Napoleonic Newsdesk

Napoleonic Association

Events Diary

by Mike Freeman

The 1995 calendar for historical re-enactment displays is now complete and there are two early events which will be ideal for any readers who have not previously been to a re-enactment. On Sunday 2nd April, Fort Amhurst in Chatham, Kent will be the venue for a one day event. This has been organised jointly with the trustees of the Fort, and the Anglo-Austrian Society.

There will be displays of uniforms and equipment, and illustrations of drill by many units of the Napoleonic Association, plus a special parade by the Murau Burgergarde who are in Britain on a short visit. From Western Styria, in Austria, they have recreated the Castle Guard of Murau. The Guard formed in 1616, to defend the town against marauders, has been maintained to the present day. Whilst no match for the invading armies of Napoleon, they still wear uniforms of the Napoleonic period.

The event which will be from 11am through to approx. 4pm will reach a finale with a skirmish through the Fort by the Napoleonic Association. The weekend 29th/30th April sees a return to Grimsthorpe Castle. A superb venue in the Castle grounds, set in the countryside of Lincolnshire, will give re-enactment units the chance to Campaign privately, and to see just how effective they are when it comes to strategy and tactics. We have the freedom of the estate and on the Sunday afternoon will stage a battle and display for the public at the Castle - 3pm.

This will be an excellent opportunity for potential new recruits to learn drill, and hone up musketry skills. If any readers not currently part of a Unit would like to come along and take part please contact me as soon as you can.

Spring Bank Holiday 28/29th May Old Sarum, Salisbury.

This is the first full Battle spectacular of 1995, and will simulate a siege of this historic hill fort.

A French force has been left in this strong position to delay Wellington's advance. The Duke has detached Major General Viscount Barrington with orders to take the fort and erase any threat to his communications. Will he be successful ? Re-enactors looking for ideas, or readers interested in a similar scenario may like to read up on the action to seize the Bridge at Almarez in 1812, and the need to secure an ancient Moorish fortified position dominating the Pass of Miravete. (A good account of this can be found in British Sieges of the Peninsula War by Myatt).

The weekend will feature displays by all arms of the Napoleonic Association, Cavalry, Infantry and Artillery. In particular we would welcome any of our colleagues in the European Napoleonic Federation to join us.

Sunday 18th June Waterloo

Many readers have written to me asking for details of this event, and quite understandably. There is at present little concrete information to give you, except to say that in February a delegation from the NA will be going to Waterloo to firm up the details. I intend to publish full details in the next issue of FE. Remaining dates for 1995.

1st/2nd July Fritton Lake Country Park. Near Great Yarmouth. Full Battle Spectacular.
22/23rd July Boulogne, France. Grande Armee event.
30th July Bosworth, Leicestershire. 1 day battle.
12th August Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. 1 day battle.
12/13th August Audley End House - Regency Fair. English Heritage event.
26-28th August Margam Country Park, South Wales. Full Battle Spectacular.

If you would like further information on these events, to attend or take part, please get in touch.

Mike Freeman
Chairman, NA.
5 Thingwall Drive, Irby, Wirral Merseyside. L61 3XN

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