Youth Volunteers Initiatives
Rules

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR REENACTORS

ALL Youth Volunteers initiative’s members who join the re-enactment part of the group Are required to follow the guidelines below and to sign to say that they will abide be them. Anyone failing to do so after being given one or more warnings about attitude or dress, (amount of warnings will depend on the severity of the incidents in question.)  Will be asked to leave the re-enactment part of the group and return all equipment that was issued to them belonging to the YOUTH VOLUNTEERS INITIATIVE.

        The following information is presented as a guide for all of the Youth Volunteers initiative’s re-enactors portraying British troopers of the World Wars.  The British troops were subject to multiple intrusions into his personal life, as well as several sets of orders and regulations including King's Regulations and Orders, Standing Orders of the unit and formation he was assigned to, Regimental Routine Orders, all civilian laws in whatever locale he was stationed, and of course (so it may have seemed) the whims of his immediate superiors.  While some practices may have been relaxed in the field, it behoves re-enactors in the public eye to hold themselves to higher standards than may have been exhibited by those they seek to portray. 

        The following are based on official regulations as well as informal common practice.

Male Haircuts

        Several hairstyles were popular in the 20th Century, though soldiers in uniform found themselves restricted to what they were permitted to do with their hair.  In all cases, hair was kept short, the basic standard being that it had to be kept off the collar and off the ears.  In general, extremely short hairstyles, as found common in the 1980s and '90s in the British and American militaries, were not common during the World War II.

 The following information gives some examples of what would be considered acceptable or not. As well, re-enactors should keep their hair a natural hue.  Sideburns should not extend past halfway down the earlobe; even better is to have them cut in line with the top of the ear.  Depending on the time period being portrayed, sideburns are best trimmed with a straight razor rather than trimmers.

"Businessman's Cut" is "cut long enough to be either parted or brushed back. The back and sides may be tapered or slightly longer, and the hair is usually cut above the ears. This cut is short, but not too short. It's suitable for even the most conservative occupations, and versatile enough to wear differently in different circumstances."  This style is acceptable for re-enactment, and will not make a re-enactor stand out when he returns to his civilian life at the end of a weekend event.

"Taper Cut" as "the style of having the hair cut progressively shorter lower down towards the nape of the head. This is generally done with electric clippers and gives a crisper, freshly cut look. The degree of tapering can range from a slight taper to a style in which the hair around the nape and around the ears is shaven." 

"Buzz cut", a "generic name used for a variety of short clipper cuts, usually uniform in length, where the hair conforms to the shape of the head (as opposed to a flattop). The name comes from the sound of the electric clippers used for the cuts.  A buzz cut typically ranges from 1/2 of an inch to stubble (no guard on the clippers). Variations include BUTCH - A Buzz cut where the hair is cut to a uniform, short length (usually 1/8 inch or less) all over. A butch would usually be considered shorter than a crew-cut, and the butch is even all over while the crew-cut has a little extra length at the front of the head.

CREW-CUT - A Buzz cut where the hair is clipper-cut short on the back and sides, and to an inch or less on top."  Matt Damon wore a crew-cut in the movie "Saving Private Ryan."

Facial Hair

 Moustaches have always been permitted in the British Army.  Official regulation requires them to not extend past the corners of the mouth.  "Handlebar" styles are permitted if properly waxed.  Beards are forbidden by regulation, except by Pioneers, or for medical reasons that prevent a soldier from shaving.

Piercings/Tattoos

        Pierced ears were not adopted by men, generally speaking, until the 1960s as the earliest, and did not gain widespread popularity until the 1980s.  Men have always been prohibited from wearing earrings when in military uniform.  Other piercings, whether male or female, are a very recent fashion trend and was unheard of in the 1940s or earlier.

        Tattoos have gained popularity among soldiers throughout the century.  By and large, however, tattoos in the Second World War remained modest in size and crude in design.  Regimental badges were popular, and some troops in Scottish or Highland regiments had their legs tattooed. A wide variety of other designs, non-military in nature, could also be found. Re-enactors should cover up non-period looking tattoos with the appropriate garments.  Tattoos were usually relegated to the arms, legs, or back by soldiers in the first half of the 20th Century.

        Tattoos and piercings did not become fashionable for women until well after the Korean War.  Piercings were generally limited to the earlobes, one per ear on the bottom of the lobe.  Earrings were to be plain metal studs.

Eyeglasses

        Eyeglasses are not commonly seen in period photos, especially not in combat units.   For those who must wear eyeglasses, acceptable styles are limited to round wire frames, or alternately, rimless glasses.

Timepieces

        Wristwatches began to be common in the first years of the 20th Century; First World War soldiers were more likely to have a pocket watch, however.  By the Second World War, wristwatches were almost universal.  Bands were in leather or metal "twist-o-flex" and the dial was a simple one with either Roman or Arabic numerals.  Day/date features did not yet exist.  Non-period watches should not be worn.

Jewellery

        Married persons may wear wedding bands on the left hand; otherwise it is best not to wear jewellery with re-enactment uniform.  Military regulation forbids the wearing of jewellery (except wedding bands) unless for a strictly religious purpose.

Decorations

        Decorations for bravery should never be worn by re-enactors.  This is considered a serious affront to veterans and lowers the respect of the re-enacting community.  Any member seen wearing decorations for bravery will be immediately ordered to remove it.  Post-war decorations, including decorations actually earned by the re-enactor wearing the uniform, should not be mixed with wartime attire.

Exotic Kit

        Seek to portray the rule, rather than the exception.  Document your sources when you adopt a uniform, insignia or piece of equipment.  One photo of one man "somewhere in Normandy" from an unspecified unit wearing a rare piece of webbing is generally not sufficient grounds for a re-enactor to adopt the wear of the same piece of gear.  Be specific in your research!  

        While away from the field, soldiers were obligated to present themselves as disciplined and well organized, to their superiors and to the public at large.  Soldiers were ordered (and re-enactors should seek) to follow these guidelines of deportment:

·         Outer garments such as greatcoats are either worn completely buttoned up, or else taken off entirely.

·         Hands will be kept out of pockets.

·         Gum will not be chewed while in uniform.

·         Headdress will be taken off when in a mess or eating establishment, or for a church service.  It will be worn at all other times, including when driving a vehicle.

·         Soldiers will not lean against walls but will instead either sit in an appropriate place or stand erect.

·         Uniforms will be kept clean and pressed; shoes and brass will be brought to a high shine with the use of polish.

·         Re-enactment uniforms should not be mixed with civilian attire.

·         Uniformed re-enactors should wear their uniforms at events, and when in transit to/from those events ONLY.  Re-enactment uniforms are not appropriate attire for taverns or restaurants.

·         Commissioned officers, whether in period uniform, or currently serving in the Armed Forces, are to be saluted with a salute appropriate to the uniform being worn.  If armed with a rifle, a "Butt Salute" is given to officers ranked Captain or lower, and a "Present Arms" is executed for officers ranked Major or higher.

·         All NCOs and officers superior in rank, be they re-enactors or currently serving members of the Armed Forces, will be addressed to either by their rank, or (for sergeants-major and officers) as "Sir" or "Ma'am."  Public officials will be addressed by the proper form or address as well (i.e. "Your Worship" for a Mayor, "Your Honour" for a Lieutenant-Governor of a Province, "Your Highness" for a member of the Royal Family, or "Your Majesty" for the reigning Monarch.)

·         Members of foreign armed forces (whether re-enacted or currently serving) will also be paid compliments as outlined above.

·         When addressing a superior, it is customary for a soldier to stand properly at attention.

How to Talk to the Public

        The main goal of re-enacting is educating people about military history.  Some tips on interacting successfully with the public at large (including veterans):

·         Thank people who pay compliments on your display or your appearance.

·         Don't argue with people who say that you have done something wrong, even if they are incorrect.

·         Don't use profanity.

·         When talking to veterans, don't ask awkward questions; it is best to stay away from the question of killing people altogether.  Do not expect a veteran to be overly interested in you until you have shown an interest in him; ask him when he joined the Army, how long he served, what unit he was in, and questions of that nature.  Sometimes they will open up, some will not want to talk much at all.    Respect whatever decision they make in that regard. Above all, listen to what they are saying.  Do not argue with veterans, even if they appear to be wrong about something.  Be sure and thank them for their service; they will not have heard it enough, even if they do act humble and tell you "it was only a job."

·         Admit when you don't know the answer to a question.  Do NOT make something up; it may well come back to damage your credibility.  Some people enjoy asking obscure or trick questions to re-enactors out of a sense of superiority or mischief.  Admitting that you do not know everything there is to know only adds to your professionalism.   Your research may also be aided by having people tell you things you don't know already.  Be open to this.

·         In general, be polite, be receptive, and remember that a re-enactor's job is to convey his knowledge to the public, as well as be an ambassador for the unit he is portraying.

        Most re-enactors are civilians who have never served in the military.   For that reason, there are some fundamental things, common to almost all militaries, to which they have never been introduced.  Indeed, one of the largest tasks faced in "basic training" is to take civilian habits out of the potential soldier.  (As society becomes more "free", this becomes even harder because the norms of the military and what is usual in society tend to become even farther apart.)  One of those things constantly reinforced in basic military training is the proper wear of the uniform and personal appearance.  Good units care how they look and exercise considerable effort to ensure that their personnel meet established standards.   They take especial pride in ensuring the "little things" are also looked after.  One of the measures of a good unit is how its soldiers look, especially whey they are not under close supervision.  What follows are some practical tips, which will help (re-enactors) better project the image of a solid, well-trained, and motivated unit.

·         Headgear is always worn outdoors.  One of the hardest things to teach a recruit is remembering to put on his cap when going outdoors.   When you leave the billets or your tent at a re-enactment, be sure you have the proper headgear, that it is properly worn, and that it is removed indoors (except when "under arms" -- soldiers on official business who are armed do not uncover upon entering a building.)

·         Items are worn, never carried.  If worn, they are worn properly.  Soldiers don't carry overcoats, raincoats, etc., over their arm -- the item is either worn or left behind (except, of course, as part of the field equipment).  All items are worn properly -- all buttons are buttoned, snaps done, etc.  Nothing is less military looking than someone walking around with his blouse unbuttoned, or the cuff slits "flapping about" because he failed to ensure they were buttoned.  While many might think that such things are macho-looking, good soldiers detest casual sloppiness; buttons are meant to be buttoned, and when they are not, it offends the good soldier's sense of "natural order."

·         Complete uniforms are always worn.  This is the corollary to the above, not the same thing.  Everything can be worn correctly, and the uniform still not be complete.  While most re-enactors get the field uniform correct, few get the German soldiers' other forms of dress right.  (This is true for British and Commonwealth soldiers as well).  Take the time to study All of the proper uniforms worn by your unit during a certain time period.  If in doubt ask!

·         Soldiers generally shave once a day.  Good soldiers do not appear unshaven.  Units ensure that soldiers maintain cleanliness at all times as a matter of preserving health; part of that routine is a daily shave.   While no one would have expected the soldier to shave while bullets were flying, part of the "after operations" cleanup would have been a return to normal standards.  Again, while some folks would find the gruff, unshaven look "manly," a good unit would find it unacceptable.

·         There is no excuse for slovenliness.  There is a clear difference between shoddy appearance (brought on by aging, repaired uniforms and equipment) and a slovenly appearance, which is generally the result of neglect or lack of concern.  Boots are at least blackened if polishing is not possible, belts are worn straight (not "John Wayne" style, drooping down over the hip), blankets are not draped around the shoulder as capes, and uniforms and equipment are maintained as best the soldier can with what is available to him -- missing buttons are replaced, tears carefully sewn up, etc.  (Note: most repairs....on actual....uniforms are very well done, either by being carefully hand stitched or machine sewn.  Supply personnel had sewing machines available to them (and persons with some tailor training were generally available to conduct unit-level repairs).  Additionally, severely damaged uniforms, etc, were usually exchanged for serviceable items -- the damaged items were then evacuated to a level where, if repair was feasible, it was done by those who knew how to do it and the item returned to the supply system for reissue.  Generally, modern armies frown on the soldier sewing up large tears himself -- it usually looks like hell, and, worse, doesn't hold, resulting in the loss of the item when proper maintenance would have prevented the loss.