Ranger Battalion. 2. Kompanie will be out in full force, so come see us! It will be April 28-29.
We have more events coming up, so stay tuned! We will also be uploading photos from the events we have already done, as well as the ones coming up!
Bis Spater, Kameraden!
Zum Befel,
Otto Zoepf
SS-Standartenoberjunker und Zugfuhrer
Erste Zug, 2./SS-TK-I.R. 1.
