Our reenacting unit was started a number of years ago as a close knit group of friends with a passion for WWII history.  The core principles that united us then are the same that unite us now.  Camaraderie, historical accuracy, research, preservation and above all a strong passion for the history of the Cossack volunteers that served within the German army during WWII.  In choosing to portray members of the 360. Kosaken Grenadier Regiment, we look to shed light on a relatively important, yet little known facet of World War Two history.  While for obvious reasons estimates vary, reliable historians have come to the conclusion that around 1.5 million former Soviet citizens served under the Germans (Jurado 12).  Of these, it is thought that over 250,000 were of Cossack descent (Ailsby 130).  These are large numbers, and when one considers that by some estimates, nearly 25% of the German army serving on the Russian front consisted of ethnic Russians, things really come into perspective (Nafziger 12).  Regardless as to whether some of these claims are fully supported by everyone, it is difficult to deny the fact that Eastern troops (otherwise referred to as Osttruppen) played a major role in supporting Germany’s conquests, aims, and ultimately defense as the war slowly turned in favor of the Allied forces. 

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We feel that of all the Osttruppen fielded by the Third Reich, the Cossacks represent one of the most interesting and important groups.  As such, our primary goal and purpose in pursuing this unit is to provide an accurate portrayal of what the members of the 360. Kosaken Grenadier Regiment would have looked like.  Perhaps more importantly, we would like to come to be a source of information to the public not only on this particular Cossack unit, but Cossack units at large, as we feel that there is a true deficiency in this area of the reenacting field.  When conducting research on the various Osttruppen, one is struck by how difficult it can be at times to find solid information.  Accounts can vary and information can at times conflict, but when dealing with Eastern volunteers this is simply a natural reality of war!  In the case of Osttruppen and more specifically Cossacks, poor records were often kept.  This was especially the case for earlier war units that were essentially used without any formal permission or record.  To add to this, many records were destroyed throughout the war in order to conceal identities. 

 

Taking all of this into account, we feel it is unrealistic for anyone to ultimately be considered a complete expert of this topic.  In the creation of this unit, we have taken many steps to secure, maintain and study a substantial amount of the source information currently available on this topic.  Naturally, we also make it our goal to expand our knowledge wherever possible and to continually stay abreast of any new research that may become available.  As a reenacting unit, we strive to both educate and entertain the public, while at the same time preserving history.  Inspiring others to become interested in this topic is very important to us.  As such, we value safety, quality, and accuracy in what we do.  It is our personal goal to not only continue to abide by the World War Two Historical Reenactment Society’s standards, but to also serve as a model for these as well.  May the fallen never be forgotten!

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Works Cited:

 

 

Ailsby, Christopher.  Hitler’s Renegades: Foreign Nationals in the Service of the

            Third Reich.  USA, Brassey’s, Inc., 2004.

 

Jurado, Carlos Caballero.  Foreign Volunteers of the Wehrmacht 1941-45.  Osprey

            Men-At-Arms.  Ser. 147.  London: Osprey, 1983.

 

Nafziger, George F.  Foreigners in Field Gray: The Cossack, Russian, Croatian, and

            Italian Soldiers in the Wehrmacht: German Order of Battle World War II.

            Ohio: Privately Published, 1995.

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