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STANDARDS, UNIFORM, EQUIPMENT, & REQUIREMENTS

There are a few requirements that need be met to join the Cameron Highlanders Reenactment Group. This is to preserve our authenticity as well as comply with event regulations, and to do justice to those whose uniform we wear. Our basic impression is of the everyday Cameron Highlander in the '39-'45 War.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an important aspect of our unit, and helps to maintain our esprit de corp. We feel it is important to be as correct as possible. Deviations from these guidelines can result in exclusion from the unit.

Inspections will be held at all events for compliance with the following guidelines:

Age/Background : all participants must be 18 years of age or older, as per event regulations. All participants must also be able to legally possess firearms.

Liability: all members travel to/from and participate in events/gatherings at their own risk. No events are mandatory.

First-person impressions: these are encouraged, provided the "identity" does not reflect an actual veteran (to prevent bringing disgrace to them) and does not contradict unit authenticity standards (see awards / decorations section below). We are not looking to fill the ranks with "heroes" who have been in every "conflict" – rather we are looking for average impressions of the basic infantry rifleman – "service" details to be provided by participation in unit functions.

Basic Uniforms :

Battledress blouse – Reproductions are readily available, but '37 or '40 Pattern British or Commonwealth blouses can be used as well. Exceptions can be made for certain Greek & Dutch blouses that are close enough in colour to the British/Canadian blouses. (Note that only British, Canadian, and reproduction uniforms are acceptable for Living History displays.) '49 Pattern blouses can be used if correctly modified. Insignia on field blouse to comprise the tartan flash, formation sign, arm of service strip, and any badges of rank. Trade/qualification badges/service badges/LSGC chevrons/etc. are to be worn by unit permission ONLY (see below). These are required on the Dress BD blouse along with the insignia as per the field blouse, but they are optional on the field BD blouse (a matter of personal preference).

Battledress trousers - use only '49 Pattern converted trousers for re-enacting; save original trousers for Living History displays. Accepted reproductions are also allowed.

Tam o'Shanter - WWII style (not the smallish current issue items) worn with proper Cameron badge and tartan backing. Reproductions are readily available (see Dealers page).

Denim utility uniforms - postwar and reproductions are available. These can be worn during the warmer months, as well as over the wool BD during cold/wet events. As a field uniform, no insignia is to be sewn on. Rank insignia (in the form of an armlet for NCO's) and unit slip-ons worn on the epaulettes are acceptable

Khaki drill uniform - worn for Mediterranean events. Reproductions readily available. Insignia as per denim BD.

Camouflage garments (snow camouflage, etc.) - no insignia to be worn with these items; camouflage worn by unit approval only.

Gear : Consisting of: waistbelt, braces (x2), basic pouches (x2), waterbottle w/ carrier, bayonet w/ frog (appropriate to rifle), small pack (haversack) w/ "L" straps, Light gas mask bag (NW Europe only), entrenching tool w/ carrier, and gaiters. All webbing and items will be of wartime design - no basic pouches with the tab-&-loop closure allowed, and all with the proper brass fittings (some exceptions can be made). Webbing for NW Europe events will be blancoed KG3 dark green; webbing for Mediterranean events will be left raw. Best to have an extra waistbelt with polished brass for "walking out" uniform.

Helmets : Helmets to be of the Mk.II ("Tommy") style, although Mk.III and Mk.IV ("Turtle") styles are acceptable for late NW Europe events. Chinstrap to be khaki web (either the early pattern with internal springs or the later elasticized version). No green helmet chinstraps on swivels fittings; no leather chinstraps (both of these variants are particular to post-war Belgian helmets). Belgian helmet shells and liners can be used. Helmet nets and scrim as per personal preference (depending on scenario theatre).

Boots : Boots to be "pebbled" black leather with toe and heel caps. Post-war and DMS soled boots are acceptable.

Weapons : basic rifle for NW Europe events is the .303 calibre Enfield No.4 Mk.I; the basic rifle for North Africa / Sicily events is the .303 calibre Enfield No.1 Mk.III. Either weapon can be used for Italian or Far East events. Mk.II & Mk.III Sten carbines and Bren Mk.I or Mk.II LMG's are also acceptable (provided the owner has the proper paperwork). NO holstered handguns carried by Private soldiers – any handguns will be carried "out of sight" in the field, as they were not on general issue to Other Ranks.

Hair : short hair as per period. Facial hair limited to small, neat moustache as per King's Regulations. The only Cameron Highlanders allowed beards were a few select pipers, which was limited to the early stages of the desert war.

Awards / Decorations : these items are by unit approval ONLY, provided the applicable criteria have been met (remember, we're not out to see who can acquire the most plumage!). All awards / decorations are based on time spent re-enacting British / Commonwealth during the 1939 - 45 War time-frame; re-enactment service in other nationalities and/or time-frames is NOT counted. Remember that our impression is of the average WWII Cameron Jock, to us the unsung, undecorated, forgotten heroes. Persons who take it upon themselves to "decorate" their uniforms in their own manner will be removed from the roster. Allowed are:

Long Service / Good Conduct Chevrons: awarded for 2 years, 5 years, 12 years, 16 years, and 21 years of unit "service". To qualify, one must attend an average of four events per year, with at least one of the events being a training event. If any unit member brings disgrace to the uniform or the unit at an event, that event will not count towards the awarding of LSGC chevrons. Failure to follow orders in the field or failure to comply with unit regulations will also hinder eligibility.

Trade badges: can be worn by unit approval ONLY, and awarded to those who display a particular skill or proficiency at a trade that is of benefit to the unit.

Marksmanship Badge: awarded to those who shoot 140 or better out of 200 at the Live-Fire Shoots we attend annually. Must annually qualify to retain the badge.

Wound Stripes: awarded only for "combat" injuries sustained while re-enacting WWII British / Commonwealth that require professional medical attention (falling down in barracks does not qualify). Proof of medical attention may be required. Our goal is not to issue any of these.

Service Chevrons: awarded to those who "stand out" at an event - rather than medals, we award one of these (maximum allowance of four) for each act that is worthy of mention. Not more than one per year can be attained per member.

Rank: based on number of participants that regularly attend events. Rank structure is also followed in the field. It is annually voted on by the unit, and is always subject to change depending on membership. To be eligible for rank, one needs to have attended at least one (preferably two) training events per year, and have had at least one year re-enacting WWII British / Commonwealth. Another requirement to be eligible for rank is to be active in the unit - those who do more for the good of the unit are more likely to be voted in. All new members will have the rank of Private soldier – one has to earn rank to be eligible to wear it.

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