Association

Re-enactment Napoleonic Era

Who hasn't heard of NAPOLEON? More than 200 years ago, he left a major imprint in world history. This genius commander of armies marched through Europe and even Egypt, and gained many a victory. Starting with the French Revolution of the 14th of July 1789 and ending on the 18th of June 1815, this fascinating period is re-enacted by associations world wide. It is brought alive by showing in a unique way how soldiers, musicians, vivandières and camp followers lived in the late 18th/early 19th century. One of these re-enactment groups is:

85ème Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne

A famed regiment with a centuries old past. Our international re-enactment association portrays the period between 1812 and 1815. We demonstrate the tactics used on the battlefield, such as forming a column, line or infantry square. We display life in a military camp, the political and social divisions between citizens and soldiers and the ideological differences that drove soldiers to fight for their country or leader and the consequences for society as a whole. We also highlight the similarities between the every day soldier on both sides of the conflict. The soldiers in the red jackets did not differ that much from the ones in blue. 

Les Douane Imperiale

A lesser known depiction, but during the period you could almost say infamous. Part of our association portrays the Imperial Customs Services, Les Douane Imperiale, from between 1802 and 1815. They will show you that elaborate taxation structures, inspections and smuggling methods, are not at all something from our current time. When they are not garrisoned or tasked with official Customs duties, the Imperial Customs officers were often used to fill out holes in the infantry's lines or to perform scouting duties for the army.

The Line

This is the largest and most spectacular part of the 85th. The fusiliers (men, but we also welcome women) will have their muskets at the ready to face an enemy attack head-on. Before you head onto the battlefield, you will learn to master the military drill of the period. Together with the military drill, safely firing a musket and the maintenance of a flintlock form the basis of d'école du soldat (soldiers' school). It is an experience on itself. Charging through a smoke filled battlefield towards an enemy line is something you will never forget.

The musicians

These soldiers with their drums or five, were indispensable to a regiment. Every morning they were the ones, by playing the 'reveille' (morning bugle call), who woke up troups and announced the start of regular duties. On the battlefield they would play signal calls which could relay orders to soldiers or they could strengthen morale by drowning out the sounds of the dying and wounded with cheerfull or inspirational marching songs.

Vivandières and camp followers

Every army in the period had their own small army of women, children and traders following them on campaigns. Each regiment only allowed a handfull of vivandières. They were officially on the army's payroll and were incorporated into the army's hierarchy. They performed absolutely vital functions to keep morale high, soldiers fed and clothed, and acted as confidants and sources of consolement for the dying. The rest of the 'womenfolk' with their 'litters' (usually family of the soldiers) formed the camp followers.