'...repeated shouts of `Vive l'Empereur! En avant! A la baionnette!", broke from us; shakos being raised on the ends of muskets. The march became a run, the ranks lost their order, the agita-tion became an uproar...' [French attack in column]
'... and then was seen with what a strength and majesty the British soldier fights... .Nothing could stop that astonishing infantry.' [Fusilier Brigade at Albuera]
These are but two historical descriptions of Napoleonic troops in action. Many such dramatic accounts of the period can be found in the history books, but it is possible to actually see such troops in action. The Napoleonic Association provides such a visual spectacle, and this new column in First Empire will inform readers of the activities of this long-established and very active society. Whether you wish to join the Association or simply attend one of the many events staged each year, this section will provide you with the information necessary to see the Napoleonic period brought to life.
The Napoleonic Association is dedicated to furthering interest in the period 1792 to 1815, with a blend of historical research and reenactment. The period is brought to life at events throughout the UK and on the continent, often at historical houses or castles providing a suitable backdrop for the display. Events consist of parades, battles, camp scenes; involving soldiers, camp-followers, and civilians. The Association brings to life the whole period, with an atten-tion to detail that must be seen to be appreciated.
Infantry, cavalry and artillery of the British, French and Austrian Armies are portrayed by the society in the UK. Very often the UK events are supported by a number of Napoleonic groups from the Continent. Battles such as Austerlitz, Leipzig and Waterloo are fought again as the Association joins thousands of enthusiasts from Europe and North America to recreate these famous engagements.
If you want to see the colour and spectacle of a Napoleonic battle, then why not go along to one of the 1994 events.
| Late May Bank Holiday | Congleton Carnival and Tattoo |
| 8th/9th/10th July | Chateau Roux, Bourges, France |
| 16th/17th July | Main U.K. Event, Bromsgrove |
| 23rd/24th July | Boulogne, France |
| 6th/7th August | Ramsgate |
Further events are in the course of being organised, further details to follow. For more information of these events please contact the Association's Secretary whose details are given at the end of this column. As this column develops, I shall look at the various regi-ments portrayed within the Napoleonic Association; their activities around the country; and review books and present museum reports that add more information to their portrayal.
The Association is not just about reenacting the period. It is very involved in the study of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars via its Research Section. Within this section can be found Study Groups concentrating on the British Light Infantry, the Austrian Military, and the German States. Regular conferences are held at the National Army Museum, at which papers on a variety of topics are presented, past subjects including: General Craufurd; the Battle of Aspern-Essling; Norman Cross Prison Depot; Napoleon's plans to invade England. Many members bring along items from their collections to display and there are usually some uniformed troops standing sentry on the door. Admission to these conferences is free.
Every November a special Study Day is held. Just recently we staged one such day at the Royal Naval Museum and HMS Victory in Portsmouth. The event comprised two lectures on the tactics of Trafalgar and Admiral Nelson, a tour of the museum, lunch in Captain Hardy's cabin on board HMS Victory, and a special interest tour of the famous ship. A similar day is planned for 1994 to study the Peninsula conflict, possibly in Winchester.
The Napoleonic Association is very much involved with other conferences and exhibitions, such as the Napoleonic Fair to be held in February 1994, at which there will be a strong uniformed presence.
For details of all these events please write to the Secretary.
The dates for the 1994 conferences are:
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Sunday 6th February Napoleonic Fair, London
Saturday 2nd April Napoleonic Association Spring Conference at the National Army Museum, with four speakers, plus displays of interest to delegates. Admission free.
April/May Partizan Press Napoleonic Weekend, Tower of London
Saturday 1st October Napoleonic Association Autumn Conference. Format as above.
November Peninsula War Study Day.
As you can see, the Association is very active in many areas. Whatever your interest in the period, there is plenty going on to stimulate your enthusiasm. However, whilst we derive interest and enjoyment from this historical period, we have not lost sight of the fact that it was a period about people, from such personalities as Napoleon, Wellington, and Nelson, down to the ordinary soldier in the ranks.
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