MHM highlights the benefits of becoming a member of military history societies.
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOCIETY LTD
The American Civil War Society Ltd was formed in 1975 and has since been a mainstay of re-enacting in the UK. The society is essentially a nonprofit making organisation, and attendance at events by members is on a purely voluntary basis. Over the years they have helped to raise money for various charities acting as the focal point for shows. They have attended fetes, carnivals, stately homes, and organised events all over the country. They are currently looking for new members to fill the ranks of their Confederate and Union units, with places available in infantry, artillery, and mounted cavalry. They also cater for those who wish to participate in civilian roles.
If you would like more information on the society, or want to put the uniform on and have a go, get in touch via phone or email, or keep up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Tumblr, and YouTube. Just look for ACWSUK.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Membership of a long-standing experienced re-enactment society. Comprehensive training in drill of the period, with health and safety paramount. The opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with a new hobby, with new friends you will make for life.
COST OF MEMBERSHIP: Per annum:- Single – £25, Couple/Single-parent family – £35, Family – £45
WEB: www.acws.co.uk
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 01254 706457
INDIAN MILITARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The IMHS act as a forum for the dissemination of knowledge of uniforms, medals, badges, buttons, and other militaria, as well as the history of Service units in India before and after Independence. These include: Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force units that served in India; Units of the Honourable East India Company’s Army and Marine prior to 1861; The Indian Army subsequent to 1861, including the European Volunteer Corps; The Royal Indian Marine and the Royal Indian Navy; The Army of Nepal and those of the Princely States; the present day Armed Services of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, including Frontier Corps, Para Military, and Police units.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: A quarterly journal of roughly 52 pages. Once the web site has been completed and back issues of all journals placed on line, members will have exclusive access to the previous five years’ journals.
COST OF MEMBERSHIP: £15 per annum, including delivery by air mail to international addresses
WEB: www.imhs.org.uk
EMAIL: [email protected]
FORCES POSTAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Established in 1952, this society was formed to bring together collectors interested in the military postal histories of all countries, with an emphasis on the history of the British Forces. Such interest extends to periods of both war and peace, and includes the collecting and study of postmarks, cachets, postage rates, routes, POW mail, censorship and censor marks, stamps and stationery, as well as the organisation of military postal services.
Membership is currently £20 per year (£15 for electronic version only). For that they publish a quarterly illustrated (some in colour) journal, packed with articles of original research, topical news items, members’ queries, and book reviews, together with a newsletter. Regular postal auctions are held and they operate a packet scheme. They also have an extensive library. Meetings are held monthly in London at the Union Jack Club (Waterloo), usually on the second Saturday of each month (except August).
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Quarterly journal and newsletter, postal auctions, library (UK members only), circulating packet (UK members only)
COST OF MEMBERSHIP: £20 per annum (UK) (overseas – please enquire), £15 electronic only
WEB: www.forcespostalhistorysociety.org.uk
EMAIL: [email protected]
To see this feature as it appeared in issue 54 of Military History Monthly, click here.