Since Part I (see AoN22) was written, it would appear that the Hanseatic artillery unit has not in fact come to fruition. Should it also not have been apparent from Part 1, the title of this item was a tongue-in-cheek reference to Peter Hofschroer's forthcoming book from Greenhill (see n. 1 in AoN22 p.9) and not an attempt by the Napoleonische Geselischaft to Jay claim to victory at Waterloo, either then or at recent reenactments.

German re-enacters portray Line infantry of the Westphalian, Kurmark and Silesian Landwehr forming a square at Waterloo. At short range this was very effective against cavalry unless they panicked and fired too early.(Photo: Peter J Nachtigall) Our thanks to Martin Windrow for permission to use this photo from German Napoleonic Armies Recreated in Colour Photographs Windrow and Greene 1996.

To continue:

The Prussians

Some of the largest NG units are Prussian, drawn from both its old western and central territories within modern Germany. Inevitably, prior to the collapse of the Iron Curtain, it was difficult for eastern groups to portray Prussian units, but they seem to have made remarkable progress since 1989 in catching up. [5]

Probably the most transnational unit is I.Brandenburgisches Infanterie Regiment Nr. 8 (Leibregiment) with a sister unit, Grenadier-Bataillon Waldenfels. The Leibregiment began as a result of the creation of a huge metal figure diorama of Blucher's Army of Silesia crossing the Rhine in the Blucher Museum in Kaub. When it was formally opened on 30th April 1990, two groups of re-enactors came from the old east and west, 'Prussians' from Leipzig and Hanoverian Jager, who were the first such groups seen in Kaub. As early as the 175th anniversary Waterloo re-enactment that year, some members of the present unit, then uniformed as Wars of Liberation 2. Brandenburgishes Regiment Nr. 12 were participating alongside the Leipzig Prussians, these troops coming from the old Prussian Rhineland territories. Still within the same year, the first real Brandenburgers were welcomed into the unit.

In the short time since the unit has expanded to 25 active troops drawn from a membership across all Germany, and in early 1994, the unit chose to exchange the red shoulder straps of 2. Brandenburgisches for the white of the 'Leibregiment' 1. Brandenburgisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.8. This regiment, which had taken part in the 1806 campaign as the Grenadier-Bataillon Waldenfels, was among the troops in the famous defence of Colberg in 1807, and after the army's reorganisation, took part in all the major battles of the Wars of Liberation. The title of 'Leibregiment' was awarded to the regiment by King Frederick William III in honour of their actions at Colberg, alongside 9. Infanterie-Regiment (see below).

In co-operation with the Blucher Museum and its Friends of the Museum, as well as with other museums, such as the German History Museum in Berlin, it has been possible gradually to locate the few original examples of Prussian military kit that remain and use them as the basis for recreating the unit's uniform and equipment.

The unit also possesses two drums and a flag, as well as the equipment required for an authentic camp. The unit has taken part in many events, including re-enactments at Gross Girschen, Dennewitz, Leipzig and Boulogne as well as parades and city festivals in places like Potsdam and Erfurt. Contact: Michael Czaika, Waiderstrasse 254, 40724 Hilden.

In recent times, in the Jena/Auerstadt area, a group has been set up to represent the 1806 Grenadier-Bataillon Waldenfels in co-operation with the Leibregiment. Contact: Peter Seifert, Riedstrasse 19, 99880 Hfirselgau.

The other famous regiment from the siege of Colberg was also awarded its title in recognition of its heroics there. The Interessengemeinschaft Colbergeches Infanterie-Regiment recreates the 2. Pornmersches 'Colberg' Kiniglich Freussiches Infanterie-Regiment, Nr.9, originally raised from Pomerania on the north-east German coast. The recreated unit was founded in early 1992 and already numbers 22 full members, together with some new recruits and supporters, specifically representing 1. Compagnie, 1. Musketier Bataillon of 9. Regiment after the summer 1813 reorganisation, whereby the original 1. Bataillon was drawn off to form the 2. Garderegiment zu Fuss and the 3.(Musketier) Bataillon was incorporated into the regiment to replace them. The Regiment then consisted of two Musketeer and one Fusilier battalions, each of 4 companies, together with a detachment of Volunteer Jager. Organised thus, the regiment was part of the Prussian 6th Army Brigade, fighting at, among others, Gross Girschen, Leipzig and in the 1814 campaign in France. After coming into quarters in the Krefeld area over the winter of 1814-15, the regiment saw service within the 6th Brigade in Belgium in 1815.

The recreated unit is kitted out in accordance with the 1808 regulations, taking account of the extensive changes to it up to 1813. The weaponry consists mainly of reproduction so-called 'New Prussian' M.1809/12 muskets, which source evidence shows were carried by four of the eight Musketeer companies at the relevant time. Together with this main unit, an artillery unit of the same date is also being set up at the moment, so that a broad reflection of military life can be displayed. Contact: Michael Murfin, Gikerstrasse 93, 26384 Wilhelmshaven.

The third Prussian line regiment represented by the NG seems to be about the best equipped unit in European re-enactment. The Kaiserlich Russisch-Deutsche Legion - 31. Preussisches Infanterie-Regiment had its origins in an agreement by the Russian Tsar (hence Kaiserlich - Imperial) in the summer of 1812 to allow emigre Prussian officers to establish a force for the liberation of Germany from Napoleon. Many of its earliest recruits were prisoners from the Prussian Auxiliary Corps of the 1812 Grande Armee, who preferred service in it to the Siberian POW camps. Only ready for action quite late on in 1813, the Legion took part in several battles as part of Wallmoden's Corps in north-west Europe.

Consisting of 8 Line battalions, JNgers, Pioneers and artillery with two Hussar regiments, the bulk of the formation was taken over by the Prussian army in 1814, including its 3rd battalion. This became the 31. Preussisches Infanterie-Regiment, which fought at Ligny on 16th June 1815, Wavre over 18th/19th June and on 3rd July at Issy. The Petersberg fortess at Erfurt was also the regiment's garrison for many years.

The recreated unit has its origins in the Volkerschlacht (Battle of Leipzig) Group set up in 1979, many of its members participating in the 175th anniversary events at Dennewitz, Gross Beeren, Gross Girschen and Leipzig as Russian Grenadiers. In order to participate in the 1990 Waterloo re-enactment in appropriate uniforms, the unit decided to adapt its uniforms to portray the later 31. Regiment, successors of the Legion's 3. Bataillon. in the following years, increasingly larger numbers took part in many events across Europe. The unit is particularly prominent in the military camp life it is able to portray with its Field Kitchen, the camp provisions depot 'Zur Goidenen Kanne' (At the Golden Tankard), shooting range, etc. In addition, the group maintains close links with other similar groups portraying artillery as well as more infantry in Austria and Leipzig. As a full force, these units collectively can currently field: 3. Bataillon RDL/3 1. Infanterie (1 Officer, 1 NCO, 16 Privates, 1 Ensign, 1 Drummer, 2 female sutlers with a wagon, 3 camp followers and 3 Pioneers); 4. Bataillon RDL (Austria) (2 Officers, 3 Privates); Depot Bataillon (Leipzig) (1 Officer, 6 Privates); RDL Artillery (1 NCO, 5 Artillerymen, 1 cannon); The Camp Depot 'Zur Goldenen Kanne' (Cook/Lady Innkeeper, Field Kitchen, Sales Tent, Large Beer Tent - a complete gastronomic experience in a historical setting). The group remains associated with the Leipzig Monument Association. Contact: Uwe Meyer, Prager Strasse 345, 04289 Leipzig).

As well as the Line Regiments, two Landwehr formations are represented, once again from east and west (see also photo in AoN22 p.9). From the old east, the Schlesische-Landwehr-1813 represents the force raised in Silesia, which is now part of Poland. Like many of the others, the approaching 175th anniversary of Leipzig prompted the idea of recreating this formation. Adolf Fischer, Curator of the Schkeuditz Museum, was interested in raising a unit whose historical predecessor was amongst the units, which camped in the Schkeuditz area over the night of 15th/16th October 1813 and selected the Silesian Landwehr. Landwehr units are cheaper to raise as the uniforms are simpler and not everyone needs a musket right from the start. However, there were some political problems connected with the activites of a World War 2 force operating under this name, but fortunately, the re-enactors have been able to avoid many problems by emphasising the purely Napoleonic basis of the unit and in particular its close connections with the Leipzig/Schkeuditz area. Being easier to join, this unit has grown rapidly to over 30 members and has been able to fit out a room at the Museum as a clubhouse, which is rented from the town council.

Aware of the potential problems with its name, the group has continued to make a particular effort in extending its Living History side, as well as taking part on a regular basis in town parades and festivals in Schkeuditz and surrounding towns. As time has passed the accuracy of the uniforms, equipment, tents etc. has improved steadily to create a whole historical picture. Members of the unit work closely with a seamstress in Schkeuditz to create uniforms cut on historical patterns. The main weaponry of the unit reflects historical precedent: two-thirds are armed with pikes or blunted scythes, while the first line is equipped with muskets which are generally not of Prussian patterns. [6]

Although Landwehr, the unit is fairly uniformly kitted out. This is historically correct, because after seizing Silesia, Frederick II established army bases in the Breslau area (Saganer District), in which plenty of the dark blue uniform material was still stored and it was then used almost exclusively for the Landwehr.

The unit is fortunate to have its own photographer, who doesn't participate on the field and so can photograph entire events - something all re-enactment units would be very pleased to have, if any reader wishes to help out! Contact: Schlesische Landwehr 1813 e.V., (Im Heimatmuseum), Mijhlstrasse 50, 04435 Schkeuditz.

From the old Prussian Rhineland comes the Finftes Westflishes Landwehr- Infanterie-Regiment, (5th Westphalian Landwehr), which represents the 1st 'Hixter' Battalion, one of the last units established for the Wars of Liberation. After the former Prussian Rhineland territories, occupied by the French from 1807 to 1814, were reconquered by Prussian and Russian troops, there was a popular call to arms, which formed the local population into Landwehr (militia) units. As elsewhere, the idea that each inhabitant of a province was also its "natural defender" (Scharnhorst) was responded to in differing ways. Inhabitants of formerly Prussian-ruled territories like the Mark, Minden and Ravensberg enthusiastically joined the colours; East Fresia replied by citing its exemption from military service granted by Frederick II; inhabitants of provinces occupied by the French, but not formerly Prussian, such as Manster and Paderborn had to be press-ganged, because otherwise they would certainly have run away to escape service. The former Holy Roman Empire Ecclesiastical Territory [7] had only been Prussian-ruled for a few years and the citizens had no great love for their lawful lUng. On top of that, the French had faced no real resistance to their occupation and nine-tenths of those who had been called up to go to Russia as part of the Westphalian contingent in 1812 had either not returned or come back in very poor health. Thus the men called up for the 1814 Landwehr saw no reason to obey the call and most fled to Hesse. Only when the three batallions of the regiment were established - the Prussian King didn't authorise a fourth as too few men were available - and moved to Holland, uniformed, equipped and above all, well supplied, did the desertions cease and the conscripts gain 'more love for the Fatherland'.

In the Hundred Days, the Hixter Bataillon fought with the same elan as the rest of the army, fighting bravely through to Ligny. After supporting the taking of Plancenoit from the Old Guard at Waterloo, the 1. Bataillon distinguished itself in the pursuit of the French army and capture of Faris, besieged some fortresses and behaved itself "rather impudently" as it marched back to Paderborn, (Chronicle of the Town of Paderborn).

The recreated unit was originally established in 1989 solely to take part in the 1990 Waterloo event, but remained in existence therafter and has now reached a strength of about 40 in an 'Interest Group' (rather than their own association), within the NG. Members are recruited from all over Germany, as far east as Berlin and south as Bad 'Filz. The main aim is to represent an ordinary unit in camp, on the march and in battle during the Napoleonic era - not elite, but simple sons of 'Papa Blucher'. The uniforms are plain, provisions meagre, discipline firm and the unit demanding, especially the Compagnie-Feldwebel (Sergeant-Major), who rejoices in the motto: "You are not here for your enjoyment, but for mine!" Nonetheless, please contact: Dietrich Fott, Am Wiesgraben 2, 69190 Walldorf.

British Troops