Vive L'Empereur!

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 45e 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.

The year 2008 will see events taking place across Europe. We plan to take part at Plancenoit and Waterloo, Belgium in June and Bailen in Spain in October. We also hope to make some of the other bi-centennial events in Spain. We will once again be brigading with other UK and European based units at these events. Following our successful trips to Austerlitz and Jena we are aiming to attend all of the major 200th anniversary events up until 2015.  

Following a highly successful trip to France in 2007 we will once more be attending a weekend event hosted by The Roxy Cafe, Lanrelas, France and are looking forward to meeting Virginie, Jocelyn & Roxy, our excellent hosts, again. http://www.roxy-cafe.com/photos/Napoleon/index.html

(Photographs of Austerlitz and Jena are included in the slideshow). Please also look at the  'Memoirs' section where you will find translations of original letters from Flemish members of the 45eme. Please also see the pictures of 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 8 August 2008.

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 'get in touch' page.