Membership in the Army Nurse Corps z. s. living history group is voluntary and based on friendly relations and mutual respect.
The group may be joined by women who believe that our activities coincide with their interests. At the beginning, however, you should read some basic information about how the group works:
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Your place of residence does not matter, however, most of our events take place in Poland and Czech Republic – at the moment we associate girls from all over these two countries, Slovakia, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
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The minimum age is 15 years. For persons under the age of 18, the written consent of their legal guardian is required.
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The probation begins after the first joint meeting and lasts 1 year.
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During the trial period, the candidate begins completing the basic uniforms and equipment (specified below).
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After successfully completing the trial period, the recruit can submit an application to join the association as a member.
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Monthly fees are collected in the group. The costs of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment are covered by each member and recruit.
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Medical knowledge and / or education is not required.
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Each member and recruit should get involved in the life of the group as much as possible: come to the meetings, prepare for the displays, be active on social media.
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It should be noted that the historical reenactment does not end with buying the required minimum of uniforms and equipment. It is a long process of constantly acquiring new items and, above all, knowledge.
What will you experience with us?
Sisterhood
You’ll become part of an international sisterhood united by a shared passion—our love for history, American culture, and vintage style. Together, we’ll face the challenges of long marches and cold nights spent in tents. You can always count on us for help, whether you’re searching for historical sources, styling 1940s hairdos, shopping abroad, or getting to our events. We also stay connected in our everyday lives.
Back to the Past
Sleeping in a tent, eating meals from a mess kit, and washing up in a helmet are part of our everyday routine. We do all this to authentically recreate the conditions nurses often lived in during the war. If ladies our age managed these hardships more than 80 years ago, then so can we. It’s also important to remember that, unlike them, we don’t have to fear for our lives or our health—and when an event is over, we return to warm homes with real beds and hot showers. They didn’t have that option.
Education
Our main mission as an association is to share knowledge about the Army Nurse Corps with a wide audience. To do this, we take part in public reenactment events, organize lectures and exhibitions, and stay active on social media. Talking with visitors is an essential part of our hobby, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to share stories or explain the uniforms you’re wearing. Through these conversations, we help ensure that the memory of these brave women lives on.
Trips Abroad
One of our key activities is traveling abroad to places connected with World War II. We take part in anniversary commemorations such as the Normandy landings and the Battle of the Ardennes. In the past, we’ve also visited Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.These trips aren’t just about seeing historic battlefields with our own eyes—they’re also an opportunity to meet veterans, visit cemeteries and museums, and connect with international reenactors.
You Are In The Army Now
During our meetups, you’ll learn U.S. Army drill and how to use a gas mask, map, and compass. Night hikes, swimming, obstacle courses, and pitching tents are all part of the experience. You’ll handle WWII-era weapons and learn how to fire them safely. You’ll also take part in a variety of lectures on the history of the Army Nurse Corps, as well as wartime uniforms, gear, hairstyles, and makeup. And you’ll almost certainly get the chance to ride in legendary American vehicles like the GMC, Dodge, or Jeep Willys. On top of that, you’ll learn some basic nursing skills.
Fun to the Rhythms of Glenn Miller
Reenacting with us isn’t just about duties and life in the field—there are plenty of opportunities to have fun, too. We regularly take part in 1940s dance parties with live music, as well as other social events. They’re the perfect occasions to put on your service uniform and swipe on some red lipstick.
How to join us?
The first step is to read the information on our website and fill out the contact form in the "Contact" section. You can also send us a private message on our Facebook page: Army Nurse Corps in WWII. In your message, please introduce yourself, share your interests, and describe any previous experience with historical reenactment. It’s also helpful to mention why you’d like to join our group.
A member of our team will then reach out to discuss any questions you may have. She will give you instructions on how to get started and let you know the date of our next event. This meeting is a great opportunity to get to know each other, talk, and see what historical reenactment looks like “behind the scenes.” At the beginning, we provide support with uniforms and equipment until the recruit is able to purchase the required basics.
After the first meeting, the candidate decides whether she wants to remain in the group. If she enjoys what we do and wants to continue, she becomes a recruit. From that point on, she can begin collecting uniforms and equipment, expanding her knowledge, and taking part in all of our group’s events.
Pierwszym krokiem jest zapoznanie się z zawartością naszej strony internetowej oraz odesłanie formularza kontaktowego w dziale „Kontakt” lub napisanie wiadomości prywatnej na naszym profilu na Facebooku: Army Nurse Corps in WWII. W wiadomości należy przedstawić się, opowiedzieć o swoich zainteresowaniach i dotychczasowych doświadczeniach z rekonstrukcją historyczną. Warto również wspomnieć dlaczego chce się dołączyć do grupy.
Z kandydatką następnie skontaktuje się jedna z członkiń grupy w celu omówienia wszelkich zagadnień. Kandydatka otrzyma instrukcje od czego zacząć oraz zostanie powiadomiona o następnym wydarzeniu z naszym udziałem. Jest to okazja do poznania się, rozmowy oraz zobaczenia jak wygląda rekonstrukcja historyczna „od kuchni”. Na początku zapewniamy pomoc w kwestii umundurowania i wyposażenia, do czasu aż rekrutka nie uzbiera wymaganego minimum.
Po pierwszym spotkaniu kandydatka decyduje, czy chce pozostać w grupie. Jeśli podoba jej się forma naszej działalności i chce działać dalej – otrzymuje status rekrutki. Od tej pory kandydatka kompletuje umundurowanie, wyposażenie, poszerza swoją wiedzę i ma prawo do udziału we wszelkich wydarzeniach z udziałem naszej grupy.
Minimum Uniform & Equipment Requirements
The minimum uniform requirements fall into two categories: the service uniform and the field uniform. For the service uniform, we prefer original garments. The field uniform is divided into summer and winter versions, and reproductions are acceptable for both. We use original equipment whenever possible due to its wide availability, durability, and reasonable prices. New recruits can always count on our help when it comes to shopping.
Service Uniform:
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Women's Officers' OD Service Jacket
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Women's Officers' OD Service Skirt
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Army Nurse Corps OD Service Cap (firstly) & Women's OD Garrison Cap (secondly)
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Women's Cotton Waist (Khaki)
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Khaki Necktie
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Women's Low Service Shoes
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Beige Seamed Stockings
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2x 2nd Lieutenant Rank Insignia
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2x Army Nurse Corps Insignia
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2x Officers' U.S. Collar Insignia
Summer Field Uniform:
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Special Women's Herringbone Twill Shirt
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Special Women's Herringbone Twill Trousers
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Olive Drab Field Jacket (M-1941) / Winter Combat Jacket (Tanker Jacket)
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Women's Field Shoes
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Women's Canvas Leggings / M-1938 Dismounted Leggings
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M1 Helmet w/ Liner
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3x 2nd Lieutenant Rank Insignia
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1x Army Nurse Corps Insignia
Winter Field Uniform:
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Women's Wool Waist / Men's M-37 OD Wool Shirt
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Women's M-43 Field Jacket
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Women's M-43 Outer Cover Trousers / Women's Wool Liner Trousers / Men's Wool Trousers (1937/1943)
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M1 Helmet w/ Liner
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3x 2nd Lieutenant Rank Insignia
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1x Army Nurse Corps Insignia
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Women's Field Shoes can be exchanged for Women's / Men's Combat Service Boots*
Equipment:
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M-1936 Pistol Belt
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M-1936 Suspenders
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Canteen, Cup and Canvas Canteen Cover (M-1910 / M-1942)
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M-1942 First Aid Pouch
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M-36 Field Canvas Bag (Musette Bag)
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M-1932 / M-1942 Meat Can w/ Utensils (Fork, Spoon, Knife)
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M-6 Gas Mask Bag