"Normandy Mémoire" A Charter for the direction for the use of participants of vehicle collectors and historical re-enactors.

PREFACE

 

Beside the normal means of telling the history of the landings and Battle for Normandy, groups and associations of collectors and historical re-enactors take part, in their own way, to remember   the battles and those that liberated the area during this major episode during the Second World War

In the interest of the public which participate  within  these events  and of the many collectors and re-enactors of  which  take part in Lower Normandy  at the time of the celebrations related to the memory of the events of June 6, 1944 and of the battle of Normandy -  whether they be an association or a group made up  or independent - it  is abundantly clear to remind the same of the contents of the law,  certain regulations  and  standards of behavior to ensure the good standing of this act of remembrance.

 

Article 1 - Object:

 

The aim of the present charter is to ensure that the “presence” and the memory of the veterans who Liberated Europe is perpetuated.  This document is designed to draw the attention to vehicle collectors and re-enactors alike concerning the laws and regulations that they should adhere to within the framework of their event or events in which the y take part.

All collectors and re-enactors , whether they be an association or individuals must adhere and respect the provision of the rules and laws of this charter  and adhere to instructions given to them whilst on any particular site to which they are to participate.

The organizers of events related to the memory of these historical events, will be held responsible for their association or people participating, the onus is on them to respect the law, the provisions of this charter, as well as the above mentioned particular rules, within the framework of the event of which they are responsible for.

Any failure by the principles will make each person of that particular group joint and several in the eyes of the law.

Any signatory of this charter is individually responsible for the execution of the provisions therein and will be held responsible for the implementation of this charter within the framework of their own event.

 

 

 

Article 2 - Respect of "the spirit of Normandy":

 

The area of Lower Normandy is a symbol of the sacrifice undertaken   by the allies of young soldiers who came from the sky and the sea to liberate the area from the Nazi regime and to restore the humanistic values and the democratic principles both in France and Europe. Those who take part in these commemorations should do so with a respect for history, the veterans and those that sacrificed their lives and should adopt a dignified attitude for the event.

The celebrations of this historical event should in no way be considered as the glorification of war. It is conceivable that the only tangible evidence of these events will become historic re-enactments.  Respect of memory is a human quality which conveys a message of peace, of friendship between the people, democracy and freedom in the names of the civilian victims and soldiers who, with their blood paid the price of these values.

 

Article 3 – Notification of Re-enactment Events and historical displays:

Associations or independent re-enactors must notify each Town Hall (Mairie) of the intended locality of their proposed re-enactment or historical display. Additionally, a signed copy of this charter must be lodged with the Town Hall (Mairie) and the Town Hall (Mairie) will then notify the relevant authorities.

At the time of making their declaration at the Town Hall (Mairie) the organizers/ person responsible must be in possession of written permission from the property owners where the display/event is to take place.

           

The details of the organized event (in particular authorized dates and times and public areas to be used……….) must be defined in a written agreement with the Town Hall (Mairie) concerned. So that written permission for the event to take place can be presented (on request) to the relevant Police authority.

Should the event entail battle re-enactment, this will be subject to preliminary authorization from the Prefecture concerned.  No battle re-enactment will be permitted in close proximity to war memorials, other memorials and military cemeteries.

Circulation and wearing of uniforms will not be permitted with weapons other than within the confines of a re-enactment area.

Any contravention of this will be subject to action under the prescribed law by the Police.  Details of the penal code concerned can be obtained from Appendix 1 attached to this charter.

 

 

Article 4 - Behaviour:

 

It is requested that each re-en actor acts in a dignified and exemplary manner in the view of members of the general public; appendix 2 attached to this charter will provide all details required concerning re-enactments in the presence of the general public.

The discipline within the group of re-enactors should be constant; the president or person responsible /in charge (named to the authorities) will be responsible for the good behaviour  of the members of the group and will respect article 3 and its requirements.

 

Article 5 – Uniforms:

Uniforms pertaining to WWII and good copies used by the groups are authorized.

The person responsible for the event will check each and every uniform for detail and will then authorize the participants to participate if they satisfy the criteria laid down by the person responsible.

The wearing of historical uniforms will only be tolerated within the time framework (dates and times being agreed before event) that has been duly authorized by the authorities.

 

The wearing of medals and decorations (not accorded to the wearer) is generally not to be encouraged, however during the portrayal of a re-enactment (re-enactment of a historical scene)  and with Mayoral permission, decorations would be permitted provided that at the end of the event that the wearer removes them or changes clothing accordingly.

 

The illegal wearing of official decorations both French and foreign is an infringement of French law.

 

Additional details for the wearing of uniforms is contained in appendix 3 attached to this charter.

 

Article 6 - Weapons:

All weapons being used in displays and historical re-enactments must conform to French law pertaining to the holding and using of weapons and that the type of weapon conforms.

Each person in charge of a group will provide the Town Hall (Mairie) with a full list of weapons to be used in the re-enactment or exhibition so that the town authorities may transmit the same list to the Gendarmerie Nationale. This must take place a minimum of 15 days before the event is scheduled to take place.

All weapon owners and group leaders will ensure that copies of the compliance certificates are made available on demand by the relevant authorities.

 

Article 7 - Vehicles:

The presentation and look of the collector’s military vehicle incorporated in a display and in a procession must appear to be a realistic representation of a period vehicle.  This vehicle should be evocative of the period being represented.

The Mayor and also anybody delegated by him/her and in charge of an event, can refuse to admit a vehicle if it does not comply with the historical requirements and which is also not able to satisfy the criteria as per appendix 5 of this charter.

Article 8 - Signature of the charter:

Generally speaking, the signature of this charter binds the signatory and his/her association, group, re-enactment group to the rules and regulations contained in the text of this charter. 

In particular, each event entering into the scope of this document will be bound by the signature of its organizer to agree to the contents of this charter and accept and adhere to its requirements in its entirety.

 

 

 

I the undersigned:______________________________________________________

Being a member or person responsible for _________________________________________________________________________________

 

Hereby agrees and;

-        Certifies to have noted the rules and regulations contained in this charter and its 5 appendices, and agrees to be bound by them accordingly;

-        Certifies that the document/s  concerning  my/our  vehicle/s are in compliance with the rules and regulations in force;

-        Certifies the weapon/s carried conform in all respects with the laws in force.

 

Read and approved (to be hand written before signature)

 

 

Signed___________________________________________

 

At_______________________________________________

 

Date_____________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(This sheet to be signed and returned to  LibTaskForceHq@aol.com )

)

 

APPENDIX 1

 

Reminder of the Regulations:

 

 

 

Article 433-14 of the penal code (ordinance n° 2000-916 of September 19, 2000 art.3

Official Journal of 22 September 2000 in force on January 1, 2002):

 

"is punishable by  one year of imprisonment and  15000 Euros fine if, any person, publicly and without right is guilty :

 

   1º by wearing clothing, or a uniform or a decoration regulated by the public authorities;

 

2º by the misuse of an official document or a professional document or a badge regulated by the public authority;

 

   3º by the use of a vehicle whose external signs are identical to those used by civil servants, national police, Gendarmerie Nationale or current military marking.

 

Article 433-15 of the penal code (ordinance n° 2000-916 of September 19, 2000 art.3

Official Journal of 22 September 2000 in force on January 1, 2002):

 

“punishable by six months imprisonment and a fine of 7500 Euros by all persons, who publicly, wear clothing or a uniform, using a vehicle, or cause to use an insignia or a document presented with the clothing and or uniforms distinctly reserved for civil servants of the Police Nationale, Gendarmerie Nationale or the military, a resemblance likely to be mistaken by the public as authentic”. 

 

 

 

R645-1 article of the penal code:

 

"is punishable by a  fine for an  infractions concerning  5th category of firearms,  other than for the use for the making of a film, a stage production or an historic exhibition, or to wear or exhibit in public a uniform, insignia or emblem from a uniform, the insignia or the emblems which were worn by the members of an organization declared to criminal in application of article 9 by the Statutes of the International Military Court annexed with the approval of London on 8th August 1945, by a person recognized as guilty by a French jury or international of one or more crimes against humanity as prescribed by articles 211-1 to 212-3 or mentioned by the law N° 64-1326 of 26th December 1964.

All persons guilty in contravention of the present article will also incur the additional penalties:

1° Prohibition to hold or obtain or to carry, for a period of three years or more, an arm subject to declaration;

2° The confiscation of one or a number of arms by the condemned which are the property or has access to them;

3° The” confiscation of anything which has been used or was destined to be used to commit an offence or something that was the result of it;

4°Communtiy service with a duration of between 20 to 120 hours service. Persons can be rendered legally responsible under the article of law 121-2, for an infringement of the defined regulation.  This being in accordance with article 131-41. Additionally the article used to commit the offence can also be subject to confiscation. A reoccurrence of the offence is covered by article 132-11 and 132-15. "

 

Article 55 of the decree n° 95-589: "the weapons displayed or stored in the reserve are rendered inoperable   by the removal of the necessary parts. The weapons and the elements of weapons being permanently displayed should be attached or equipped with a device to prevent their unauthorized removal by person or persons not authorized to do so. , Moreover, are connected or equipped with a system of fixing of safety being opposed to their removal ".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 2

 

Behaviour

 

 

The regulations contained in article 4 of this charter are supplemented as follows.

 

All actions, speeches, writings or behavior which would not be respectful of the Normandy Spirit will be punishable.

 

Re-enactors should respect and honor the uniform that they wear in the memory of those that they represent, notably the veterans for which they are portraying.  They should also act in a responsible manner when asked to participate in commemorative ceremonies by the Town Hall (Mairie) or organizers.

All saluting during the playing of national anthems or military music during official ceremonies is prohibited.

Except in exceptional cases, when it is required to stand to attention or present arms.  No manipulation of arms will be tolerated during official ceremonies.

During a static exhibition or re-enactment camp and in particular in the presence of the public it is essential that all modern day living items be moved out of view.  That camp should represent a true period camp. Even if the latter means that this will present some personal discomfort - as it is also there as a form of homage to the veterans.

 

 

APPENDIX 3

Uniforms

 

In addition to the details contained in article 5 of this charter, attention is drawn to each re-enactor to respect and act in a suitably dignified military manner and to honor the uniform that they bear.

All re-enactors should be clean shaven, clean and have short hair cuts and should not carry items that are not representative of the period evoked.

All uniforms being used should be done so in a manner that conforms perfectly to the unit that is represented and all equipment should be carried in the prescribed manner.

All fancy dress items will be prohibited. Notably, clothing of paramilitary origin that bear no resemblance to the period being portrayed.

Re-enactors should only wear the uniforms, equipment and weapons that are in keeping with the type of person they are representing (particular attention to this matter in the case of females for example).

All organizers should also take care by taking into account the age of the members of the group and that every member is in his respective role.

With regard to squads, sections or detachments, care should be taken with regard to rank insignia given to younger members.  In particular officers rank and NCO’s etc. This should be respected in accordance with historical precedence. It should also be remembered that officers and NCO’s were in the minority.

Thus in squads, sections or detachments young people should not normally wear the rank of officers or senior officers and this should be carried out in accordance with historical accuracy.  Attention to detail should be made when the wearing of rank is undertaken bearing in mind that officers and warrant officers were in the minority.

In a historical context and with respect to authenticity, an effort should be made so that the re-enactment group is accurate in its makeup, by avoiding a mixture of services such as; infantrymen, sailors, British, American or French.

Whilst the wearing of medals and awards is generally prohibited, they will however, be permitted during the portrayal of a re-enactment scene. They will also be permitted in relation to walking out dress when campaign ribbons and awards etc will be permitted, provided that they conform with the historic period and the wearer acts in a responsible manner.

After the organizer for each group has satisfied himself/herself that the uniforms have been checked and that all is in order, either he/she or a delegate will then give the person wearing the uniforms permission to participate accordingly.

 

APPENDIX 4

 

 

Weapons

 

Generally the carrying of weapons is prohibited; in particular those categorized as category 6 in France (weapons known as white weapons). However, during parades and exhibitions being authorized by the authorities at place dates and times to be agreed, items in categories 6 & 7 (blank firing) will be permitted provided that they are declared to the authorities and are duly licensed in their country of origin.

 

Category 8 weapons (deactivated) which are certificated will also be permitted within the confines of an organized event (proof house certificates should be provided).

Generally speaking, all weapons and ammunition (if applicable) must conform with French legislation namely decree n° 95-589 of May 6, 1995 (relating to the application of the decree of 18 April 1939 describing  war material, arms and ammunition), version updated on  May 4, 2007.

ALL certificates must be produced upon request by any member of the Police or relevant authorities.

All blank firing weapons that were unable to be discharged within the confines of a re-enactment scenario, may be discharged away from a public area by arrangement with the relative authority, time date and place to be arranged accordingly.

All ammunition must be stored in a secure metal case or box.

Any owner of any of the above mentioned weapons must keep their weapons in an area or zone marked as “RESERVE”, this area should be duly controlled and made secure, the arms then being recovered for various parades, exhibitions or re-enactments and only for such occasions.

           

Any person carrying a weapon (that is either de-activated or blank firing) is not permitted to enter a zone which is controlled by the Police, Gendaremrie Nationale unless expressly given permission to do so by the organizers.

 

In addition to the above no armoured vehicle is permitted within a radius of 100 metres where an official ceremony is taking place particularly where French or invited dignitaries/VIPs are in attendance unless previously authorized by the authorities.

For historical accuracy weapons being carried by each participant must conform historically to what was used during WWII.

The use of these weapons must be undertaken in a responsible fashion and should not be used in a threatening or menacing manner.  Should the user use a weapon in a menacing manner then he/she will render themselves liable to prosecution.

Weapons may only be handled when duly authorized by the organizer and under the control of the person in charge of the respective group or re-enactment group. This will of course have to be in full agreement with the authorities.

In addition to adhering to the above, all weapons will need to be cleared though French customs (Douanes Française).  In this respect all temporary importation regulations will need to be respected.

All owners of weapons must therefore be in possession of the relevant documentation or certification for their respective weapons.  These aforementioned documents will be present upon demand by the relevant authorities at any time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 5

 

Vehicles

 

 

 

            General information:

With regard to article 7 of this charter, the Mayor and by delegation any person charged to organize an event will have the right to refuse entry to any vehicle which does not comply with the law and in particular historical authenticity described hereafter.

Any military vehicle taking part in an event must be in good working order and conform to the Highway Code (registration documents, MOT where applicable, proof of road insurance).

           

All persons driving said vehicles must be in possession of a valid driving licence and be valid for that category of vehicle.  All drivers are to respect the Highway Code and be particularly vigilant when driving in proximity to members of the public particularly at events.

The look of vehicles should take into account historic reality and should be as authentic as possible; It is paramount that markings are not an item of decoration but are for information and precise rules govern the latter.  If the markings of a vehicle from photograph from the era are used then the vehicle represented should be an exact copy of the original.

            ALL tracked vehicles must either be rubber tracked or be fitted with rubber pads (tanks).
Tanks can only be driven on the road if prior permission has been given by the relevant Prefecture.

 

 

           

 

Circulation in convoy:

The circulation of collector’s military vehicles on the roads must be authorized before, to avoid traffic jams and a conflict of interest with regard to official movements and indeed problems with main axial road systems.  Any unauthorized bulk movements can be stopped by the authorities (police) and diverted accordingly.

Outside special commemorative events, all vehicles in convoy should drive with dipped headlights on so that other road users will be able to see them, before departure a convoy officer should be appointed. He will be in charge and responsible for your convoy.

In the event of breakdown on the road, only the vehicle following the broken down vehicle must stop and come to its assistance; the other vehicles should carry on their way until the head of convoy will be able to stop the whole column in safety for the sake of the participants and other road users.

The use of sirens may only be undertaken with permission of the convoy officer which will in turn assure that permission has been granted by the authorities.

During the convoy representing allied vehicles, the convoy officer is to ensure that the vehicles are not covered in flags which would be detrimental to historic accuracy.

Foreign convoys: i.e.: Convoys other than French citizens.

Movement of convoys of collector’s military vehicles on French territory need to comply with the following;

All vehicles must be insured for road use in France by their own insurance company. This company would need to be one approved by the French authorities. The owners of vehicle must carry their insurance documents with them at all times.

All groups and individual collectors of military vehicles who wish to circulate their vehicle/s on the public highway with one or more vehicles have to be registered and be covered by official Customs documentation   i.e.: a valid “AIMG”.  (Permit for the temporary importation of Materiel de Guerre)

In addition it will be necessary to provide a complete listing of all vehicles (in duplicate) being brought into France; this should also include accommodation addresses in France where the party will be staying, thus ensuring the minimum of delay at the docks with customs.

Similar lists will be provided to the Gendarmerie Nationale and the Prefecture (This will be handled by LTF if registered with them).

These lists should include the following details:

Vehicle type,

Registration Number,

Country of origin,

Names and addresses of driver and passengers,

Passport details,

Copy of group programme for their stay together with commune name where they will be staying.

Requests for convoy movements, together with dates and timings etc (If registered with LTF, this will be undertaken and authorizations will be issued for mass convoy movements).

Should armoured vehicles be included in the convoy, the hull number stenciled on the vehicle will also need to be provided.

__________________________________________________________________________________

FOOT NOTES from Liberation Task Force - France

 

            All of the details for the temporary importation of matériel de guerre are covered by a permit (AIMG) which has already been issued to Liberation Task Force in France (hereafter referred to as LTF) for 2009. Both soft skinned and armour alike can legally be temporarily imported into France by this permit and a procedure to facilitate this has been tried and tested by LTF in 2004. By utilizing this permit it would also be possible to bring into France a 25pdr for use at a battle re-enactment should the need arise for example.

 

In this respect, LTF is able to assist visitors to France by undertaking the documentation and clearance of vehicles etc with French customs.  The authorities have already agreed to this and relationships having been already established during 2003.   The standards requested in the charter should not perturb UK re-enactors who are in general of a very high standard and are held in high regard by the authorities.

This charter only applies (at the moment) to Normandy but it is possible that it will be used as the standard for events in other regions in France in due course.

 

One of the main concerns in the current climate was that one just didn’t know who was coming into France and with what!  This was always a risk and given the volume of traffic arriving, it became virtually impossible for customs to cope at the docks at specific periods.  What LTF implemented in 2004 was a scheme whereby French customs were aware who was coming into France and with what, they were then pre warned about their arrival times.  In this respect, it showed the authorities that we had nothing to hide and French customs were then able to handle their manning levels and times to advantage.

Having been in the “game” of organizing for over 27 years and with some high security risk events, I was able to advise and indeed register LTF in France as a nonprofit making organization regulated under the 1st July 1901 law. 

It might interest the reader of this to know that in 2004 LTF spent in excess of 8,000 Euros to ensure that the collectors visiting France were helped to comply with customs regulations.  The laws with regard to this charter which have been quoted are nothing new, they have been in existence longer than I care to remember, but over the years have been relaxed.

The climate in which we are now “operating” with regard to terrorism is a difficult one.  The latter should not be taken lightly. LTF insists that all group leaders being registered give us a mobile telephone number that is operable in France. In this respect an emergency contact list between group leaders is provided on a “restricted” document and emergency call signs are given to each group and the Gendarmerie Nationale.  This is to ensure that all calls made in event of an emergency can be authenticated.  All information can be supplied on a excel sheet which can be obtained by e mail and submitted by e mail. Those being registered with LTF will have nothing further to do.

Further information together with a pdf list of requirements can be obtained by e mailing LTF at:  LibTaskForceHq@aol.com

In order to defray costs and office expenses etc a donation of 5 Euros per vehicle is respectfully requested and other requirements with regard to special arrangements i.e.; importation of artillery and live firing weapons will be on a case by case basis.

 

It should be noted, that you are not obliged to register with LTF, and neither is LTF obliged to help any individual or group that it considers to be “questionable”.

Groups of re-enactors not using WWII vehicles will be treated on a case by case basis.

 

After having initially registered with LTF you will immediately receive an excel spread sheets to fill in for your information which should then be e mailed back to LTF at your earliest convenience.

 

Normandy is a special area where large numbers of people gave their lives to ensure our freedom today.  It is our duty to act in a responsible manner and similarly to encourage others to act in a similar light. Normandie Mémoire, which is run by Admiral Brac de la Perriere has an enormous task in hand and quite frankly they seized the initiative during 2003 to try and get things put into some semblance of order for 2004. LTF in the background played a miniscule part in it, but was nevertheless pleased to be able to help wherever it was able. The result was an event that was so remarkable that it was the first event since 1946 where heads of state were assembled in the name of one thing, that thing being PEACE!

What was achieved, was remarkable in that an inexperienced team produced what was surely to have been the most remarkable event in living history in the name of remembrance.  It should never be forgotten that the German Government were there and that they too were there for the same reason!

We owe it to those that made the ultimate sacrifice to continue to support Normandy and to continue the remembrance aspect of it.

In closing,  it should be noted that all vehicles using the public highway in France are now required by law to have high visibility jackets in case of break down and a warning triangle.  Larger vehicles should carry two warning triangles in addition to high visibility jackets.

 

 

Gerald Przenislawski

LTF - Director of Operations –France                                            E. & O.E