Back to the Napoleonic Wars

[Lt. Campers]

With 2012 or should I say 1812 on its way - I thought it would be interesting to show what Russian troops
of the Napoleonic period looked like from contemporary prints of the time and reflect on how they
compare with the many photos of the russian army posted in Back to the Napoleonic Wars.
With acknowledgement to Napoleon Online at www.napoleon-online.de

Russian line infantry troops 1805-1807:



Russian guard infantry troops 1805 - 1807:



Russian cossacks:



Cossack cavalry skirmishers:



Russian tatars serving in the Czars army:



Bashkir cavalry:



No your not mistaken - the bow and arrow was still favoured by the cossacks:

[Lt. Campers]

Well the military situation in 1808 is looking pretty bleak for the allied cause. Those valiant Finns fighting
alongside the Swedes in Finland, have fallen back towards Sweden. With the russians occupying
Helsinki on 2nd March before moving on to threaten the swedish fortress of Sveaborg.
In Spain the french are tightening their grip on the country while more of Napoleon's troops under
General Junot occupy Portugal, following the flight of the portuguese royal family to Brazil.
Napoleon has already tightened his grip over Prussia and the other German states & as if to remind you
of how complete Napoleon's power is over europe in 1808.
Heres some photos and TV reports of the French victory parade in Berlin back in October 1806 ( 2006 )
following his victorious battle over the Prussian's at Jena.

The complete French victory parade and freedom of the city ceremony in Berlin on TV:

http://www.historiale.de/pages/player.php?VIDEO=napoleon_dokumentation

Another TV documentary on the event:

http://www.historiale.de/pages/player.php?VIDEO=historiale_trailer_2

Napoleons victory parade as it appeared on German TV news channels:

http://www.historiale.de/pages/player.php?VIDEO=2006-10-28_rbb_napoleon

http://www.historiale.de/pages/player.php?VIDEO=2006-10-28_zdf-heute_napoleon

Napoleon marches in with his victorious army to the Brandenburg gate:



Naturally the worlds press were on hand to record the event:





Photos of Napoleon before the Brandenburg gate, being handed the keys to the city:

 

Napoleon reads his proclamation to the people of Berlin:



French Imperial Guard drummers and infantry marching through Berlin:





The French Imperial procession comes to a halt:



Napoleon inspecting his troops in the city square:





Following Napoleons arrival in Berlin - an Imperial Ball is held at the palace:

[Lt. Campers]

Fighting broke out in Poland on 15th & 16th March 2008 at a little place called Jonkowo as
the French, together with their new found Polish allies, advanced against the Russian and
Prussian armies operating in Poland, back in 1807.

The battle of Jonkowo - as it appeared in the Polish press, great pics & nice video:

http://gazetaolsztynska.wm.pl/Bitwa-pod-Jonkowem,42175?img_id=2&pg=1#shrtctgal


Russian general with his ADC discuss the situation:



Polish infantry serving alongside the French with their eagle:



Russians marching to their postions:



Russian infantry awaiting the French & Polish advance:





Prussian troops forming up for battle:



Russian gunners moving their cannon forward:



A look at the Russian artillery emplacement:



Russian officer directs the aim of his gunners:



Russian cannon firing:



The russian general surveys his position:



Prussian infantry march forward:



Russian troops man their earthworks:



Prussians take up more postions in an earthwork:



French skirmishers falling back from their advanced positions:



Russian troops open fire on the French & Polish infantry:



Russian Jagers ( sharpshooters ) prepare their firearms:



Russian Jagers ready to fire:



French & Poles approaching the Russian line:



Theirs a big melee along the entire line of the earthwork:



The Russians are forced back:



Polish troops storm the Russian earthworks:





French & Polish infantry storm the Prussian earthworks:



Close quarter fighting breaks out all along the line:









Troops returning to camp after the battle:




Time to discuss the days events with the women of the Officers mess:

[Lt. Campers]

With Napoleon's armies controlling much of Europe - its time to see how expats would defy Boney's
ambitions at sea with this marvellous game based on the film Master & Commander, starring Russell Crowe.

No doubt this game will test the skills of a number of sea dogs who hail from the Black Sea port of
Odessa, as they seek out and destroy Napoleon's transatlantic raider in the south seas.     
Of course landlubbers from Kiev and other regions of Ukraine are welcome to join in, if you can
find your sea legs.   

Master and Commander - test your skills:

http://www.goarcade.de/index.php?funcpage=previewgames&gamesname=Master_and_Commander&preview=800-600#title

Having mastered the M. & C. game you should be ready to command a Ship of the Line in Nelson's
british navy or even the entire fleet. Try your hand on this Battle of Trafalgar game.

Battle of Trafalgar, 1805 - command your own fleet as you sail against the French:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/battlefield_academy_se/index.shtml
 

For those of you who want to try to outwit Napoleon Bonaparte or the Duke of Wellington at the
famous Battle of Waterloo - try this game from the BBC History website.

Battle of Waterloo, 1815 - try your skills against Napoleon or the Duke of Wellington:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/waterloo/index.shtml



 

[Lt. Campers]

Just a reminder of how close the battles of the Napoleonic wars are to Ukraine.

Heres a news feature of the Battle of Jonkowo, fought over the weekend on 15th & 16th March,
just across the border from Ukraine.

Battle of Jonkowo on Polish TV news channel - TVP just fast forward to 3.08 to see the
boys in action:

http://ww6.tvp.pl/7244,20080315677232.strona

[Lt. Campers]

Heres a big chance to see Napoleonic diplomacy in action - with a special peace conference and
congress of the two Emperors in the fortified city of Erfurt, in eastern Germany.
All to celebrate the famous Congress of Erfurt in 1808 between Napoleon Bonaparte of France and the
Emperor, Alexander the 1st of Russia.
This will be the biggest social gathering on the Napoleonic calender with re-enactors and dignitaries
from all over Europe. With a European nations soldiers bivouac, in the Citadel.
The Congress of Erfurt will be taking place over 3 days on friday, saturday & sunday 26, 27 & 28th
September 2008, so best to book early if you are thinking of attending this event.
As I said before several royal guests are expected to attend including Napoleon Bonaparte, a look alike
representing the russian emperor, etc.
The extensive progam includes several military parades throughout the day, followed by period plays,
concerts and imperial balls in Erfurt university halls, in the evening. 

Russian Imperial ball during the Napoleonic wars - scene from the russian film version
of War & Peace:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/yDydWwiL630&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/yDydWwiL630&rel=1</a>


Whats it all about - The Congress of Erfurt in history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_Erfurt

Details of the program of events can be found on the Congress of Erfurt website:

http://www.erfurter-fuerstenkongress-1808.de/index1.htm

The National anthems and marches of France & Czarist Russia in 1808:
During the Congress of Erfurt - this music would have been played by many military bands
attending the conference.

French national anthem:
http://media.vad1.com/temporary_url_20070929kldcg/marseillaise-instr.mp3

French military band music:
http://www.amfesm.be/sound/audrapeau.mp3
http://gustave.club.fr/Musiques/La_Victoire_est_en_nous.mp3
http://gustave.club.fr/Musiques/Marche_Garde_Consuls.mp3

Russian national anthem God save the Tsar with lyrics:
http://media.vad1.com/temporary_url_20070929kldcg/gradsky-gimn-conc19991103.mp3

Russian national anthem God save the Tsar:
This ones played by the Band of the Welsh guards and used as the signature tune to
BBC TV version of War & Peace.

http://folk.ntnu.no/makarov/temporary_url_20070929kldcg/so-shall-thy-children-welsh_guards.mp3

Russian military music - The Preobrajensky March composed during the reign of Peter the
Great:
http://media.vad1.com/temporary_url_20070929kldcg/preobrajensky-march-leningrad_military_district_headquarters_band.mp3

Details of the European armies bivouac:

Historical bivouac from 25 to 28 September 2008 in the citadel on the Peter mountain.
The congress of princes from 1808, where besides the kings and princes, they were accompanied
by thousands of soldiers from nearly every European state, who will be encamped in and around Erfurt.
It was an important, totally European event.

The two main persons of the congress, the French emperor Napoleon I. and the Russian Czar Alexander I.,
discussed questions of war and peace in Europe. At the same time during the historical meeting of the
Erfurt Congress of the princes of 1808 - a large bivouac of military-historical groups, representing
numerous napoleonic groups from many European countries will camp, on the area of the citadel on the Peter
mountain from 25th to 28th September 2008. Therefore thousends of participants in historical uniforms
will come from France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Hungary, the Czech republic,
Poland, Russia, the Baltic States and Germany.
In the anniversary celebrations besides the historical military groups, representatives from the diplomatic
agencies of France, Russia, Great Britain, Austria, Poland, Italy, Spain and other countries as well as
representatives of the kings and principalities that took part in the congress, are expected.
Over the four days, their will be an extensive program of events, with numerous meetings in the citadel
on the Peter mountain, as well as other historical places in the city to Erfurt.
The bivouac will take place on the area of the historical citadel on the Erfurt Peter mountain.

To say that this event is big - is putting it mildly, only Richard Sharpe could feel out of place in
such illustrious company. 

[Lt. Campers]

With fellow members patting themselves & each other on the back, for their contributions in livening
up the Expatua forum ( and boy its come a long way in the last 6 months ) - well done chaps
and ( of course ) a big thank you to Admin - for making it all possible. 
Nik, you have surpassed yourself, sir with your marathon efforts but you have all done jolly well.

I hope it continues with its aim - first and foremost to assist and provide help and advice to all expats
new to Ukraine - particularly those settling down here.

I see another landmark has been reached as I ramble back in time to the Napoleonic Wars, with it breaching
over 5000 hits yesterday. 
Normally I would open up a bottle of Champagne but feel a bottle of Napoleon Brandy would be more
appropriate on this occasion. 

As you know I try to highlight events as they affect eastern europe, so the battles, sieges and skirmishes will
be those that affect Russia and Ukraine, including her near neighbours ( namely Belarus, the Baltic States,
Finland, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, etc. )
Nevertheless Spain and Portugal will be getting more attention as the conflict moves to the Spainish
penininsular.
Although as always, its the historical societies that set the agenda, not me !!!
Anyway what ever happens, theirs one thing for sure - theirs never a dull moment on the Eastern front. 

So with Napoleons invasion of Russia only 4 years away now, its time to roll out the new commemorative
posters - with this rather cheeky one on Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.

[Lt. Campers]

Well its been well over a month since my last update on the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and
although its been fairly quite on the eastern front. Events have been moving forward a pace
in Spain.
With the Napoleonic Wars in full swing on the Spainish peninsular. The battle of Albuera was
fought over the weekend as a mixed force of British, Spainish and Portuguese troops, led by
Marshall Beresford, clashed with French troops under Marshall Soult at the small Spainish village
of Albuera.
The British objective being to move forward and attack the spainish border fortress of Badajoz
astride the spainish/portuguese frontier - held by the french.

 

Although not a 200 year old battle ( fought in 1811 ) the spainish hosted the event, last
weekend and heres some of the highlights from the action.

La Batalla de la Albuera - spainish website on last weekends 2008 re-enactment:

http://www.hoy-digital.com/batalla_albuera/index.php

Spainish TV video report on the Battle of Albuera:
http://www.hoy.es/multimedia/videos/286188.html

As usual the massed battalions of the Spainish camcorder community were
on hand to film the event.

Parade of Napoleonic troops marching through Albuera - watch out
for the Sharpe lookalike:   

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/xaZwwAzySy0&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/xaZwwAzySy0&rel=1</a>


<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/-WIzBnCxO60&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/-WIzBnCxO60&rel=1</a>


<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/U2I4BEzKyeM&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/U2I4BEzKyeM&rel=1</a>


Display of the Battle of Albuera in miniature:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/dbdttO4CXBo&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/dbdttO4CXBo&rel=1</a>

British troops crossing the bridge - Hurrah !!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/F1amCQNUUSk&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/F1amCQNUUSk&rel=1</a>

Portuguese wait their turn to cross:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/RVuiCxj9NZs&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/RVuiCxj9NZs&rel=1</a>

Portuguese and Spainish troops marching across:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/6joe74vtct4&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/6joe74vtct4&rel=1</a>

More British troops march on as the Spainish continue crossing bridge:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/A0OLaJtsRo0&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/A0OLaJtsRo0&rel=1</a>

Fighting breaks out, the british come under heavy fire by the bridge:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/18W9yP0Rhl4&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/18W9yP0Rhl4&rel=1</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/9rdvRtpBaGM&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/9rdvRtpBaGM&rel=1</a>

Clashes between the french and british are blurred by gunsmoke
as napoleonic troops cross the bridge and enter Albuera:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/pIOWQDwe3F4&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/pIOWQDwe3F4&rel=1</a>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saDLaTmgxD8&feature=user

Napoleonic cavalry crossing the bridge:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rdvRtpBaGM&feature=user

Control of the river crossing is hotly contested by the two sides:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saDLaTmgxD8&feature=user

British and French troops exchanging shots on the bridge as the
british fall back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVxbHH9802Q&feature=user

Boneys men are really giving the Brits a hard time on the bridge as
spainish senoritas suitably attired in british redcoats cheer on our boys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM_aKyQJplM&feature=related

With the bridge secured by the French, Boneys men drag a cannon
forward to fire grape shot at the remaining British defenders. Even
now British and spainish partisans fire on the French bridgehead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fy2939eW4A&feature=related

Civilians get caught up in the fighting as the French secure their
bridgehead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymff4HIiwLA&feature=related

Hand to hand fighting breaks out as the French move forward:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICDD3WGAESQ&feature=user

With their right wing secure - the French left wing advances:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LD7T2VOxxg&feature=user


French army with camp followers approach Albuera:

 

French troops marching onto the battlefield:

 

 

Artillery moving forward:

   

British troops crossing a bridge:

   

Spainish officers and troops on the bridge:



British standard bearers:

   

Portuguese troops form a line facing the French with cavalry on their left:





British troops prepare to fire:

   

Napoleonic troops with cannon:



Spainish infantry moving forward:

 

   

   

French firing on British and allied infantry positions:

   

Anxious Camp followers look on as the battle rages:

   

British and Spainish troops storm the village:

   

The french lost many men crossing the bridge:



Portuguese sharpshooters returning home on a cart:

   

[Lt. Campers]

More videos of last weekends battle in Spain have been added to the above post.

[P-N]

Nice to see the Brits in action Campers 

[Lt. Campers]

Nice to see the Brits in action Campers 

Even better - good to see a few Spainish senoritas supporting our men in Spain
and joining in the fun as camp followers. They remind me of Patrick Harpers wife,
Ramona from the Sharpe series. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM_aKyQJplM&feature=related

[Lt. Campers]

Heres a heads up for any British and American expats who might be visiting Belgium
and want to see what the Napoleonic Wars is all about at that most famous of battles,
the Battle of Waterloo - refought every year in June.





This usually includes a running battle through the streets of the nearby town of
Plancenoit, on saturday - where the Prussian army commanded by Blucher attacked
the french barring his approach to Waterloo, to relieve the Duke of Wellington.

[Lt. Campers]

Following on from the Napoleonic re-enactment at Albuera in Spain a few weeks ago.

The British historical Society of Portugal organise regular tours of the old Napoleonic
battlefields including the Lines of Torres Vedras, a defense line of 152 forts and redoubts that
were built between 1808-10 ( taking advantage of the hills and the lie of the land, north
of Lisbon ) to keep the French out.

British historical society of Portugal - Bicentennial tours and re-enactment events page:

http://www.bhsportugal.org/tours/what.htm

Battle of Rolica bicentennial events poster:




Heres more photos from last months Battle of Albuera in Spain:

British scouts observe the approach of the French army:









Portuguese troops:























No Sharpes not here !!

[Lt. Campers]

With Britain and the rest of Western Europe basking in the cold weather. Its refreshing to see
Napoleon and the French Army trying once again to drive the British into the sea.
Of course it was a close run thing as the british, under the Duke of Wellington, hold their
ground against the Grand Armie; as they await the arrival of the Prussians, under General
Blucher to deliver the final blow that will defeat Napoleon and drive his men from the field.
As you all know from the Waterloo posters, the battle of Waterloo was refought last weekend
in Belgium on a sunny but blustery day.

Napoleon reviewing his troops before the battle:



British infantry marching to Waterloo:



French Infantry marching to Waterloo with cavalry scouts:



Napoleon with french dragoons:



French start forming a line as they approach Wellington's position:





French cannon are dragged forward into position:



French heavy cavalry on the wings:



The French are now all formed up opposite the British:






Video of the British taking up their positions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCdnWpNnGxc


British artillery open fire:



More cannon open fire:






Video of the British artillery in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leu0gVWNlYg



The French prepare to charge with cavalry:



French and british cavalry clash in the open field:




Video of the French cavalry charge with the british hastily forming
squares in order to fend off Napoleons cavalry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S1aNOTxYsU


British sharpshooters - riflemen, skirmish with the french:





Wellingtons highland infantry, advance and open fire on the french:







French cavalry officer moving forward:



Before the battle, french camp scene:






 

[Lt. Campers]

French infantry camped outside NATO headquarters:



Torchlight procession through a Belgium town:



Napoleon addressing the Imperial Guard:



French cannon being limbered into position:



British 95th Rifles marching to Waterloo:



Bluchers Prussian army marching to meet Wellington at Waterloo:



Prussian cavalry advancing:



British officer observing the approach of the French skirmish line:



French artillerymen loading their cannon:



French infantry moving steadily forward:







The Anglo-Dutch infantry under Wellington are well positioned to meet the onslaught:







French artillery firing:





Wellington orders his men to lie down rather than be exposed to Napoleon's artillery bombardment:



Some british troops sheltering in the woods:



French troops cheering at the sight of the British cowering under the artillery fire:



Close up of concerned Prussian officers:



Rear view of Napoleon observing the bombardment:



British 95th Rifles awaiting the french skirmishers:





Could this be the French Imperial Guards finest hour:



Napoleons Aide de Camp gives his report:



British Royal artillery ready to return fire:



The Dutch infantry line:



French cavalry see an opportunity to break the british line while they are lying down:



French cavalry attacking:











Anglo - Dutch cavalry close in to meet the French charge:





British infantry form square to fend off the French cavalry attack:









French infantry moving forward and firing on the British line:







British highlanders and the 95th returning fire:













Prussian infantry firing on the French line:



British line moves forward:









French are in disarray:



British rifle's officer talking to a highland regiment officer:



Hussar cavalrymen:

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