The 17th and 18th June 1995, will see what will probably be the largest Napoleonic reenactment to be staged to date. Every 5 years the Communes of Waterloo, and Braine L'Alleud stage a reenactment on the battlefield of Waterloo itself. As an event it creates a huge amount of interest and is often carried live on Belgian TV. Spectators and reenactors will arrive from all over the world for this two day spectacular and the purpose of this article is to let you know what is happening, firstly from the viewpoint of the reenactor, and secondly the spectator.

The reenactment is being staged for the sponsors by the European Napoleonic Federation (this consists of the NA, the Grande Armee in France, the Napoleonische Gesellschaft in Germany, and now the NA of Holland). Command of both the British and French has devolved on the NA in the persons of our Brigade Commanders, David Banks and Philip ElliotWright. The Prussian Army will be commanded by Gunter Berker of the NG.

Participation in the event is at the invitation of the sponsors, who are providing the necessary accomodation, food amd powder. The sponsors cannot provide sufficient horses and any UK Cavalry personnel will have to make their own arrangements to transport suitable mounts if they wish to take part. If your unit wishes to be involved check with the Brigade commanders that you have been registered, or if you wish to take part personally you will need to join an NA unit as soon as possible.

Safety at this event will be of paramount importance. Reenactors from 3 Continents, and most European countries will be represented. This will create major problems of language, and whilst strict safety codes have been issued to all units, there are bound to be difficulties so please keep within your Unit formations, follow the command of your Officers, and above all act responsibly and stay alert. You will particularly need to be aware of the presence of large numbers of horses on the battlefield.

The main event is to be staged on Sunday l8th June, and will follow the course of the original script as far as is possible. The site will be the fields immediately below the memorial to Mercers troop midway between the Lion Mound and Hougoumont From the French perspective a rolling skirmish will be mounted on the left against Hougouniont, whilst in the Centre massed French columns will assault and try to break the Allied line on the ridge. The charge of the Union Brigade will be recreated as will the massed cavalry assaults on the British squares. Whilst this is taking place a separate but no less dramatic action will take place as Prussian troops approach on the French right wing.

The battle will commence at 1000hrs and will be concluded by 1300hrs. After an interval for lunch there will be a massed parade of all participants culminating with a march to and past the Wellington museum in Waterloo itself.

Reenactors are advised to put any thought of cars behind them and to travel on Coaches in official parties, so that you can be sure of being in the right place at the right time.

Although you may have read elsewhere that other battles are planned this is incorrect there will only be the one battle on the 18th June. On Saturday the 17th June uniformed personnel are required to be available for marches and parades in the towns of Waterloo, and Braine L'Alleud.

I had the pleasure of our illustrious editor's company on our planning trip to Waterloo last month and we were able to tread the hallowed ground. Having seen the mud in this area when wet weather is the order of the day I cannot see how the armies of the time moved at all after the thunderstorms that took place, yet alone achieved what they did.

Spectators Perspective

There are many good museums to visit. Wellington's Headquarters in Waterloo is a must as is the visitor centre and panorama on the battlefield itself. Le Cal1ou, Napoleons headquaters some way along the N17 towards Quartre Bras is also worth some time. You will no doubt wish to see Ligny, Quatre Bras, and Plancenoit.

This may seem obvious but the point I wish to make is that the crowds will be huge and the roads are narrow. On the Sunday if you wish to see the reenactment get there early. I advise you be in position by 0900hrs. You won't need a ticket, it is a sponsored event. Above all wherever you choose to watch from be aware that battles are dangerous, and the problems I have highlighted to reenactors apply just as much to spectators. Don't go anywhere near horses or artillery.

If you wish to do the grand tour of the sites in the area, and this requires at least two days I suggest you do this on the Friday and Saturday, or stop over to the Monday.

How to get there? If you intend to travel privately ensure you book accommodation well in advance, hotels are already largely booked up. Alternatively you could join a special tour. I can recommend Midas Battlefield Tours for this. Telephone 0483 729513 for further information. Thirdly why not travel with the NA. Coaches will be run by the NA for members. There will be coaches for non reenactors as well as participants. The cost of the trip is likely to be in the region of £ 65. NOD reenactors will have to pay for accommodation as well but this should not take the price above £ 100 (food not included). It is intended that we depart on Friday evening and return Monday morning.

If you wish to register for the NA trip you should write to Adrian Proudfoot, Secretary, The Napoleonic Association, 3 Steadman Avenue, Cosby, Leicester LE9 5UZ. A deposit of £ 20 should be enclosed payable to the Napoleonic Association and a stamped addressed envelope would be helpful.