New Website

I've made "a well-ordered strategic withdrawal to prepared positions." In other words, I'm abandoning this blog and concentrating my efforts on our new website:

http://kuk-ir61.net

Take a look.

Viribus Unitis!

Old Prohaska

Useful links

Here are a few essential links for those interested in Austria-Hungary's participation in World War I:

1. Austro-Hungarian Land Forces, 1848-1918 Glenn Jewison & Joerg Steiner's magnificent website exploring Austro-Hungarian military organization.
2. Manowar's Hungarian Weapons An extensive survey of Hungarian weapons, including those used by the Dual Monarchy.
3. Austro-Hungarian Military Mail Ostensibly for postal collectors, this website contains a huge amount of information on Austro-Hungarian military organization and the disposition of various units throughout World War I.
4. The Great War Historical Society The home of First World War re-enacting and living history on the West Coast.
   

What do I need?

So, you're interested in World War I re-enacting, but don't know where to start? Help is on the way. Kampfgruppe Kunstler will primarily be doing late-war events, so a proper K.u.K. soldat will need the following items:

• A Steyr M95 rifle, carbine or stutzen (watch for sales at Big 5).
• An M95 bayonet and frog.
• An Austrian Model 17 or Berndorfer helmet (a German M16 may be substituted).
• Model 1916 tunic (Einheitsbluse) with stand-and-fall collar, in feldgrau.
• Model 1916 britches and puttees.
• Ankle boots with leather soles and hobnails (German heer boots OK)
• M95 ammo pouches
• Belt & buckle (Austrian plate or roller buckle)
• Gas mask and can (German type).

For uniforms, visit our friends at Schipperfabrik.

On the Western Front

Cervus!

So, what is Kampfgruppe Kunstler? We are several like-minded individuals in Southern California and Arizona attempting to assemble an Austro-Hungarian unit to participate in First World War re-enactments and living history events as part of The Great War Historical Society. Check back often for information.

-Old Prohaska