Formed in 2024 as an umbrella organisation for three long established living history groups, the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division Living History Association aims to accurately portray the men and women serving in the British Army, Auxiliary Territorial Service and nursing services during the Second World War.

You can find out more about each of the sub-groups by clicking on the links below. At this present time, the Association comprises the following:

• The 'Bloody Red Tabs' Living History Group (staff/medical)
• The 'Dukes At War' Living History Group (infantry)
• The 'Sheffield Polar Bears' WW2 Re-enactment Group (infantry)

Focusing on a broad array of impressions, the Association aims to replicate the lives of the average Tommy as well as telling the tale of the top brass. From the life of a typical private soldier right up to the daily routine of a brigadier, our three groups seek to educate the public on what life was like during the Second World War for the average soldier. Fans of war films or attendees at 1940s weekends might be fooled into thinking that all soldiers did was fight at the front - kill or be killed. Yet that is but a small aspect of the 'truth'. Training, drill, waiting, and resting were vital parts of a soldier's life, and arguably for the average Tommy comprised far more of their army life than fighting at the front. And for those who fought, the need for even more men (and women) behind the lines ensuring they were fed, watered, accommodated, and transported was equally as important to keep the war wheels moving.