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GEBIRGSJAGER NORTHWEST 95.AUFKLRN ABTL 5.GJD |
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HORRIDO! |
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Digging Snow Shelters at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, OR. |
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Who are we? |
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Oberjager Jacob Klix Phone: 503-753-8166 Fax: 503-557-5202 E-mail: Oberjager@gebirgsjagernw.org |
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We are a group of living historians who want to share the experience of the Gebirgsjager before and during WW2. Most of us have US or Canadian military backgrounds and a love of history, although no military experience is required or necessary to be a member. All of us believe in having fun, learning, sharing and time well spent with friends. Our biggest focus is learning the skills that the Gebirgsjager used to be able to fulfill their missions. Field craft, movement through difficult terrain, and other skills are a fading art that we are trying to keep alive. We have classes throughout the year, mainly in the winter, summer, and fall in areas that will allow us to train in these skills. These classes include, but are not limited to: Snowshoeing, Alpine Skiing, Sled/Akia Use, Snow Survival, Field Craft, Rope Bridges, Hiking, Backpacking, Pack Animal Use, Marksmanship, Rappelling, and Water Craft. This is not an all inclusive use, as we are always adding new things. The key is this is done with 1930/40s technology and techniques (except when safety requires it) As a living history unit, we do participate in some tactical reenactment events with various organizations in the area. This is done with the NWHA, CHG, PNWHG, and others in the area. As an associate unit, we have strong relationships with these units, yet we remain independent. The unit we represent is the 95th Recon Battalion/Company that served the 5th German Mountain Division. The unit served with distinction leading the way for the division and the famous 100th Mountain Infantry Regt, through Greece, Crete, Russia and the Italian front. Interestingly the 95th was sent to the Lapland for several months so it made it to all the fronts except North Africa and France. Most of the Battalion was actually Austrian, originally a mounted cavalry unit. When the division was formed, it was changed to a bicycle unit, but fighting mostly on foot. Since the Recon units led the way, every branch of the military was present when it deployed to the field, including infantry, artillery, signals, pioneers and others. Finding a path for the rest of the division and clearing the way was the primary mission of the 95th. |
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To contact us: |
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Akias and Snow sleds are used to move supplies to the remote training sites. Typical amounts loaded are 200 lbs. |
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The Pacific Northwest provides terrain very much like some of the rough terrain found in Europe. |