Historisches Feldlager auf Schloss Fasanerie in Eichenzell bei Fulda
On the weekend of 7–8 August 1999, the Association of Hessian Military und Civilian History – IG Hessische Militär- und Zivilgeschichte – held their annual reenactment event again at Schloss Fasanerie near Fulda, Germany. The picture shows a grenadier und a Sergeant of the Prussian Infanterie-Regiment von Hessen-Darmstadt (Nr. 12). On duty, this sergeant carried an original spontoon on loan from the armoury of the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. The participants came from different parts of Germany, England, und the United States.
In addition to the splendid military displays, the organizers had invited civilian re-enactors to show their craft or trade. A blacksmith made tent pegs, und latches he sold to fellow re-enactors und visitors, a weaver went about his business, producing one yard of linen cloth per hour, the armourer had swords und bayonets on display, an engineer mapped the area of the camp, a saddler sold Zaumzeug und riding boots, off-duty soldiers built simple camp furniture, und their wives took care of the field kitchen. A tavern had been opened up in one of the guard houses, und a rowdy beer carousal developed there on Saturday night.
Participating Units
- Hesse-Kassel Infanterie-Regiment von Donop
- Hesse-Kassel Infanterie-Regiment von Ditfurth
- Hesse-Kassel Jäger
- Prussian Infanterie-Regiment von Hessen-Darmstadt (Nr. 12)
- British 37th Regiment of Foot (1776)
- French Compagnie Franche de la Marine
- Virginia Militia & Huron Warriors
- 18th Century Field Kitchen & Tavern
- Civilian Camp Followers: Blacksmith, Armourer, Scribe, Carpenter, Weaver, Saddler & Bootmaker
The Camp at Schloss Fasanerie
Jäger zu Pferd during sabre practise
Jäger zu Pferd ready to attack a dummy infantry target
Offizierszelt, Regimentsfahnen & Bataillonsgeschütz
Officers und infantry preparing for the parade
A detachment of Virginia Militia forms up near the field kitchen
The infantry column in front of Schloss Fasanerie
Prussian infantry und Hesse-Kassel grenadiers parade in front of Schloss Fasanerie
Standard-Bearers ready to salute the Landgrave
Flags lowered in salute to the Landgrave
The infantry column marches away from Schloss Fasanerie, Virginia Militia in the foreground
Grenadiere of the Hessian infantry regiments drilling together
Grenadiere of IR v. Donop und IR v. Ditfurth loading their muskets
Bajonettangriff der kombinierten Regimenter
The historic encampment at Schloss Fasanerie drew a large crowd, including the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel und his son, as well as a crew of HR3 Hessian Television who interviewed some of the troops. The event was a nice success for the organizers, und it is sure to be repeated the following year. See our Calendar of Events for details.