Ironfest 2015 issue

N 3
2015
The Volunteer Magazine is the official club magazine of Ausreenact, World War Two
Ironfest
2015
issue
1

Ironfest 2015
Once again Ausreenact was present at Lithgow’s major festival of history, colour and weird
things. This year we had the best lager ever, the level of commitment and authenticity was
wonderful and something that all should feel very proud of. This year we had a wonderful
American display with vehicles and a well set out field hospital. Dave’s office and wonderful
phones drew a lot of compliments, the small defensive post with added “toys” looked great
too, as did Manfred’s Kubelwagen making its maiden appearance with Ausreenact.
However, the main highlight has to be our participation on the skirmishes. For the first time
many of us got to use weapons we could only dream of. The several “battles” were not aimed
at being authentic but rather more for public entertainment. A special thank you goes to all
who worked very hard at setting up and packing up. We hope to see you all there next year.
More pics in pages 14-15
2

Александр Матросов
Aleksandr Matrosov was a Soviet soldier who died heroically during World War II. However,
several versions of his biography exist and historians continue to research the circumstances
of his life and death.
According to the traditional version, Aleksandr Matrosov was
born 5 February 1924 in Dnepropetrovsk. His parents died when
he was little boy and Aleksandr was brought up in an orphanage.
Later he found himself in a labor colony in Ufa. In November
1942 Matrosov left for the front as a volunteer and served in the
Soviet infantry. On 27 February 1943 in the battle for a village
near Pskov, Aleksandr Matrosov sacrificed his life by blocking a
Nazi machine gun pillbox with his body. He disabled the machine
gun, allowing his comrades to continue the attack and win
the battle. On 19 June 1943 Matrosov received the award of “the
Hero of the Soviet Union” posthumously. Impressed by the feat,
Josef Stalin wrote: “The great deed of Aleksandr Matrosov
should be an example of military valor and heroism for all the
warriors of the Red Army.” Indeed, during World War II over
300 soldiers repeated Matrosov’s feat.
But some historians believe that Aleksandr Matrosov was not the true name of the heroic
young man. They claim his name was Shakirian Mukhamedyanov, and that he was born not
in Dnepropetrovsk, but in the small village of Kunakbaevo in Bashkiria. According to one
version, investigated and presented in the end of the 20th century, Shakirian, the future hero,
was the son of a handicapped man and the most beautiful woman of the village, who died
soon after Shakirian’s birth. His father married for the second, and then a third. The family
was very poor, and Shakirian did not get on with his stepmother. He left his father’s home
and wandered around the country with other homeless children. Finally, he appeared in an
orphanage, calling himself Aleksandr Matrosov. Historians believe he did so in order to obtain
a Russian-sounding name, and that the last name “Matrosov” originated from his nickname
“sailor” (“matros” in Russian), which he got because of his habit of wearing striped
shirts as sailors did. Matrosov spent just one year in the orphanage and then became a laborer
at the carriage works. He did not like his job and escaped. He was then arrested for larceny
and sent to a labor colony in Ufa. Matrosov worked as a teacher’s assistant in the colony
until 1942 when he became a cadet in the infantry college and then left for the front.
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Regardless of what the true name and real life story of Aleksandr Matrosov were, there is
no doubt about his heroic deed. The details of the event, however, are still being studied.
Nowadays some historians blame Soviet propaganda for presenting Matrosov’s feat in a
very unrealistic way. Some modern researchers state that one human body was not enough
to disable a machine gun. Others believe that Matrosov did not intend to put the machine
gun out of action but wanted only to make his way as close as possible in order to kill the
Nazi soldier operating the gun. There are differing points of view, but researchers are
unanimous in claiming that Aleksandr Matrosov did his best and sacrificed his life to help
his fellow soldiers win the battle.
Aleksandr Matrosov is buried in a communal grave in the town of Velikie Luki near
Pskov. Monuments to Aleksandr Matrosov were erected in Ufa, as well as in many other
cities. His name was given to city streets, museums, schools, cinemas and ships.
Written by Alyona Kipreyeva for RT
Are you looking for Soviet re-enactment
gear?
Recently our new member Tom took delivery
of some stuff from Schuster in Belorrusia.
His comments were complimentary,
especially about their service and delivery.
They have access to many original and
reproduction items, their prices are fair and
the website can be accessed in English.
They also make German stuff too, their
uniforms and boots are made to order so
you know that the products should fit
nicely.
www.schuster.ru
4

1940’s Radio online
One day browsing through my TuneIn Radio app I came across the 1940’s radio. I linked it
to my Bluetooth speaker and had tunes from that golden era blaring out. You heard some
of the hits from Glenn Miller and others, also some RAF reports and discussion about history
too. The sound was brilliant and the chatter on the radio was in keeping with the
mood. I strongly suggest you tune in as you’ll be transported back to the 40’s in no time.
You can also hear it by simply logging on to their website www.1940sukradio.co.uk.
Enjoy.
The Counterfeit Traitor (1962) William Holden,
Lilli Palmer.
Interesting movie about an American-Swede who
becomes entangled in a world of espionage and
counter espionage during world war two. The
movie is produced by West Germany and filmed in
location. From a re-enactors point of view, the
movie shows great uniforms from all branches of
the German army which by looking at them appear
to be original, was nice to see customs and Reichsbahn
uniforms. Movie available free online or you
can buy the DVD from amazon.com
5

Battle of Berlin 1945
Old Tailem Town, South Australia.
In May this year a group of 6 Ausreenact members travelled for over 14 hours (each
way) to get Old Tailem Town in South Australia. By the banks of the Murray River Ausreenact
members fought side by side with members of ARMS, Reenact SA , CHS and
GMRG in several scenarios that told a story of pain and sacrifice. The event was held in
a old Gohst town that had its own cinema and several streets full of houses and shops.
The location was excellent and allowed for street to street fight and house clearing.
The highlight no doubt was working closely with other reenactors who are also passionate
about this wonderful hobby. The meals provided and the hospitality was second to
none. The Saturday night medal ceremony and the German band will live ling in the
memory of those who were there. The consensus was that it was a great event and one
that all members should make every effort to attend.
6

While it is still relatively easy to find Nazi-era eagles (minus any swastika) throughout Germany
- especially on government and public buildings, military barracks etc. - actual swastikas
themselves are virtually non-existent, for obvious reasons. They can however still be
found in one form or another. In Berlin for example:
1. The parquetry floor of the old Wehrmacht HQ in what was then Bendlerstraße. This repeating
pattern was a common one.
2. Along sections of the old Air Ministry building (virtually unchanged since the war) on Wilhelmstraße,
the iron swastikas are still intact.
7

3. The 1936 Olympic bell has been replaced in the bell tower by a later one, but the original
is now sited on the stadium grounds. A little worse for wear thanks to some Russian marksmanship,
it has had its swastikas "adjusted' though still easily identifiable.
8

Major Erich “Bubi” Hartmann
Erich Hartmann was a German fighter pilot
during World War II and the world´s most
successful ace of all time. Erich „Bubi“
Hartmann had 352 confirmed victories flying
a Me109. He was one of only 27 soldiers
ever awarded the Knight´s Cross with
Oak Leaves, Sword and Diamonds.
The black devil“ (nicknamed by the Soviets)
flew over 1400 combat missions shooting
down 345 Soviet and 7 American aircraft.
His favourite method of attack was to
hold fire until extremely close, then unleash
a short burst at point-black range. He successfully
crash landed 14 times but was
never shot down or forced to land due to
enemy fire.
Hartmann served with the famous Jagdgeschwader 52 on the Eastern Front,
the most successful fighter wing of all time claiming a total of more than 10.000
victories over enemy aircraft during World War II. Gerhard Barkhorn, Günther
Rall, Hermann Graf were other famous aces serving with JG52 just to name a
few.
Erich Hartmann was awarded the Knight´s Cross for 148 victories on
29.10.1943. Just one year later, he was awarded the Diamonds to his Knight´s
Cross by Adolf Hitler at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze near Rastenburg.
After spending over 10 years in Soviet POW
camps, Hartmann was released in 1955. He
retired from serving with the Bundeswehr in
1970 and worked as a flight instructor near
Bonn and also flew in an aerobatics team with
Adolf Galland. Hartmann died on 20.9.1993 at
the age of 71 in Weil im Schönbuch.
Exceptionally rare and important Luftwaffe
Soldbuch of the most successful fighter ace of all time. A „Ersatzausfertigung“
issued on 10.11.1944 by II./Jagdgeschwader 52. It was signed by Major and
Gruppenkommandeur Gerhard Barkhorn (Swords to the Knight´s Cross).
9

There is a promotion note from 1.5.1945 which was personally signed by
Geschwaderkommodore Oberstleutnant Hermann Graf (Diamonds to the
Knight´s Cross). Several other late war entries such as Jagdgeschwader 52
and 53 entries from late 1944 and early 1945.
Full list of awards on page 21 and 22:Iron Cross 2nd Class (14.3.1943)
Squadron Clasp for Fighter Pilots in gold (25.4.43)
Iron Cross 1st Class (10.5.43)
Luftwaffe Honor Goblet (31.8.43)
Knight´s Cross of the Iron Cross (29.10.43)
German Cross in gold (17.10.43)
Oak Leaves to the Knight´s Cross of the Iron Cross (4.3.44)
Oak Leaves with Swords to the Knight´s Cross of the Iron Cross (2.7.1944)
Squadron Clasp for Fighter Pilots in gold and hanger „500“ (10.7.44)
Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds to the Knight´s Cross of the Iron Cross
(25.8.44)
Luftwaffe Pilots Badge with Diamonds (4.10.44)
Wound Badge in black (12.10.44)
This list was signed by Major Barkhorn. One award written on page 21:
Ungar. Mittelkreuz (Halsorden)
The Soldbuch is in very good condition. Hartmann only carried it for about 6
month before he was captured. His photo was removed, however there is an
original photo of him taken as a Russian POW.
Hartmanns Soldbuch recently sold at Auction for 30,500 euros + 12.5% buyer’s
premium (Approx $50,000 AUD).
10

Military Extravaganza Blacktown 2015
After many years Ausreenact was invited again to take part in the huge Blacktown Festival at
the beautiful Narrangungi Reserve. This year we were part of a show called military extravaganza.
We had a small display of original and reproduction equipment which proved very
popular with the crowd. We had a small lager with both Allied and Axis tents, Mikhail's’ Radio,
Dave’s field post and Kruger’s Zundapp. As part of the weekend we had a number of
skirmishes against the 18th Battalion AIF, this proved to be also popular with the public. The
18th Battalion are a group which has been around for a long time and has shared many a good
time with Ausreenact. We can only look forwards to meeting them again in the future.
A special commendation must be given to Paul who stayed the Saturday night guarding the
club’s tents and display. Again thank you to all who supported the club and attended from far
and close.
Dead Funny
Hitler, The Last Ten Seconds. A play for radio by R. Buck.
Act 1 (pause)
(sound of a gunshot)
Hitler: Ach! (pause)
THE END
On the eve of the 1966 World Cup Final, the late Vincent Mulchrone wrote in the Daily
Mail:
"We should not be too upset if tomorrow the Germans defeat us at our national sport, after
all, we've twice beaten them at theirs."
11

For Sale !
This section will be open to members to sell any original or reproduction WW2
items. We do not accept responsibilities for items not paid or not delivered.
Current Items:
German M36 Greatcoat, early Sturm. Fits size 42/44. Great quality, correct
length = $180
For pics contact waffen _su@yahoo.com.au
Original German jerry cans, various conditions. Please contact Dutchy on
Matthew.koomen@gmail.com
2015 Calendar of Events
July
Model Show Clarendon
04/07/15
Photo shoot
Exclusive, Lithgow
Furnace 12/07/15
AGM 18/07/15 rescheduled
WestFront Tarago
18-19/7
August
Barbarossa Winter
event 01-02/08/15
Tarago, NSW Cancelled
September Linwood 05/09/15
(13 th ??)
October
November
December
Battle of Berlin,
Tarago, NSW
Family bbq
01/11/15
Stalingrad, Tarago,
NSW
Armidale Tactical 8-
9/8/15
Battle of Prague/
Western Front 12-
13/09/15, Tarago,
NSW
Battle of Ardennes,
Tarago, NSW
Temora 20/21 TBC
12

Prasident’s Report
Kameraden,
Welcome to yet another edition of The Volunteer, collated by Erich from your contributions.
Welcome too to those members who have joined us since that time. While June is
traditionally an active month for reenactors, circumstances have conspired to slow us
down this year, with events being shunted into July.
Since the March edition though, which reported on the success of IronFest, we have not
been idle: members travelled to South Australia by bus to participate in the Fall of Berlin,
and the Doonside overnighter attracted significant numbers.
The calendar for July is a busy one, with Clarendon, a Lithgow photo shoot and Tarago
not far away.
Thank you to every member who is able to participate and contribute to the group according
to their means and their ability. Thank you for posting links and images to the webring
as well. They all count and help make for an active and engaged membership where ideas
relevant to this hobby of ours are freely shared. Keep it up.
Volker
Volker
13

Hawkesbury Hobby Show 4th July 2015
As you know we are attending this event in early July. We have attended on a
number of years (except 2014). It is a small event, the crowds are not anywhere
near some of the other public events we attend. Nevertheless it is a good day out
and a good chance for members to catch up.
The upcoming show will also give an opportunity for members to catch up about
the Tarago event in July. This promises to be an action packed event where only
the strongest and toughest will prevail. Stay tuned for any information about
these 2 scheduled events.
Imitation Permit
After over 15 months, many phone calls and e-mails our club has finally been
authorised to own and possess imitation weapons to use at events. Given the current
political climate, security at home and abroad us getting this permit speaks
volumes of our history and reputation. There are some conditions and requirements
but now being able to use that MP40 at events can be a reality.
Regarding the requirements, please speak to Paul or myself.
Kubel heading down under!
Kruger is on track to be getting his very own Type 82 Kubelwagen . This will be a
great addition to the ever growing collection of toys and wonderful items that
Kruger has amounted in many years of collecting and re-enacting.
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The volunteer is a club magazine put together by club members for
club members. You are welcome to make suggestions and provide
contributions, please write to us at waffen_su@yahoo.com.au.
This issue could not have been published without the assistance of
Gustav Becker, Sepp Volker and Michael Muller.