Dear Prospective Member,  Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Guy Gormley , the current unit commander of the 5th  Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, the premier WWI Australian reenactment unit. I'm very happy to hear that you are interested in learning more about us and the WWI reenacting experience. Let me tell you a little more about our group and the general make-up of the Great War Association. WWI reenacting is from what I've observed, the most realistic reenactment experience there is. I've done both WWII and Civil War reenacting for many years, they are nothing compared to WW1. I gave up every other time period to concentrate on WW1.  A lot of the other ANZAC's also do other time periods and by far everyone has had the same response - WWI is the best for authenticity & realism. We have a permanent site in Newville PA that we as a reenactment organization own, complete with bunkers, trenches, and wire emplacements. We are the only reenactment time period to own our reenactment site.  We have formed an Tactical partnership with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and formed the "Commonwealth Platoon"  This gives the numbers to portray an authentic sized 1918 platoon with supporting arms.  A unique experience in WW1 reenacting.

During our combat events, there is extensive use of automatic weapons, working mortars, and  simulated hand grenades. Put on top of that over 300 dedicated members who attempt to do the period justice with authentic uniforms, weapons, and tactics of the period and you are given the most authentic and realistic reenactment experience one can have short of a time machine! We have two combat events a year at Newville PA, usually the 3rd full weekend in April and the first full weekend in November. Currently, there are American, French, Russian, British (Including Irish and Scottish), Canadian, German, Austrian and Australian (US!!!) units represented in the GWA. Please consult either the GWA website or our 5TH Bn website for the exact dates as they are subject to change. The ANZAC's are running around 15 full-time members right now - average for a reenactment unit in the GWA. A lot of our guys are ex-military. We have as part of our unit two active duty Army Lieutenant Colonels , an active duty Army Captain, 3 Vietnam veterans, one senior Army National Guard NCO, 3 VMI graduates and one retired Army Reserve Officer. This is not to say that military experience is necessary or even suggested. We have a healthy number of non-military  members; the only prerequisite is a love of history and the ability to dedicate oneself to the standards of the unit and the Great War Association. Ages in the unit run from 18 to late 50's - so a complete gamut. Physical condition is might what you expect  from a reenactment unit but I would say that 75% do the period justice by being in shape for an Infantry impression.  I have to be very frank. This can be an expensive hobby, as expensive as some of the other time periods. The unit, and the GWA, set and enforce very high authenticity standards and the number of suppliers is small. We actually use a high percentage of original items. To do an adequate impression will probably end up costing you in the neighborhood of $1000 - $1500. Our unit website lists our authenticity standards with a list of suppliers for every item required to create an ANZAC impression, suppliers that provide the best goods at the least expensive prices. The current situation that we are developing new vendors that are starting to provide some items less expensive than in the past, but some items still do remain expensive. Also, when taking  into consideration every item that an infantryman could possess, the amount someone can spend does remain fairly high. The good news is that the hobby is starting to grow as more individuals become aware of WWI as a reenactment option.  Please do not be discouraged by this information. In its 10 years of existence, our unit has developed a very effective method to bring in new recruits at the lowest cost possible. In general, we expect you make some essential purchases to show your commitment. Usually this means purchasing your uniform and a weapon. We will work with you to provide the rest of the required equipment. After your first event, and if you decide that WWI reenacting is for you, we will continue to help you but expect you to be fully equipped in 2 years (4 events). You might want to consider coming to see the site and meet everyone before you spend any money and get a feel for what you may become involved with. On the other hand, if you have previous reenactment experience with other time periods, you may want to save yourself the travel time and work towards joining up with us at our next event. The public is not permitted to our events and in a way you could say that our combat events are by invitation only.  In order to take part in the reenactments, you need to be a member of the GWA (dues are $25 a year), pay an event fee ($25 per event with preregistration - $40 if paying at an event), be affiliated to a unit and pay unit dues ($20 per year for being part of our lot). Additionally it's expected that all of your uniform and kit will meet authenticity standards. It would be a safe bet to use the sourcing document on our website to get your uniform and gear. We encourage all new members to speak with the unit commander (me) before making any purchases. This is to protect you from wasting time and money on bad equipment. Although there are no "approved" vendors per se, we have found the people that we recommend sell historically correct material. The " bare bones" of what you would need for an event would include the following items, I've ballparked some prices just to give you an idea....  

1st Event  Tunic –  AIF Quartermasters               $145 

Puttees - AIF Quartermasters                $15

Boots - AIF Quartermasters                                   $80

Greyback shirt –  AIF Quartermasters                   $40

suspenders – OLM ,WPG K&G                   $15

blank ammo - get at event                                    $30

Cloth Bandolier - OLM or ebay                             $20

stripper clips - gunshow or event                          $15

gas mask bag - what price glory-                         $20

2nd & 3rd Event

Rifle - gunshow                                                 $100

Small Box Respirator/ Bag  AIF Quartermasters or Schipperfabrik                                $160 

bayonet and scabbard - gunshows/ebay              $50

helmet w/good liner - OLM                                $100

Set of Repop ’08 pattern web gear AIF Quartermasters or Lawrence Ordnance                    $250                                                          

This hobby is done best in increments. It would be nice to have the above for your first event. But, as I said, in a pinch, We can loan you a rifle, a bayonet, an uncomfortable helmet, some stripper clips and maybe a few other items. We would  also be able to piece together some web gear for you. By the second event, you would need to have progressed into the additional items you hadn't picked up yet, the 1908 pattern web gear is always a big hurdle best gotten out of the way early. The remaining items not mentioned above are things to work on as you progress into the hobby and unit. I want you to understand that you will not be required to shell out a lot of money before you even get started although the above is considerable. Reenactment of any time period takes money and dedication, WWI is no exception. If you are serious about joining up, please contact me as soon as possible. I will be able to guide you to the latest bargains and will be able to get you started on your way to joining us.  I want to thank you for your interest. I hope to meet you in person in the near future. Please feel free to contact me at home (540-273-1913) or via e-mail (ggormley@cox.net) if you should need any additional information or if I can be of any other assistance.   

Guy Gormley