Who We Are:

GI 44-45 is an established group of living historians, who portray the Citizen soldier, the American GI, throughout the war years. We re-badge to suit the impression we are trying to recreate, and are not unit specific. We endeavour to portray as accurately as possible a range of units and our impressions have included Rangers, Airborne, and standard "leg" infantry. The group was formed in October 2006, by veterans from the re-enacting community as well as newcomers to the hobby. We are covered by Public Liability insurance, and we ensure that a risk assessment is place for our events.

Our aims are simple:

  • To organise and attend various WW2 re-enactment events
  • To engage in high quality living history
  • To educate the public
  • To keep alive the memory of all those who made sacrifices during WW2

Click on any of the images below to see our gallery of past impressions:

What We Do:

We participate in private tactical events, where we endeavour to eat, sleep and live the life of the World War II GI as accurately as possible.

We attend Public shows, giving us the opportunity to display various WWII uniforms, tentage, equipment and vehicles, enabling us to educate the Public.

We visit the battlefields of Europe, retracing the footsteps of the Soldiers who served in WWII, driving WW2 vehicles, wearing the uniforms and utilising equipment of the time. This gives a unique perspective to “Living history” as under such conditions one can experience certain things first-hand that no book or film could ever offer.

A testimony to our professionalism and reputation is that we work with the most authentic Living history groups in the country.

What We Offer:

For the living historian:
Whether you are completely new to the hobby or not, if you are interested in experiencing some aspects of the life of a WW2 GI and “live” history,  GI44-45 members will  provide you with that opportunity. We offer the chance to learn about the GI in a friendly environment, and for interested parties to attend a variety of events with us. We can provide authentic uniforms and equipment, in the first instance, to experience the hobby without great expenditure.

For media, film and television:
Our group comprises a number of members who are knowledgeable in various aspects of WW2. They all understand how the GI wore his uniform and carried his equipment. Some members specialise in collecting specific items of WW2 militaria including medical equipment and ration related material.

Foryour consideration we are able to provide a comprehensive range of equipment, which includes:

Vehicles; Three Jeeps and a Dodge Weapons carrier
Tents; Two M1934 Pyramidal tents, an M1942 Command Tent, Two Large flys, a number of Small Wall Tents and Shelter Tents.
Medical; a Battalion Aid Station, with a range of equipment
Field Kitchen: Two squad Stoves, and one M1937 Field Stove, complimented with a large number of Ration boxes and field kitchen equipment
De-activated weapons: including a Bazooka, 60 and 81mm mortars, and .30 calibre machine gun.
60mm Mortar Display: a full squad

Our group has supported TV and media and have featured in:
Skirmish Magazine, the national and local press, including the Daily Mail. Click here to read the Article about our Bastogne March .
BBC View the BBC News story about the last passenger flight in a C-47 "Skytrain".
National Geographic “Generals at War”.

 

GI 44-45 is always on the lookout for keen people who are interested in joining the unit. If you think that you would like to get involved in what we do, then please feel free to contact us. We will gladly offer you help and guidance in getting started in the fantastic hobby of WW2 re-enactment.

Thanks,
The GI 44-45 Team!