Re-enactors of the 33rd Foot at bayonet drill.

Re-enactors have a valuable contribution to make to public awareness of Wellington’s army and on this page it is hoped that interested groups will seek to publicise their activities.For instance, you might wish to look at what the 33rd Regiment of Foot do, in which case go to their website: http://www.33rdfoot.co.uk

For a broad overview of Napoleonic re-enactment in the UK then visit the Napoleonic Association at their website: http://www.napoleonicassociation.org

The International Dimension.

Re-enactment of the Napoleonic era is an international activity. Here is a piece about Napoleonic re-enactment in Australia from Adrien Rousset:

The Napoleonic era is alive and well in Australia, led by Adrien Rousset (in Victoria), Ken Stewart-Gray (in Queensland) and the many members of “D” Troop, Kings Light Dragoons (Hussars) across Australia.

D Troop, 15th Kings Light Dragoons

D Troop is part of a world wide co-operative of groups portraying the 15^th Hussars and is one amongst many: A Troop in America, C Troop in Canada, D Troop in Australia and E Troop in England. As the largest Napoleonic Cavalry Re-enactment group in Australia the Troop is dedicated to recreating the social and military aspects of the Napoleonic or “Regency” era through regular social events and mounted drill displays, skill at arms and battles. The military arm of the group is the recreation of a light cavalry unit. We are very pleased to have the renowned author of , amongst others, the Sharpe series of books, Bernard Cornwell, as our Honorary Colonel-in-Chief.

The overall aims of the group are:

1. To portray the Regency era, in re-enactment, living history and society with a special focus on the members of the 15th Kings Light Dragoons (Hussars) between the years 1809 and 1815,

2. To do this with the highest level of safety and as authenticity as is practicably possible,

3. To educate the public as to the clothing, uniforms, duties, drill, combat and lift of the Regency era and the 15th Hussars,

4. To create an atmosphere that promotes fun and friendship.

The 15th Kings Light Dragoons in camp

The troop was founded in 2010 by Adrien Rousset, who had an interest in the period that was fostered during his time in the British Army with the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The 15th Hussars were a cavalry unity in the British Army. Formed in March 1759, when King George II Commanded Colonel George Augustus Elliott to raise a regiment of Light Dragoons (a light cavalry unit) who would appear in the Army Lists with the designation 15th Light Dragoons – although they were popularly known as “Elliott’s Light Horse”. In 1760 the 15th was the first unit in the British Army ever to be awarded a battle honour, “Emsdorf” for their success at the Battle of Emsdorf in the Seven Years War (1756-1763). In 1766 they were renamed for King George III as the 1st (or The King’s Royal) Regiment of Light Dragoons as a mark of royal approbation. This was also an attempt to create a new numbering system for the light dragoon regiments. However, the old system was quickly re-established, with the regiment returning as the

15th (The King’s) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons in 1769. They became hussars in 1807, as the 15th (The King’s) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Hussars). Famous battles that the 15th Hussars were involved in include Villers-en-Cauchies (1794), Egmont-op-Zee (1799), Sahagun (1808), Esla (1813) and Waterloo (1815).

The group focuses on the period in the Hussar’s history known as the “Regency Era”, which was when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son, the Prince of Wales, ruled as his proxy as Prince Regent and lasted until 1820, when the Prince Regent became George IV on the death of his father. This era is most well known for the publishing of works by the author Jane Austen, several battles of the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 with the America.

With regards to the “D” Troop; training primarily focuses is on drill and understanding of orders, through Skill-at-Arms, combat practice and games such as running the rings, tent pegging and horseball. Games of this type dramatically increase riding ability and confidence, as riders focus on scoring and not on their riding. In a battle the unit is required to play its part in the battle scenario and do it safely. Despite being taught to kill people while mounted with both sabre and carbine, as per the 1796 training manual, this obviously cannot be done at a re-enactment battle! Good training is the key to staying safe and every rider is expected to know their job well: stay in formation, listen for the commands, charge the enemy and engage in cavalry or infantry melee as required.

The social life of the 15th Kings Light Dragoons

After training or battle, the group freshens up and it is then that the social side of the group comes into play. The ladies of the group now appear in all their finery bedecked in magnificent Regency dresses (think empire line dresses á la Pride and Prejudice) and accessories. The gentlemen are resplendent in either their uniform or Regency evening wear. Once every one is assembled dinner is served and ladies are escorted into the “Mess”. Dinner will usually consist of several courses and after dinner the Mess Games begin: those brave enough may attempt to remove the cork from a bottle of champagne with the sabre (known as sabrage) or partake in the Mess Racing Stakes. Regency dancing is also taught and dancing intersperses the games.

The Hussars are immediately recognisable by their tall hats and plumes and elaborately braided jackets. The uniform includes such fancily named items as the dolman (a fitted braided jacket), pelisse (a fur collared and cuffed jacket thrown over the shoulder) and sabretache (leather pocket or pouch worn hanging from a cavalryman’s belt).

New (or Probationary) members can hire clothing and equipment from the unit, if available, although they can provide their own if they already possess it. Once they become a full member it is expected that they supply their own. Social members wear civilian clothing within the confines of our “aims”. Assistance is provided in obtaining and, in some cases, making the appropriate uniform and kit.

They are a military unit and should look uniform and above all be authentic. All of the kit, Clothing and Equipment must support the aims of the unit and all weapons and horses must be safe and serviceable. We are a Historical re-enactment unit and any accurate research done by the members adds to the group knowledge has to be commended and will be welcome. For those wishing to get involved, it is all about having fun. There are three types of membership: Probationary, Social Member and Military Member. New members join as Probationary Members, known as Recruits for Military Members or Debutants for social members. This allows them to see if they enjoy the group, with no obligation to become a full member. Once the probation is over; they can become a Full Member as either a Military Member or a Social Member. Being a social member or a military member does not limit you to only social or military events or wearing only military or civilian clothing. However, those who wish to attend military events or events involving the public or other groups will need to have Australian Living History Federation (ALHF) membership as this covers insurance and members who wish to become a Military Member must wear the appropriate uniform.

For more information go to www.15thhussars.com