DATE FOR ORNE BRIDGEHEAD 2015
Date for Orne Bridgehead for next year is 4-6 December 2015. We might model another battle, but you can expect more of what you got at Orne Bridgehead. Our battles will generally be modelled on battles that 6th Airborne Division fought in. Battle of the Bulge is one that they were in, but only in a fairly minor role. Operation Varsity is what I have in mind. Our club, 6th AARR, will have 14 months from now to get our Locust tank and Daimler Dingo ready for it. Maybe if things go really well we might have one of our bren gun carriers (we have 5 in the club to restore) ready. We would have had our CMP 15 cwt lorry at Orne this time, but I had a breakdown with my other Suburban to tow it which prevented it. Eventually, as we get more of our armoured vehicles restored, and if we can entice the germans to bring out some of their armour, we want to do "Operation Goodwood" at Van. So you germans out there with friends with vehicles, prod them a bit!
Date for Orne Bridgehead for next year is 4-6 December 2015. We might model another battle, but you can expect more of what you got at Orne Bridgehead. Our battles will generally be modelled on battles that 6th Airborne Division fought in. Battle of the Bulge is one that they were in, but only in a fairly minor role. Operation Varsity is what I have in mind. Our club, 6th AARR, will have 14 months from now to get our Locust tank and Daimler Dingo ready for it. Maybe if things go really well we might have one of our bren gun carriers (we have 5 in the club to restore) ready. We would have had our CMP 15 cwt lorry at Orne this time, but I had a breakdown with my other Suburban to tow it which prevented it. Eventually, as we get more of our armoured vehicles restored, and if we can entice the germans to bring out some of their armour, we want to do "Operation Goodwood" at Van. So you germans out there with friends with vehicles, prod them a bit!
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Photo at right: waiting for darkness to set in at Orne Bridgehead to signal the start of the night assault on Escoville.
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Orne Bridgehead, 26-28 September, 2014
To Be Held at Van, Texas
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EVENT UPDATE 11 SEPTEMBER:
When you're driving to the event, after you've followed the "WW2" arrow signs pictured further down this page, you'll come to the Park and Register sign in this photo. Then you'll know for sure you're in the right place. Park your car first, and then get your gear on and report to registration. Thanks! |
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EVENT UPDATE 1 SEPTEMBER:
Scroll down below the British and German standards documents below, and you will see the newly added French Forces of the Interior standards.
EVENT UPDATE 29 AUGUST:
Driving Directions to the Event:
From Interstate Highway 20 - Exit Interstate 20 at exit number 540 at Van. You'll see a Love's Travel Stop on the north side of the highway. Go south on FR 314 for 3.7 miles. Take a right onto FR 858. Go 0.8 mile. Take a left on VZ 4614. Go 1.5 miles. Take a left on VZ 4605. Go 0.4 mile. You are at the event. You will see the Registration and Parking sign for the event. Parking is in the field on the right of the road.
From Ben Wheeler Texas - Take Highway 64 east toward Tyler. Go 4.6 miles. Take a left on VZ 4608. Go 1.2 miles. Take a right onto VZ 4605. Go 0.4 mile. You are at the event. You will see the Registration and Parking sign for the event. Parking is in the field on the right of the road.
From Tyler Texas. Take Highway 64 west. Go approximately 21 miles. Take a right onto VZ 4608. Go 1.2 miles. Take a right onto VZ 4605. Go 0.4 mile. You are at the event. You will see the Registration and Parking sign for the event. Parking is in the field on the right of the road.
When you reach the road intersections and junctions near the event, you will see 4' x 4' signs painted white with black letters saying "WW2", with black arrows pointing the direction to the event.
Scroll down below the British and German standards documents below, and you will see the newly added French Forces of the Interior standards.
EVENT UPDATE 29 AUGUST:
Driving Directions to the Event:
From Interstate Highway 20 - Exit Interstate 20 at exit number 540 at Van. You'll see a Love's Travel Stop on the north side of the highway. Go south on FR 314 for 3.7 miles. Take a right onto FR 858. Go 0.8 mile. Take a left on VZ 4614. Go 1.5 miles. Take a left on VZ 4605. Go 0.4 mile. You are at the event. You will see the Registration and Parking sign for the event. Parking is in the field on the right of the road.
From Ben Wheeler Texas - Take Highway 64 east toward Tyler. Go 4.6 miles. Take a left on VZ 4608. Go 1.2 miles. Take a right onto VZ 4605. Go 0.4 mile. You are at the event. You will see the Registration and Parking sign for the event. Parking is in the field on the right of the road.
From Tyler Texas. Take Highway 64 west. Go approximately 21 miles. Take a right onto VZ 4608. Go 1.2 miles. Take a right onto VZ 4605. Go 0.4 mile. You are at the event. You will see the Registration and Parking sign for the event. Parking is in the field on the right of the road.
When you reach the road intersections and junctions near the event, you will see 4' x 4' signs painted white with black letters saying "WW2", with black arrows pointing the direction to the event.
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EVENT UPDATE 21 AUGUST:..
Menu for Cafe Gondree:
Ham and Cheese Croissants
Pear and Almond Tart
Linzertorte
Coffee
Tea
Beer
Wine
Calvados
Consider the items on the menu a "bake sale", as proceeds will go toward helping to pay for the event, (registration won't even come close to covering the costs). This is to help keep the registration cost down, and if any money is left over, it goes toward up-front costs of running the next event. The most expensive item on the menu will be the Calvados, and It will probably be a $5 donation per glass . The pear and almond tart is french, the Linzertorte is Austrian/german, the ham and cheese croissants will have french cheese in them, there will probably be one british, one german and one french beer on the menu, the wine will be french, and the calvados, if you read about what was being drank by everyone in Normandy from any nation in the summer of 44, speaks for itself. Calvados was and is THE drink of Normandy, and is produced there. If you want to get the experience of a soldier in Normandy, a glass of Calvados is a must. All items are authentic to the time and place or nationality taking part in the event. It's a cultural sampling to add to the authenticity of the event as well as a good time.
There will also be an auction at the Cafe along with the talent show to help raise money, with original german medals and badges, a blood banner, a DAK M43 cap, british gear and insignia, etc. If you have any items you'd like to auction, bring them along. Set your reserve, and if it sells, you'll get the reserve and the additional will go toward hosting the next event. Please bring cash, but if we can get decent internet signal (it's hit and miss at the site), we can try paypal.
EVENT UPDATE 19 AUGUST:
When you get to Orne Bridgehead, you will see the farmhouse in the first photo, and there will be a sign out front pointing you to parking and registration. The gate in the second photo is across from the road, and that's where you will park your car, in the field inside the gate. When you've gotten your gear ready for registration, you will go back across the road and to the left of the farmhouse, you'll see a barn through another gate. That is where you will go to register. Go through the door into the barn in the fourth photo, and you will fill out your waiver form, get information and handouts, and be directed where to go from there after you pass your safety and authenticity checks. There will be leaders briefings and classes on how to read maps, use protractors to determine grids, use communications equipment, etc., in the barn all evening on Friday, and a 1:500 scale terrain model will be there for the training and for unit leaders to use for planning with their units. Leaders will be supplied with maps for the event.
Menu for Cafe Gondree:
Ham and Cheese Croissants
Pear and Almond Tart
Linzertorte
Coffee
Tea
Beer
Wine
Calvados
Consider the items on the menu a "bake sale", as proceeds will go toward helping to pay for the event, (registration won't even come close to covering the costs). This is to help keep the registration cost down, and if any money is left over, it goes toward up-front costs of running the next event. The most expensive item on the menu will be the Calvados, and It will probably be a $5 donation per glass . The pear and almond tart is french, the Linzertorte is Austrian/german, the ham and cheese croissants will have french cheese in them, there will probably be one british, one german and one french beer on the menu, the wine will be french, and the calvados, if you read about what was being drank by everyone in Normandy from any nation in the summer of 44, speaks for itself. Calvados was and is THE drink of Normandy, and is produced there. If you want to get the experience of a soldier in Normandy, a glass of Calvados is a must. All items are authentic to the time and place or nationality taking part in the event. It's a cultural sampling to add to the authenticity of the event as well as a good time.
There will also be an auction at the Cafe along with the talent show to help raise money, with original german medals and badges, a blood banner, a DAK M43 cap, british gear and insignia, etc. If you have any items you'd like to auction, bring them along. Set your reserve, and if it sells, you'll get the reserve and the additional will go toward hosting the next event. Please bring cash, but if we can get decent internet signal (it's hit and miss at the site), we can try paypal.
EVENT UPDATE 19 AUGUST:
When you get to Orne Bridgehead, you will see the farmhouse in the first photo, and there will be a sign out front pointing you to parking and registration. The gate in the second photo is across from the road, and that's where you will park your car, in the field inside the gate. When you've gotten your gear ready for registration, you will go back across the road and to the left of the farmhouse, you'll see a barn through another gate. That is where you will go to register. Go through the door into the barn in the fourth photo, and you will fill out your waiver form, get information and handouts, and be directed where to go from there after you pass your safety and authenticity checks. There will be leaders briefings and classes on how to read maps, use protractors to determine grids, use communications equipment, etc., in the barn all evening on Friday, and a 1:500 scale terrain model will be there for the training and for unit leaders to use for planning with their units. Leaders will be supplied with maps for the event.
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EVENT UPDATE 13 AUGUST:
There will be an amateur talent contest at the cafe for live entertainment, so if you sing, play an instrument, tell jokes, do card tricks, or make the enemy disappear or whatever, there will be prizes for first, second and third place. So bust out your harmonica and brush the cobwebs off. The contest, like the cafe, is open to all participants.
The cafe will have tables and seating for 12 people, so if you want proper seating, get there early after the night battle is over. Otherwise, feel free to bring your own small table and chairs. The menu will consist of ham and cheese croissants, french pastries, tea, coffee, and adult beverages. Bring small bills please! Consider the cafe menu like a bake sale, as all the proceeds go back into paying for this event and starter money for funding the next event, so whatever you buy, you're also helping yourself to have a good time next time.
Civilian reenactors who want to help with the cafe are more than welcome to help, and any tips you receive are yours, so soldiers, treat your waitresses and waiters well!
EVENT UPDATE, 11 AUGUST:
ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL END ON WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2014. The most critical factor is that rations have to be purchased for everyone's meals on Saturday morning and evening, and food and supplies prepared for Cafe Gondree. If you wait to register at the gate, it will make the head count for purchasing inaccurate and low. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER ONLINE!!!
Also, I will be heading to the site on Thursday morning to finish site preparation, and if I get flooded at the last minute with inquiries and questions, that will take time away from me that I could be using to make YOUR EVENT EXPERIENCE better. So please, the sooner you and your comrades ask your questions, make your plans and let me know them, and get registered, the better the event will be for you and everyone else. Thanks!
EVENT UPDATE, 8 AUGUST:
Orne Bridgehead Location: Here is the physical address and the latitude/longitude coordinates. Use the physical address for BATF paperwork, BUT DO NOT USE IT to try to locate the property with GPS or Mapquest or Google maps, etc. IT WILL NOT SHOW YOU THE CORRECT LOCATION. Use the Latitude/Longitude, and type it into GPS or cut and paste it into a google search, and it will show you the correct location. I will post a strip map with driving directions and distances on the website soon. Thanks! Dan
Physical Address
399 VZ CR 4605, BEN WHEELER, TX 75754
Latitude and Longitude
32.436227, -95.630407
EVENT UPDATES, 2 AUGUST:
A cash stipend of $50.00 is now being offered to owners of wheeled vehicles with four or more wheels, i.e. jeeps, kubelwagens, etc.
Two meals are now included in the registration fee: Authentic breakfast from a german field kitchen trailer being provided to all participants on Saturday morning, and authentic supper from the british field kitchen being provided to all participants on Saturday evening. Participants must still bring their own AUTHENTIC lunch.
Upon the end of hositlities on Saturday night, a "French Cafe" (Cafe Gondree!!!) will be open to serve authentic french food and liquid refreshments. Make sure you bring cash in small bills for purchasing food and drinks from the cafe. "Cafe Gondree" will be open to all participants from both sides to relax and socialize with each other after weapons are cleared and stacked for the night. If you bring your weapon to the cafe, it must be cleared and checked at the door.
There will be an amateur talent contest at the cafe for live entertainment, so if you sing, play an instrument, tell jokes, do card tricks, or make the enemy disappear or whatever, there will be prizes for first, second and third place. So bust out your harmonica and brush the cobwebs off. The contest, like the cafe, is open to all participants.
The cafe will have tables and seating for 12 people, so if you want proper seating, get there early after the night battle is over. Otherwise, feel free to bring your own small table and chairs. The menu will consist of ham and cheese croissants, french pastries, tea, coffee, and adult beverages. Bring small bills please! Consider the cafe menu like a bake sale, as all the proceeds go back into paying for this event and starter money for funding the next event, so whatever you buy, you're also helping yourself to have a good time next time.
Civilian reenactors who want to help with the cafe are more than welcome to help, and any tips you receive are yours, so soldiers, treat your waitresses and waiters well!
EVENT UPDATE, 11 AUGUST:
ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL END ON WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2014. The most critical factor is that rations have to be purchased for everyone's meals on Saturday morning and evening, and food and supplies prepared for Cafe Gondree. If you wait to register at the gate, it will make the head count for purchasing inaccurate and low. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER ONLINE!!!
Also, I will be heading to the site on Thursday morning to finish site preparation, and if I get flooded at the last minute with inquiries and questions, that will take time away from me that I could be using to make YOUR EVENT EXPERIENCE better. So please, the sooner you and your comrades ask your questions, make your plans and let me know them, and get registered, the better the event will be for you and everyone else. Thanks!
EVENT UPDATE, 8 AUGUST:
Orne Bridgehead Location: Here is the physical address and the latitude/longitude coordinates. Use the physical address for BATF paperwork, BUT DO NOT USE IT to try to locate the property with GPS or Mapquest or Google maps, etc. IT WILL NOT SHOW YOU THE CORRECT LOCATION. Use the Latitude/Longitude, and type it into GPS or cut and paste it into a google search, and it will show you the correct location. I will post a strip map with driving directions and distances on the website soon. Thanks! Dan
Physical Address
399 VZ CR 4605, BEN WHEELER, TX 75754
Latitude and Longitude
32.436227, -95.630407
EVENT UPDATES, 2 AUGUST:
A cash stipend of $50.00 is now being offered to owners of wheeled vehicles with four or more wheels, i.e. jeeps, kubelwagens, etc.
Two meals are now included in the registration fee: Authentic breakfast from a german field kitchen trailer being provided to all participants on Saturday morning, and authentic supper from the british field kitchen being provided to all participants on Saturday evening. Participants must still bring their own AUTHENTIC lunch.
Upon the end of hositlities on Saturday night, a "French Cafe" (Cafe Gondree!!!) will be open to serve authentic french food and liquid refreshments. Make sure you bring cash in small bills for purchasing food and drinks from the cafe. "Cafe Gondree" will be open to all participants from both sides to relax and socialize with each other after weapons are cleared and stacked for the night. If you bring your weapon to the cafe, it must be cleared and checked at the door.
This event is a private tactical battle. It is not open to the public. All reenactors interested in participating need to be approved by the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. Attendance is by unit and individual invite only. If you or your unit are interested in attending, PLEASE FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND SUBMIT IT. This is an immersion event depicting the bridgehead to the east side of the Orne River in Normandy, on the extreme eastern flank of the British 21st Army Group. THERE WERE NO AMERICANS IN THE ORNE BRIDGEHEAD. This event is open to British and German reenactors only. All british impressions that fought in NW Europe in 1944-45 are welcome to attend. German impressions are limited to Heer, SS, Ost Truppen, and Luftwaffe Field Divisions. No fallschirmjaeger were present east of the Orne River.
For armoured vehicle owners, a cash stipend is being offered to help defray your costs for transporting your vehicles to the event. A $200.00 stipend will be paid to owners of fully-tracked armoured vehicles who bring their vehicles to the event for the weekend, and a $100.00 stipend will be pad to owners of half-tracked armoured vehicles who bring their vehicles to the event for the weekend. A $50.00 stipend will be paid to owners of
Breakfast and supper on Saturday evening will be provided to all participants. Other meals need to be provided by the participants themselves. Please ensure that the rations and snacks you bring are period correct, and leave all modern labels and packaging at home. A recommended source for rations is http://reprorations.com/
We have some old 8mm blanks (re-sized US stuff) that will be given FREE to German reenactors carrying mausers, first-come, first serve, until the supply runs out. Can't guarantee whether they'll even go off or not, but they're FREE. So just think of them as made by sabateurs.
Helmets are required for this event. There will be a large amount of pyrotechnics used at the event, including simulated mortar and artillery bombardments, as well as signalling pyrotechnics, smoke, and parachute flares. If you are planning on bringing any pyrotechnics, see the "Rules of Engagement" document below.
Several scenarios spanning various engagements that took place within the Orne Bridgehead in 1944. These will replicate the "Battle for the Drop Zones", "Expansion of the Bridgehead", "Battle for Escoville", "Deliberate Night Assault", "Bois de Bavent", and "Von Luck's Counterattack". Operations will begin on Saturday morning, beginning with "Battle for the Drop Zones" and plan on staying until late morning on Sunday to complete "Bois de Bavent" and "Von Luck's Counterattack". MAKE SURE YOU BRING ENOUGH AMMUNITION TO LAST TWO DAYS!!!!! Read the rules of engagement below, and understand that there is no hit calling. Firepower won battles, and you will need lots of it.
Upon arrival, you will kit up and get your gear ready. Modern vehicles will not be allowed on the battlefield or into the camps. There is a registration barn at the front of the property, and you will report inside the barn to register. Safety and authenticity will be checked in the barn. Your heavy equipment, weaponry, and any other gear or vehicles will be checked outside the barn. Once you have been registered and cleared, you will be directed to your positions for the night. If you have heavy gear and no period vehicle, WW2 transport vehicles will be on hand to move you and your stuff to your assigned positions. From the time you leave registration to the time you head to your vehicle after the event, you are expected to remain 'period' for the duration of the event. You are free to go back to the vehicle parking area during the event, but leave the modern stuff there.
On Saturday morning, there will be a brief formation consisting of a briefing on what to expect, what will be expected of you, and some demonstrations of pyrotechnics and hand-to-hand 'combat' to ensure safety during the event. Safety personnel will be pointed out and firefighting equipment pointed out, should it be needed during the event. After the formation, combatants will go back to their positions, and the scenarios will begin.
There is no 'down time' in between the scenarios. This is a campaign style event, and your chain of command will be giving you orders on what you will do, where and when. In 'down time' in combat, soldiers clean weapons, re-organize gear, sew torn uniforms, eat and sleep whenever possible, improve their positions, and talk about the normal things soldiers talk about. That is what you are expected to do from the time you leave registration to the time you leave the event. The only administrative 'down time' for the event will be at supper time on Saturday, when all participants, both german and british, will eat a meal together and administrative information will be given to everyone prior to the night combat.
Understand that this is a historic reenactment. There is no hit calling, and it is not a wargame. There is no "winning", only portraying events that occurred. The British didn't win the battle for Escoville (the first one), and the Germans didn't win Von Luck's counterattack to retake the bridges. There is no "you go over there on that hill and we'll try to kick you off". Hit calling is the most dis-respectful practice that "reenactors" engage in. It reduces the act of soldiers killing soldiers to a game, and dishonors the sacrifices of those we portray. Some of us are real combat veterans, and if your club does this, leave it at home.
Chain of command will be established for both sides by the organizers of the event. There is no 'reenactor rank' or 'reenactor time in grade'. All participants will follow the orders of their chain of command. Failure to comply will result in a warning, and repeated failure to comply may result from expulsion from the event. There will be pre-placed pyrotechnics for some of the scenarios, and individuals and groups who fail to follow orders could get themselves or others injured, and ruin the scenario for everyone.
Does this all sound a little too military? That's the point. If you want to take the hobby seriously, by all means, fill out the contact form and join us and see what "feeling like being there" can feel like. The organizers of this event are bringing 30 years of reenacting and event running experience in both North America and Europe spanning from the Napoleonic Wars to Vietnam to the table.
Keep referring back to this web page, as well as signing up on the "Orne Bridgehead" Facebook page, for updates and current information on the event. Thanks!
For armoured vehicle owners, a cash stipend is being offered to help defray your costs for transporting your vehicles to the event. A $200.00 stipend will be paid to owners of fully-tracked armoured vehicles who bring their vehicles to the event for the weekend, and a $100.00 stipend will be pad to owners of half-tracked armoured vehicles who bring their vehicles to the event for the weekend. A $50.00 stipend will be paid to owners of
Breakfast and supper on Saturday evening will be provided to all participants. Other meals need to be provided by the participants themselves. Please ensure that the rations and snacks you bring are period correct, and leave all modern labels and packaging at home. A recommended source for rations is http://reprorations.com/
We have some old 8mm blanks (re-sized US stuff) that will be given FREE to German reenactors carrying mausers, first-come, first serve, until the supply runs out. Can't guarantee whether they'll even go off or not, but they're FREE. So just think of them as made by sabateurs.
Helmets are required for this event. There will be a large amount of pyrotechnics used at the event, including simulated mortar and artillery bombardments, as well as signalling pyrotechnics, smoke, and parachute flares. If you are planning on bringing any pyrotechnics, see the "Rules of Engagement" document below.
Several scenarios spanning various engagements that took place within the Orne Bridgehead in 1944. These will replicate the "Battle for the Drop Zones", "Expansion of the Bridgehead", "Battle for Escoville", "Deliberate Night Assault", "Bois de Bavent", and "Von Luck's Counterattack". Operations will begin on Saturday morning, beginning with "Battle for the Drop Zones" and plan on staying until late morning on Sunday to complete "Bois de Bavent" and "Von Luck's Counterattack". MAKE SURE YOU BRING ENOUGH AMMUNITION TO LAST TWO DAYS!!!!! Read the rules of engagement below, and understand that there is no hit calling. Firepower won battles, and you will need lots of it.
Upon arrival, you will kit up and get your gear ready. Modern vehicles will not be allowed on the battlefield or into the camps. There is a registration barn at the front of the property, and you will report inside the barn to register. Safety and authenticity will be checked in the barn. Your heavy equipment, weaponry, and any other gear or vehicles will be checked outside the barn. Once you have been registered and cleared, you will be directed to your positions for the night. If you have heavy gear and no period vehicle, WW2 transport vehicles will be on hand to move you and your stuff to your assigned positions. From the time you leave registration to the time you head to your vehicle after the event, you are expected to remain 'period' for the duration of the event. You are free to go back to the vehicle parking area during the event, but leave the modern stuff there.
On Saturday morning, there will be a brief formation consisting of a briefing on what to expect, what will be expected of you, and some demonstrations of pyrotechnics and hand-to-hand 'combat' to ensure safety during the event. Safety personnel will be pointed out and firefighting equipment pointed out, should it be needed during the event. After the formation, combatants will go back to their positions, and the scenarios will begin.
There is no 'down time' in between the scenarios. This is a campaign style event, and your chain of command will be giving you orders on what you will do, where and when. In 'down time' in combat, soldiers clean weapons, re-organize gear, sew torn uniforms, eat and sleep whenever possible, improve their positions, and talk about the normal things soldiers talk about. That is what you are expected to do from the time you leave registration to the time you leave the event. The only administrative 'down time' for the event will be at supper time on Saturday, when all participants, both german and british, will eat a meal together and administrative information will be given to everyone prior to the night combat.
Understand that this is a historic reenactment. There is no hit calling, and it is not a wargame. There is no "winning", only portraying events that occurred. The British didn't win the battle for Escoville (the first one), and the Germans didn't win Von Luck's counterattack to retake the bridges. There is no "you go over there on that hill and we'll try to kick you off". Hit calling is the most dis-respectful practice that "reenactors" engage in. It reduces the act of soldiers killing soldiers to a game, and dishonors the sacrifices of those we portray. Some of us are real combat veterans, and if your club does this, leave it at home.
Chain of command will be established for both sides by the organizers of the event. There is no 'reenactor rank' or 'reenactor time in grade'. All participants will follow the orders of their chain of command. Failure to comply will result in a warning, and repeated failure to comply may result from expulsion from the event. There will be pre-placed pyrotechnics for some of the scenarios, and individuals and groups who fail to follow orders could get themselves or others injured, and ruin the scenario for everyone.
Does this all sound a little too military? That's the point. If you want to take the hobby seriously, by all means, fill out the contact form and join us and see what "feeling like being there" can feel like. The organizers of this event are bringing 30 years of reenacting and event running experience in both North America and Europe spanning from the Napoleonic Wars to Vietnam to the table.
Keep referring back to this web page, as well as signing up on the "Orne Bridgehead" Facebook page, for updates and current information on the event. Thanks!
REGISTRATION FOR ORNE BRIDGEHEAD!
Pre-Registration for Orne Bridgehead is now closed. If you are coming to Orne Bridgehead you must pay your registration fee on-site at the Registration point. Cost is $30.00
Map of the reenactment site
The below map is the map of the reenactment site in Van, Texas. It has been edited in scale so that you can use a standard 1:25,000 protractor to determine 6 and 8 digit grid locations using the grid squares. The grid squares themselves are 500' x 500' on the actual ground. The terrain is rolling gentle hills with open fields, meadows, woods, tree-lines and streams. It is very vehicle friendly, and there are farm-trails linking the meadows and fields. There are some field fortifications already dug on-site, including trenches and weapons pits. The maneuver area is bounded on the west side by the hard-surfaced road in red, on the south by the hard-surfaced road in red, and on the east and north sides by thick hedge-rows that can be seen on this map as broken black lines shaded in green. Feel free to copy and print this map for use at the event, as only a limited number of maps will be issued to unit leaders.
