Thoughts on my first WW2 airsoft event (Minsk)

Well I have taken the plunge and attended my first WW2 airsoft event. I have made this post here to reach a wider audience than just those who attended the event, in particular those on the forum who have yet to attend an event.

Probably all us newbies have some trepidation about what to expect, and to travel down alone, not knowing anyone attending is a bit daunting, but let me try to reassure you.

Having travelled down the night before as I live some distance away, I was met by a friendly group having a social gathering, many blinged up (looked great). I was directed to my billet for the night, got set up and attended the social. I was met by a friendly fallschirmjager who had a chat (sorry cant remember your name), then a chap known as Stof said hello and when he found out that this was my first event took me under his wing and introduced me to some of the others.

I have to say that everyone I met at the event were very friendly and helpful to a newbie, but I must offer particular thanks to Stof, Bosch, Andy and Graham. I ended up in the same squad as these lads and they were great not just to socialize with but to fight alongside.

The event itself was very well organized by Josh (Gunman) and his assistance and a big thank you to them for putting on such a fantastic event.

For the battle we were organised into squads with a clear command structure, well briefed by the Zug commanders Gadge and Evo (Gadge sports the most authentic German haircut I have ever seen and in every way filled the role of C-in-C superbly).

I think the game felt as realistic as a game can be when your firing plastic pellets. The scenario all made sense and as we moved off through the woods in 2 skirmish lines it all felt very realistic and completely looked the part, my mouth even went dry as we made first contact with the Russians. The Pyro's were great and really added to the atmosphere.

I think I should mention how sporting everyone was, people took there hits and there were no tantrums, this all helps to make it a great day (or 2) for everyone.

The Gunman events use filmsim rules. This is basically a bit of role play people try to fall over as realistically as they can when hit and scream out in pain etc. Being a newbie I did not embrace this as much as I should have but I have to say it really added a great dimension to the game. In one instance we were probing the Russian lines, took a few casualties and were ordered to fall back. The Russians buoyed up with confidence at seeing us fall back left their cover and charged us only to be cut down in a hail of bullets. As they were hit they fell most realistically screaming out in agony as they did so, this sort of thing adds so much atmosphere to the event.

Beforehand I was a bit worried about my fitness level. As a 50 year old smoker its not great. But there were no real problems. There were plenty of young lads to do all the rushing stuff and Gadge was sensibly aware of the limitations and abilities of those under his command. Our squad medic was a chap with a gammy leg (sorry cant remember your name which is a bit rude considering how many times you scramble through the brambles to bandage me up!), but he still fitted in well to the whole event and I saw him make several kills. Its great fun for everyone regardless off your ability or fitness.

Gaffs – well yes I made a few. Had an equipment malfunction – mess tin and kit spilling everywhere, after getting it back on hadn't tied the mess tin on properly so that I clanked every step I took as we sneaked through the woods, My first throw of a stick grenade missed the huge opening, hit the wall and bounced back on our squad and I managed to shoot one of our FJ guys who had just flanked the position we were receiving fire from.

Talking of the FJ guys, I don't know if they regularly fight together but they certainly lived up to their reputation as an elite corps and fought with great élan.

All in all it was a fantastic day and well worth the investment in kit, I have already signed up for the Anarchy event and will sign up for Rhineland soon.

Now I know we have probably all put the kit on stood admiring ourselves in a full length mirror, but for those lads who have not yet given it a try – just get stuck in, you wont be disappointed. Its a great way to spend your time and you will not meet a friendlier group .

Once again thanks to all at the event for making it such a good experience.

PS hope someone will do a campaign medal for this one, need to get a few on my sig!