German Re-Enactment Group
OKW MALTA
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The WWII German Re-enactment unit “OKW MALTA” has followed in the footsteps of “Malta Command” and become affiliated with AMACS as a new club within the Association.
The unit recently registered its new signatories with the Weapons Board and the Police. Mario Mallia and Nicholas Caruana are the official signatories who will take care of permit applications while Stephen Petroni is the Safety Officer in charge of all issues related to firearm and ammunition handling.
OKW members portray two German units from WWII that were active in the Mediterranean:
Luftwaffe Fallschirmjaeger Brigade Ramcke. This unit would have been heavily involved in “Operation Herkules”, the airborne invasion of Malta that was planned for August 1942. Our members wear the uniforms of the I. Battalion, Brigade Ramcke. This unit is already a veteran of two important re-enactment events: “Military Mtarfa” and “Luqa 1942″ held in May and June 2009. Other events are being organised.
Maschinen-Gewehr Battalion 8. This battalion was active within the Afrika Korps, fighting many successful battles and capturing no less than three British Generals in the process. This unit is still in the process of being equipped and prepared for its first campaign.
Both units pay very particular attention to uniform detail. We are fortunate to have access to a major collection of original arms, uniforms and equipment that allows us to build on fact.
Some of our members took part in David Serge’s award-winning “.303″ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awL4nMkVrtk). The unit is currently equipped with the following firearms:
Pistols: P08 and P38
SMG: MP38, MP40 and Beretta M38
Rifles: K98k and Gew 33/40
MG: MG34 and MG42
Two vehicles are also available for use, a Typ 82 Kuebelwagen car and a DKW N350 motor cycle.
How do I join OKW Malta and what is required?
Membership is open to any person who is interested in the study of WWII German military history and equipment. If you already have a Collector Licence A (required to carry your pre-1946 firearms for re-enactment purposes) simply contact Mario Mallia (chaosgiant@hotmail.com Mobile number: 79617354) we will guide you along. If you do not yet have the licence contact the AMACS CEO (info@amacs-malta.org) and the Association will assist you in acquiring a Collector Licence A.
Is it expensive to get myself equipped?
Not really – the basic Brigade Ramcke tropical uniform, including the M38 helmet, will cost you around EURO 450. A Kar98k rifle would cost another EURO 600 approximately (unless you opt for a cheaper Yugo version). The unit will supply you with blank ammunition for the organised events. AMACS has also negotiated a special rate for the insurance cover that is required.
What commitment am I going in for?
Nothing that would take up too much time. Drill meetings every fortnight (Saturday afternoons) and other meetings that may be held from time to time. AMACS is a founder member of the Malta Aviation Museum with which it has made arrangements to use the museum grounds for weekly re-enactment activities.