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“A Jump Into History - 1944-2008” - 4th editionA WWII open-air museum of the Gothic Line battles of September 1944
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With the GoticaToscana Association - onlus
with the patronage of the County of Florence and the Municipality of Firenzuola
A Jump into History 2008 
Article by Filippo Spadi
Picture by A. Gatti, S. Giannini, A. Patella and M. Ludovichi
Meteorologists decreed summer was over just one week before our event. Here we go again, we thought, as cold shivers went down our spines. Cold, because we know by experience how unpleasant a storm at the Giogo pass can be. Happily, though, our weekend turned out to be one of pleasant weather, with just a hint of cold in the early autumn air, a steady soft wind blowing over the area.
More than 100 reenactors joined us for this fourth edition of the event, which has become a welcome appointment in the Italian reenacting calendar. Many new faces joined old timers, a new generation of young Italian reenactors who we were very happy to meet, sometimes for the first time, the best promise of a bright future for our hobby. Comradeship developed easily while working at digging and building positions at the Pass or while wolfing down huge amounts of pasta and steaks at dinner on Friday night, and the whole weekends was marked by a friendly atmosphere.
Reenactors who did not want to sleep in tents on site were lodged at nearby Casa al Giogo, where we provided bedding accommodations, hot showers, and dining space, eating the tasty food prepared by the “Compagnia delle Formiche” from Scarperia.
This year we did without the two British 25-pounders, opting instead for a radio-equipped GMC 2-½ ton truck and one jeep, with a ½-ton generator trailer providing the needed current to power the several working sets. Demonstrations were also staged with manhandled communication equipment, such as SCR-536’s.
We also proceeded in our work at restoring several sites where German Gothic Line positions were built in 1944. We completed a log bunker and a couple of logged-over positions, which housed most of the German troops during the event, providing for some impressive setups, which pleased both reenactors and the audience.
Apart from their use for our event, this “dig and build” work is instrumental in proceeding with our ongoing project which aims at creating a Giogo Pass Gothic Line Historic Park. This includes the overseeing, by agreement with the local government agencies, of the restoration of several sites on Mount Altuzzo and the Monticelli heights, based on the documentary evidence we have through Signal Corps photos, taken in 1944, now in the RG111 files at the National Archives and Records Administration at College Park, MD.
This year we also provided a historical narration of the events, as well as a small scenario, based on a few prepared scenes centered on the Todt Organization, the opposing armies, their equipment and tactics, as well as a short “skirmish” with US troops moving toward German dug-in positions.
We had also arranged for a big pyrotechnics display, which couldn’t take place because of the fire hazard caused by the dry weather of the previous days.
Our first ventures into a more dynamic living history display were meant primarily as a test to evaluate their reception by reenactors and audience. We got very positive feedback, and we are going to expand this angle for future events. To this end, we are already arranging for private occasions, to be used for both reenacting and rehearsing and coordinating our “actors”, with emphasis on realism (battlefield tactics as opposed to by the book movements) and historical accuracy.
Last but not least, we had two special guests this year: the mules, who conquered the heart of everyone at the Pass, particularly the children. The lovely four legged creatures proved to be extremely versatile actresses (since female they were), serving both the German and the Allies, depending on circumstances. In this, they displayed a remarkable lack of concern about which side was right or won the battle, even if at times they exercised their natural right to be a little stubborn (nothing that a carrot or some other food couldn’t cure, though).
Finally, we wish to thank the reenacting groups who provided the core of participants as well as plenty of first-class equipment– the Clemente Group, the Feldgrau Association, the Great Generation Airborne Reenactment Group, the Tracce di Storia Association, and of course, the GoticaToscana members, who performed most of the hard work needed to set up the dug-in positions.
We also thank the Municipality of Scarperia and the Mugello Mountain Community without whose support “A Jump into History” wouldn’t be a reality.
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with the collaboration of
91^ Div. 361st Rgt. Livergnano: contact Umberto Magnani 3805074820
88^ Inf. Div. Blue Devils - Imola: contact Michele 3393670854
Meet the organization team
Corso 328/6746665
Filippo 335/7632983
Sandro 329/6217132
Troops engaged
Download the participation form
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We are now approaching the fourth edition of this event. Last year, thanks also to the beautiful weather, thousands of people came to visit our open-air museum setup at the historic location of the Giogo Pass. It was a well-deserved reward for the organizers as well as the participants and Institutions which supported our project over the years.
Also the 2008 edition of “A Jump into History”, taking place as usual at the historic location of the Giogo Pass, just behind the Mount Altuzzo. will be a new opportunity to show a wide audience how re-enacting and collecting can contribute to preserving the memory of our past, keeping alive interest in the history of our communities. At the same time, we hope it will be the occasion for enjoying a weekend sharing our passion with fellow hobbyists.
This September our plan for “A Jump Into History” includes the additional feature of enjoying a fully guided tour of the place. A speaker will guide visitors throughout the several scenes explaining the historical background of our event as well as illustrating specific exhibits. Also, the experience of being fully immersed in a living history event will be enriched by new special effects, including a spectacular pyrotechnic exhibition.
We are confident our event at the Giogo Pass may be a useful contribution to setting good standards on the Italian WWII reenacting scene, with the objective of furthering the knowledge of the history of our Country during those fateful years.
The past edition was the sunny one, as all of you who were with us in 2005 and 2006 know, the powers that be have determined that realism – for Northern Apennines reenacting – necessarily implies horrible weather conditions. The event is scheduled for September 20-21, 2008. However, as was the case last year, dates are subject to confirmation on Monday, based on the weather forecast for the picked days, in case it is found advisable to postpone the event to the following weekend. But stay assured that if bad weather has to be, also on the last weekend of September, we will be there, mud and all!
WWII Historical Military vehicles owners who wish to bring their vehicles to the event are welcome. Please contact the organizers for all necessary arrangements.
SEE YOU ON THE OBJECTIVE!
The GoticaToscana staff
PROGRAM OF THE EVENT
VISITORS: PLEASE REFER TO SCHEDULES NOTED IN BLUE
PLEASE NOTE: Participants who wish to arrive on Friday afternoon, September 19, are welcome subject to previous communication to the organizers. However, they will have to provide their own dining arrangements.
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
8:00-9:00 a.m. Arrival and registration of participants; hotel accommodations are available on reservation.
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Preparation of terrain; setting up of vehicles and equipment, photo reconstruction activities.
Lunch will take place at 12:00 noon. Menu forthcoming
3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Official welcoming ceremony, and 1st opening to the public
6:30 – 7:00 Fireworks and end of the first day.
8:00 p.m. Dinner. Menu forthcoming
10:30 p.m. optional activities such as excursions on the Gothic Line battlefields of September 1944, etc
SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Participants are free to engage in activities of their own choosing, such as:
a)excursion along the main crest trail (“00”) (foot march or light vehicles only)
b)re-enacting activities on location at the camp;
c)other activities compatible with the program and purpose of the event.
12:30 p.m. Lunch. Menu forthcoming
2:00 – 6:30 p.m. 2nd opening to the public
6:30 p.m. end of the event
An official photographer will be at work all along. CDs will be sold at the end of the event, at a price of € 15,00 subject to confirmation. However, there is no restriction to photographing and filming by visitors and participants alike.
Excursions are optional, and their purpose is to visit the historical battlefields, with guidance by GoticaToscana members, or providing opportunities for photographic reconstructions if so wished
Rules
1)To participate to the event “A Jump Into History – 1944-2008” it is necessary to fill the “Registration Form” which may be downloaded from this site, and sent by e-mail or ordinary mail to the organizers
2)Registration requires the payment in advance of € 15,00 through Postal Money order or other forms to be agreed with the organizers. This amount, if the registration is accepted by the organizers, will not be refunded under any circumstances other than the canceling of the event.
The pre registration fee could be paid through Postal Money order or Bank Transfer:
* Postal Money order on the CC Postale n° 71628283 at “Gotica Toscana Onlus - Via A. Galilei 7 - 50038 - Scarperia (FI) – Italy” with the statement “Jump into History 2008”.
* Money Transfer to IBAN IT60 N 07601 02800 000071628283 “Gotica Toscana Onlus - Via A. Galilei 7 - 50038 - Scarperia (FI) – Italy with the statement “Jump into History 2008”.
3)Ordinary registrations deadline is Monday, September 15, 2008. Thereafter the organizers may or may not accept further participants.
4)In any case the event has a maximum number of participants, variable depending on the availability of equipment and for reasons of scenic impact and coherence. We strongly advise to book soon, the more so if interested in sleeping accommodations at local hotels and residences.
5)Only pre 1945 military vehicles / heavy equipment will be accepted at the event.
6)Uniforms must be coherent with those worn by the units in the following “List of Allowed Units”. Unit patches, if available, are preferred. Otherwise – no patches at all! As an exception to the above rule on accepted units, organized re-enacting groups portraying other units will be allowed to set up period-coherent displays, subject to previous permission by the organization. UNIFORMS OF POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING THEIR FIGHTING UNITS) ARE NOT ALLOWED.
7)Vehicles displayed only within the campsite need not conform to traffic regulations. Owners and drivers will be held responsible for damages caused by the vehicle. In any event, no liability whatsoever shall be attached to the promoters and sponsors of the event in respect to any injury, loss or damage suffered in or by reason of the event, however caused.
8)Participants will be directly responsible for any offense under existing laws and regulations connected to the display of uniforms, equipment and weapons.
9)The event will take place along the secondary road branching out at the Giogo Pass, and about 150 meters away from the pass itself and the “Il Giogo” hotel - restaurant. Vegetation will be cut immediately before the event so as to avoid unwanted growth.
10)Each group or individuals suitably equipped will be assigned a site – based on number of re-enactors and type of equipment. Small-scale digging – such as tent drainage ditches, individual foxholes, MG dugouts, etc. , is allowed provided the terrain is conveniently rearranged at the end of the event.
11) Several military vehicles and ordnance pieces are expected, which will serve as basis for specific scenes and may be used by groups to complement their displays (see the following list).
12) All participants must behave properly. It is strictly forbidden to behave unrespectfully in any way, including any form of molestation, violence etc., so as to jeopardize the good outcome of the event.
13)During opening hours to the public it is strictly forbidden to march, sing, cry out, curse, keep unrespectful behavior, and to point deactivated weapons at anybody. This last rule must be obeyed at all times in the presence of people.
14)Participants shall refrain from engaging with the public in political discussions, also if related to the history of the WWII era.
15)All participants shall obey the directions given by the Staff about location and dispositions of scenes, equipment, etc. We strongly recommend leaving home any apparel unbecoming to the situation displayed, such as eyeglasses, watches, mobile phones, etc. Such objects shall not be allowed on location at all times.
16)Each group or display supervisor is responsible for the equipment assigned and shall assure its integrity. We invite to bring objects that may be easily traced such as ammo boxes, camouflage nets, tents, to be loaned to other groups, which will give proper receipt. The organization however will not be held responsible for any theft, loss or damage.
17)This will be a mostly static camp. We invite participants to plan in advance activities, which may be properly carried out on location, without vehicles, providing good display value.
18)For any other information please contact the organizers.
19)During the event, professional photographers will be taking as many pictures as possible with an eye to historical reconstruction (that is also why modern or wrong clothing and accessories must not be worn at all times).
20)It is strictly forbidden to use bank firing weapons, fireworks, petards, smoke producing devices, and any other devices, which may alarm Police officers and firefighting personnel. For obvious safety reasons, open fires are also strictly forbidden.
21)The organizers reserve the right to forbid participation to anyone who infringe upon these rules, without previous notice and without refunding the participation fee.
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Suggested Activities and Scenes
Note: no battle simulations are planned
U.S. Troops
1) Artillery position
2) AFV positions
3) First Aid station
4)Mortar Platoon
5)MG sections
6)individual foxholes with assorted equipment (such as Coleman stoves, personal items, shelter halves, etc.)
7)Mine detector teams
8)Signal Corps equipment (radios, reel units, telephone equipment, etc.)
9)Command Posts
… let your imagination fly...
Wehrmacht
1)Mortar position (real WWII site)
2)Personnel dugout (remains of original site) with ammo boxes, radios etc.
3)MG nests (several sites possible)
4)individual holes
5)mines-laying parties
6)Command Post
... let your imagination fly …
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“Winter 1944 Sgt. N.F. Cole and buddy in a dugout”. Photo www.custermen.com
Troops engaged in the Giogo Pass battle – September 12-18, 1944
U.S. Army
Monticelli
Line units
363rd Infantry Regiment (91st Infantry Division “Powder River”)
Divisional supporting troops (91st Infantry Division “Powder River”)
347th Field Artillery Battalion
Company C, 316th Engineer Combat Battalion
Company C, 316th Medical Battalion
Monte Altuzzo
Line units
338th Infantry Regiment (85th Infantry Division “Custer”)
Divisional supporting troops (85th Infantry Division “Custer”)
329th Field Artillery Battalion
Company B, 310th Engineer Combat Battalion
Company B, 310th Medical Battalion
Monticelli – Monte Altuzzo
Attached troops
752nd Tank Battalion (Medium)
805th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled)
84th Chemical Battalion
105th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion
General Corps support (II Army Corps)
178th Field Artillery Group
- 178th Field Artillery Battalion
248th Field Artillery Battalion
339th Field Artillery Battalion
939th Field Artillery Battalion
- 423rd Field Artillery Group
- 697th Field Artillery Battalion
698th Field Artillery Battalion
985th Field Artillery Battalion
A truck load of medical men moves toward the front approaching the Gothic Line in the Apennines.
In the background is a Medical Battalion Collecting Station, where wounded men from the front are
given aid. Italy
Wehrmacht
Monticelli / Monte Altuzzo
Line units
Fallschirm-Jäger-Regiment 12. (4. Fallschirm – Division)
Line units - reinforcements
Grenadier - Lehr - Brigade
Litauer-Bataillon
Infanterie-Regiment 735 (715 Infanterie – Division)
Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 305. (305. Infanterie - Division)
Divisional supporting troops (elements) (4. Fallschirm – Division)
Fallschirm-Jäger-Regiment 11.
Fallschirm-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 4.
Fallschirm-Flak Abteilung 4.
Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon 4.
Fallschirm-Luftnachrichten-Abteilung 4.
Fallschirm-Sanitäts-Kompanie 41 and 42
Fallschirm-Granatwerfer-Bataillon 4.
Corps supporting troops (elements) (I Fallschirm – Korps)
Fallschirm-Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 11.
Fallschirm-Artillerie-Regiment 11.
Fallschirm-Granatwerfer-Bataillon 1.
Fallschirm-Luftnachrichten-Abteilung 11.
Fallschirm-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 11.
Note: the British 1st Division was deployed to the right of the 85th Infantry Division. Italian troops of the 210th Division (Pack trains and engineers) were also present in support of the US II Corps – reenactors coherently clad in British or REI uniforms will also be allowed.
Cost
a) Participation to the whole event, including three meals: €50,00; € 40,00 for GoticaToscana Ordinary members (see here how to obtain membership)
b) Participation for Saturday including two meals: €35,00; € 25,00 for GoticaToscana Ordinary members
c) Participation for Saturday including lunch only: €25,00; € 15,00 for GoticaToscana Ordinary members
d) Participation for Sunday including lunch: €25,00; € 15,00 for GoticaToscana Ordinary members
Sleeping accommodations
a) Participants may provide their own tent and sleeping accommodations at the camp site at no cost. If non-period tents and equipment are used, these will have to be removed and stored out of sight very early in the morning. Restrooms (no showers) will be available to participants at the “il Giogo” hotel – restaurant nearby. Those wishing rooms reservations at the hotel (doubles or triples) must make their arrangements directly with the hotel staff.
Note: free indoor accommodations will also be available for Saturday, and – if needed - Friday night, at the “Casa al Giogo”, a close-by building made available by the Mountain Community of the Mugello. Restrooms and bedding space will be available. Participants must provide their own bedding implements (cots, sleeping bags, etc.). Those interested must take previous arrangements with the organizers
We sincerely thank in advance all those who will participate or help with the good outcome of the event.
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