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A Company, First Battalion The Royal Ulster Rifles is a reenactment unit portraying members of the British 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division during the period from D-Day to the end of World War II.
IN THE BEGINNING
RUR members with 7th Para at Grand Gulf, Mississippi.
We started in 1996 with the chance meeting of two like minded British reenactors at Parkers Crossroads, Tennessee. After the initial growing pains of getting the right reference books and suppliers, we were able to put together a decent representation of the uniform, equipment and life of the World War II British Airborne soldier. Over the years we've grown to seven permanent members and several associate members.
Our members live in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. We attend events in most of the surrounding states, including tactical events where we fight other reenactors, and public shows where we try to entertain and inform the public of the history that is not properly taught in our schools. As a member of the Louisiana Military History Association, we cooperate with allied and axis units in their events, as well as going to events hosted by other associations.
GOALS
Have fun. Accurately portray British gliderborne infantry of the later part of WW II. Participate in tactical events for our own enjoyment and in public shows for the education and entertainment of the public. And HAVE FUN.
You'll notice I stated have fun twice. We believe if you aren't having fun at an event, you're in the wrong hobby. If we'd wanted to sleep in the rain, crawl in the mud, eat cold food, get shot at, and not have any fun then we'd have stayed in the army.
We also endeavor to use the proper British Drill when in formations at public events. Of course this requires translation of the British Elementary Drill manuals, which were written for someone who already knows the drill. Slowly, but surely, we're learning.
At tactical events we are usually laid back, especially in camp. On the field we try to serve as skirmishers, finding and fixing the enemy in advance of the main attack. We're Riflemen, so our place in out front. We also realize that we are playing, and with that in mind we go back to the HAVE FUN attitude.
Overriding all this is the responsibility to help other interested individuals get into the hobby. This means that instead of nitpicking a new guys kit to pieces we go out of our way to help get them right.
Priorities. Family, work and reenacting. Family first. If you're neglecting your family to reenact you have problems. Work, so you can support the family and the reenacting addiction. Reenacting for pleasure. Live in the present, play in the past.
Want to know more? E-mail me at whightower@lyon.edu. and follow the links listed below.
MEMBERS
Visitors since 1 July 2000