The snow covered the ground, our breath froze on our faces, anxiety wracked our bodies. What would the next few hours hold? In the distance we could make out the white-coated Austrians and their green-coated Russian allies confidently anticipating a quick victory over us. Suddenly shouts of 'Vive L'Empereur' can be heard from amongst our ranks - there on his white horse sits Napoleon. Our little caporal who we have followed across Europe. No more do we doubt victory. 'En avant!' cries out and our troops move forward. The battle of Austerlitz has begun.
The above description gives you a brief idea of what it is like to belong to the 45eme Regiment d'Infanterie de Ligne. We invite you to join our ranks. We are a French infantry re-enactment group, based in the UK, portraying the lives of fusiliers and their ladies in the period 1805-1809. We aim to be represented at all of the bi-centennial events across Europe. So whether you want to take part as a fusilier, cantinierre, vivandiere, or camp-follower you will have an enjoyable and rewarding time. New members are always welcome. We have a number of family units within the regiment and offer a wide selection of roles and activities for everybody. Within our ranks we have a number of women who take on the role of fusiliers and fight on the battlefield.
On the field of battle we can fight in column, line or skirmish and regularly brigade with other French units when attending large events abroad. We can fight in full dress or in campaign dress. Off the field of battle we re-enact camp life in an authentic camp.
If you have ever wondered what it was like to face a British line, to form 'carre' in the face of enemy cavalry, to proudly march under the gaze of Napoleon with cries and cheering of 'En avant' and 'Vive L'Empereur!' then come and join us. Simply telephone or email and we will take it from there. We have a large supply of depot equipment for new members to use and all the necessary contacts and materials to help you in eventually acquiring your own uniform and equipment.
Following highly successful trips to Germany, Italy and Austria in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010 we will once more be attending a variety of international events. The year 2011 will see events taking place across Europe. We plan to take part at Marengo (Italy), Plancenoit, Waterloo and Wavre (Belgium) and Leipzig (Germany) throughout the year. We will once again be brigading with other UK and European based units at these events.
One of our unit’s aims is to attend all of the major 200th anniversary events up until 2015. We also plan to attend some smaller events throughout the year such as the Horsham French Market. We have attended this event since 2008 and feedback has been very positive from members of the public, stall holders, shop keepers, the organisers and from unit members who attended. Full details are included in the Events, Hire & Film section.
(Photographs of Austerlitz and Jena are included in the Gallery). Please also look at the 'Memoires' section where you will find translations of original letters from Flemish members of the 45eme. Please also see the pictures and details of the conservation project concerning the 45eme Eagle and flag together with information concerning the battle of Waterloo, including the charge of the Scots Greys and eye witness accounts from the battle.
Vive L'Empereur
Website last updated April 2011.
All content and photographs, unless otherwise stated, are copyright to Duncan Miles 45eme. If you would like to use materials from this web site please contact the 45eme via the 'Contact Us' page.
On the field of battle we can fight in column, line or skirmish and regularly brigade with other French units when attending large events abroad. We can fight in full dress or in campaign dress. Off the field of battle we re-
Following highly successful trips to Germany, Italy and Austria in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010 we will once more be attending a variety of international events. The year 2011 will see events taking place across Europe. We plan to take part at Marengo (Italy), Plancenoit, Waterloo and Wavre (Belgium) and Leipzig (Germany) throughout the year. We will once again be brigading with other UK and European based units at these events.
One of our unit’s aims is to attend all of the major 200th anniversary events up until 2015. We also plan to attend some smaller events throughout the year such as the Horsham French Market. We have attended this event since 2008 and feedback has been very positive from members of the public, stall holders, shop keepers, the organisers and from unit members who attended. Full details are included in the Events, Hire & Film section.
(Photographs of Austerlitz and Jena are included in the Gallery). Please also look at the 'Memoires' section where you will find translations of original letters from Flemish members of the 45eme. Please also see the pictures and details of the conservation project concerning the 45eme Eagle and flag together with information concerning the battle of Waterloo, including the charge of the Scots Greys and eye witness accounts from the battle.
Vive L'Empereur
Website last updated April 2011.
All content and photographs, unless otherwise stated, are copyright to Duncan Miles 45eme. If you would like to use materials from this web site please contact the 45eme via the 'Contact Us' page.
A few of the members of the unit at The Napoleonic Fair, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, 2010
Click on the link to join us on Facebook
and click on the You Tube link to see the 45eme in ‘The Last Invasion of Britain, Fishguard’ as shown on the BBC The One Show
