Commonwealth Infantry Guidelines
updated 8/28 at 6:30pm

The general Commonwealth impression for this event is the Black Watch of Canada in its action around Caen in the late summer of 1944.  All Commonwealth participants are required to meet the historically documented standards below before they take the field.

Should you have any questions or concerns about these regulations or the event, please feel free to email Jon Bocek (the Allied Coordinator) at: poilu1917@aol.com
 

Headgear
Mark 2 helmets with netting. Shell dressings may be inserted under the netting. Canadian 3^rd Division troops may use Mark 3 helmets.  Soft caps can include berets, tams, GS caps or camp comforters based on your unit’s preference.
 

Boots
Black “ammo” boots appropriate to the country of origin. Canadian ammo boots should not have a toe cap.
 

Uniform
Wool battledress of the 1937 or 1940 pattern.  Canadians must be clothed in their correct 1937 pattern.  All flashes and titles must be of units that were in action around Caen in the late summer of 44. Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada badges & insignia are VERY highly encouraged (but not required).

Event Organizer's Note:
The encouragement for Commonwealth participants to portray the Black Watch of Canada is mainly to help better the historical scenario's authenticity for the small section of the front we are looking to recreate.  This is for historical purposes only, and not to be viewed as a insult to the group you commonly represent. We hope you understand our attempt to bring forth a unique historical scenario & will help us by taking this little but significant step in adjusting your impression for this event. 
 

Firearms
All “other ranks” (except Bren Team #1s) will carry the Enfield #4 rifle with sling and spike bayonet.  Bren Team #1s will carry the Bren.  Platoon and section leaders may carry Stens or Thompsons with an alternate fighting knife in place of the spike bayonet.  Pistols and alternate knives may be carried by members of crew served weapon teams and platoon leadership.  All riflemen need to have their ammunition in bandoliers as the basic pouches will be reserved for grenades and Bren magazines.
 

Equipment
The “kit” of 1937 web equipment needs to include; braces, belt, basic pouches, water bottle and carrier, small pack, and bayonet frog. Entrenching tool or full GS shovels/picks will be carried for non Canadian troops.  All Canadians need to have a full size GS shovel or pick except for the Lance Corporal of the Bren Team who may carry a machete.  All men must carry a gas cape, rain cape and/or ground sheet as well as the enamel mug and mess tins.
 

Personal 
All troops need to carry their clasp knives and a “hold-all” should be included in your small pack for your basic personal needs.  All tobacco products use must be of a correct 1940s style with lighters being of the traditional type. Pay books should be carried and all pocket items should replicate the time period.  Eyewear and watches must be of the period style.
 

Bedding and extra clothing
Each participant is allowed to have a large pack and/or kit bag with him that will include the grey blankets, extra clothing, etc. This kit will be left in the rear support area for when you are off line.  “Bivis” and other shelters (flies or larger tents) will be allowed in the rear support area for inclement weather.
 

Rations
Every effort to provide a correct issue of “14 Man Compo Rations” or a “24 Hour” box will be made for this event.   Any other field ration MUST be in a period wrapper or container and be of a correct issue item (nothing modern permitted).  References about rations can be made to Jean Bouchery’s well documented series books of  NW Europe 1944-45.
 

In General

• Please make sure you are familiar with British hand signals, commands, and tactics. 
• Proper military courtesies will be given to those of rank.
• Expect to follow orders, and live the life of a soldier in the year 1944.
• Carry only what you can on your back! Prepare your kits accordingly!
• Please smoke either unfiltered cigarettes, cigars, or even best: a pipe!
• Please keep conversations period 1944 to the best of your abilities to heighten the experiences of others!
• Please refrain from bringing other modern devices (such as Cell phones) into the field!
• There will be just one port-a-john on site.  Bring some Toilet paper with you in case you have to dig & cover!
   

References
References for these standards are based upon the book series done by Jean Bouchery, the WW 2 Tommy series by Dave Gordon and archival photos from many sources.  Further detailed reading can be acquired from the works of George Blackburn on the Canadian Army from D-Day to the end of the war.  Specific detailed information can also be found in the book series from Service Publications of Ottawa, ON.
 

Any deviation that can be documented needs to be cleared by the Authenticity Officer for the Commonwealth Forces, Paul Levasseur.  Paul can be reached at: paullev@verizon.net