The 107th Infantry (recreated) has been reenacting WWI for over 25 years. There were lean years for Great War reenactors between the loss of the Shimpstown site and the acquisition of the new site at Newville, Pa. In the last 5 years our unit has grown to over 20 members, most of whom are long time reenactors. Our increased size called for a more formal command structure. Jeff Redrup is unit commander with the rank of Sergeant First Class and also serves as trenchmaster; organizing work parties for trench and bunker construction and improvement. Our First Sergeant is Jim Boswell. Corporal Mark Tolf is the unit's authenticity officer and our Vickers gunner and Corporal Wiley Womack is the unit's safety officer. Mark Feldbin is the unit's adjutant Sergeant, handling all administrative functions and is webmaster of this site. There is over 80 years of reenacting experience in our command structure alone.
The main focus of our unit is the two WWI reenactments sponsored by the Great War Association each year in April and November. The GWA now owns the site making them the only reenacting organization with complete control of their own event site. The 60 plus acre site is located in Newville, Pa and has an extensive trench system (site map) complete with bunkers, gun emplacements and barbed wire entanglements. These events attract Great War reenactors from all over the US, Canada and on several occasions, Europe. The 107th fields between 18 and 22 men at these events. The events include 24 hour scenarios and take place rain or shine.
Individual members of the unit also participate in parades, public displays and living history events throughout the year.
Veteran's Day Parade, N.Y.C. 
"Banjo" Pete Leonard at McSorley's Tavern after the Parade
Ron, Ron Jr. & Banjo Pete with Cpl. Baldwin outside McSorley's after the Parade
(above photos by Michael Goldberg, Friend of the Regiment)
We have also participated in public events at the USMA West Point, F.D.R. Library at Hyde Park, Fort Hamilton and numerous other functions for the Public, Veterans and school groups.
Fort Hamilton Display, April 2000
(above photo by Michael Goldberg)
27th Div collection on display at Veteran's Park, Westchester Co. N.Y.
Memorial Day at F.D.R. Library, Hyde Park, N.Y.
One perk our membership enjoys is our annual banquet held at the Seventh Regiment Armory on Park Avenue in New York City.
(left) Dennis Connors in 6th Sturm Pioneer uniform with Jan Desiato in M1902 Dress uniform
(right) Lounge at the 7th Regimental Mess
(left) Cpl. Leonard demonstrates a step he learned while a member of the Follies Bergere
(right) My wife Linda in period clothing
The whole Gang (the ones that could still stand anyway)
I know we would have all loved this guy
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
We are not an easy unit to join. Our standards of authenticity must be met before an individual is permitted into the trenches. This includes the correct uniform, equipment and weapon before an individual is considered for membership.
Authenticity requirements are listed under the Uniform and Equipment List page of this site. The correct uniforms and equipment are well researched and documented on this, and other sites and all items are readily available as original or reproduction so there is no reason not to have the correct appearance. The unit does not have items to loan.
The financial committment is large even for the minimum set of uniforms and equipment. It can easily run between $750 to $1000 dollars. There is an initiation fee and the unit collects yearly dues. Most of our funds go toward trench construction. These are in addition to the dues and event fees collected by the GWA.
Prospective members must be at least 21 years of age and in reasonable physical condition*. The unit also strictly enforces regulations regarding haircuts and facial hair. There is an extensive screening process that includes references from unit commanders of any other reenacting units you may have belonged to. New recruits serve a one year probationary period before being accepted for membership. We need to be sure that there is a good "fit" between you and the unit. Once approved by the authenticity officer you must be sponsored by a unit member. Members are also encouraged to participate in an occasional work weekend at the Newville site. Reenactors of other periods need to know that Great War reenacting is not a family oriented activity. Please do not ask for exceptions to these requirements.
* NOTE: SORRY GUYS, BUT TO BE BLUNT ABOUT IT THIS MEANS YOU NEED A WAIST AND LOOK LIKE YOU BELONG IN A UNIFORM.
MEET SOME OF OUR ROUGHNECKS
CONTACT US
TRAINING FOR THE TRENCHES
In June of 2001 our friends in the Yankee Division instituted a basic training program for WWI reenactors. The 107th was invited to participate.
Unit members undergo inspection for correct equipment
Demonstrating the proper technique for throwing a grenade
Digging out mess tins for "Slum"
