The following sections are hints and tips on equipping yourself for the rigours of reenacting this exciting period.

APPEARANCE

For civilian clothes and jewellery, charity shops are naturally a great source of bargains, but do check that the fabric and cut of the clothes is authentic. Polyester was not common in wartime France! Seamed stockings can be bought easily almost anywhere, but seamed tights can also be found, particularly on underwear stalls in markets and anywhere that sells French maid's outfits! There's always the authentic substitute of an eyebrow pencil and gravy browning. White or beige ankle socks again, can be bought anywhere, but they should be completely plain. Spectacles need to be authentic, or contact lenses can be worn; original specs frames are easily found at militaria and antique fairs. Civilian men can wear baggy trousers
or dungarees of any natural fabric, collarless shirts, waistcoats and
lace-up leather shoes or clogs at the basic level. If you want to look dandier, go for it.

Ladies' hair should also be styled appropriately; any obviously modern styles can be disguised with hats, scarves, combs and hairnets or snoods. If you can crochet, I can let you have a pattern for a snood. Men should wear short back and sides, but there was obviously no regulation appearance for civilians. Facial hair was acceptable in the French Army, but still had to be neat in appearance. ZZ Top they weren't. Which side to wear the beret was a matter of personal choice, but uniforms must be smart at all times.

WEAPONS

The French Army issue rifle was the MAS36 and this should be bought if you are portraying the French soldier. Resistance re-enactors can use just about any weapon commonly found in Western Europe between 1914 and 1944.

CAMPING

Most of the shows we attend last for two days and camping is the most
practical form of accommodation. The on-site facilities vary from show to show and can be as basic as portaloos (of varying numbers, distance and desirability) or as luxurious as purpose-built shower blocks, so come prepared. Apart from the obvious toiletries, don't forget a towel and loo paper. We have found that, in addition to the basics, there are other items that make camp life a lot easier:

Bottled water (there is always a fresh water supply on-site, but you'll need a bottle for it, anyway) Kitchen paper,

Enamel mugs and French mess kits (so you can use them in public without compromising authenticity)

Washing up liquid
Plastic bowl
Scourer
Torch
A clothes rail and clothes protection (suit covers, black sacks, plastic
dust sheets, etc)

Assume you won't be able to buy anything when you get there, so come
prepared with plenty of food and drink - non-perishable is best. On-site
catering tends to be overpriced and not of the best quality. Bar prices vary wildly from show to show, but an evening round the camp fire with the rest of the Group and other droppers-in can't be beaten, so bringing your own supplies is always a good idea.

The Group owns a field kitchen which is put to use at shows, so unless you're really anti-social, we can all cook and eat together.