Embedded Files
As we do events, sometimes we switch up the unit we portray depending on the situation. Here, you will find a brief overview on the unit types and where they saw service.
As we do events, sometimes we switch up the unit we portray depending on the situation. Here, you will find a brief overview on the unit types and where they saw service.
Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
The primary unit that we portray is an I&R Platoon in the 41st AIR. We usually portray this unit around the time of the Normandy Landings, during an operation called "Operation Cobra."
Unit History
Unit History
The unit was reactivated on 15 July 1940 when Company A, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry (Armored) was activated at Fort Benning, Georgia. The 41st Infantry Regiment constituted the organic infantry of the newly formed 2nd Armored Division. The association between the 41st Infantry and the 2d Armored Division lasted throughout World War II and continued through Operation Desert Storm The crest shows a blue shield with a round yellow circle and a castle representing its birthplace at Fort Snelling Minnesota. In the upper left corner a star representing a previous fort in Texas is depicted.
The regiment was part of the Western Task Force of Operation Torch, which landed at Casablanca in French Morocco on 8 November 1942. Later it was an active participant in the invasion of Sicily (July 10, 1943 - August 17, 1943). With the 2nd Armored Division the 41st would play an integral role in the arduous Normandy Campaign, the Battle of the Bulge and the Western Allied invasion of Germany.
The regiment was awarded four Presidential Unit Citations during the Second World War, including one for leading the initial breakout in the Normandy Campaign and a later citation for actions in the invasion of Germany itself.
Uniforms of the unit
Uniforms of the unit
Uniforms for the 41st were typically very similar to that of the average Infantryman. There were, however, a few key differences that should be noted.
Soldiers in the 41st were initially issued haversacks when they landed in Normandy. They would leave them hanging on the side of their halftracks, but when the halftracks went through hedgerows, the haversacks would get ripped off. As a result, the 41st began to carry their personal items in their empty gas mask bag, which could be easily worn like a satchel. Since gas masks were quickly seen to not be needed, the actual mask was often simply tossed to the side of the road.
During early Operation Cobra, the 41st was issued a frogskin camo HBT set. Interestingly, this camo was actually in a US Army specific pattern, and was not related to the USMC variants. The reasons why these uniforms were phased out very quickly is debated. Some say that the pattern was confused with German SS camo patterns, and friendly fire incidents occurred. Others say that the supply of uniforms simply ran out, and they weren't reissued. Regardless, the uniforms were only worn for a short time by the unit.
The unit wore their web gear in a configuration that can be seen to the left. From left to right, it's the bayonet, canteen, shovel, and first aid pouch. We wear our cartridge belt with suspenders most.
Unit Specifics
Unit Specifics
Details on the composition, purpose and roles of the I&R Platoon can be found on the link to the left. This is a must read for new recruits.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse