The “Totenkopf” reenactment group was formed in 2007, after the coming together of several like-minded individuals, each with a keen interest in living history. Our goal is to portray a unit of the reconnaissance battalion of the “Totenkopf” division in the early part of the second world war, from the invasion of France in May 1940, to the inferno of the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 and beyond. We also, dependant upon the scenario, can portray the troops as they would have been in the hellish Ostfront battles in 1943-45, such as Kharkov, Kursk, Mius and Budapest. Beyond this main focus, all members are keen amateur military historians who try to uncover more detail about the lives and times of the troops we portray.

The group is based predominantly in the south of England, but tries to attend shows as far afield as possible. We welcome prospective new members from any part of the country, or indeed, beyond! We have members in London, Devon, Oxfordshire, and the Home Counties. We regularly attend private living history battles as well as public displays, where we aim to help the public in understanding the wartime experience. We aim to have high standards of kit and presentation, and always strive to improve ourselves. Through many years of re-enacting, we have been able to gain the experience necessary to seek out top quality reproduction items.

Our main impression is of a motorcycle reconnaissance unit on the Westfront, circa May 1940, and the Ostfront circa 1941-42 . We specialise in the early war uniforms, kit and equipment, which were specific to this timeframe. We have two sidecar combinations, and a solo motorcycle and VW “Kafer” command car in our group. These vehicles add to the experience by showing the tools used by the troops in the art of warfare.