The Battle of Waterloo...Renacted

On June 18, 1815, There was a great battle at Waterloo, Belgium, just south of Brussels. Napoleon and his army faced a coalition of troops from England, Prussia, Russia, and Austria. They were supported by Spain, Italy, and The Netherlands. 300,000 men engaged in battle here. Each year on the Anniversary of the event, this battle is re-enacted over a three day weekend. Friday, they open the Napoleonian Village and celebrate the end of the day with a fireworks battle. On Saturday, you can tour the bivouacs (camps) of the troops, and then watch the fighting in the nearby town of Plancenoit, Belgium. Sunday is the main event. They re-enact the Battle of Waterloo in a big field beside the Butte de Lion memorial. We were fortunate to get a chance to visit the fields this Saturday. We decided to visit the allied troops camps, instead of Napoleon's. We wanted to show our support for the Home Team. The troops were busy, getting ready for the afternoon battle. They were marching in formation, checking their weapons, and getting last minute pointers from the more experienced soldiers. The officers rallied the troops. Morale was high, even though the weather was not the best. One of the defense techniques taught to them by Wellington, the leader of the Allied troops, was the square formation. By forming a square with their bodies, the troops were able to defend each other's backs from Napoleon's troops. This is the Scottish infantry, practicing the square formation. (Another lesser known defense strategy is the wearing of skirts and red plaid socks. The bright color and design has been known to confuse and dazzle opponents.) The cannons were loaded and test fired as part of the preparation for battle. All of the cannons were lined up along the old stone wall near the camp. The tents were on the other side of this wall. The camp was very interesting to walk around. Everyone was in character, and was happy to answer questions about life in 1815.The ladies prepared meals for their men over an open fire. A storm was brewing in the distance, but life continued on for the soldiers. Is it just me, or does this gentleman bear a striking resemblance to Grandpa from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? After checking out the camp, we walked across the huge fields of wheat to Lion Hill. Lion Hill, La Butte de Lion, was built between 1824 and 1826, and is dedicated to the soldiers who died at the Battle of Waterloo. It was built on the spot that Prince Guillaume of Orange, Commander in Chief of Wellington's Army and heir to the throne, was injured.There are 226 steps leading up to the top. The Lion on top weighs 28 metric tons. He protects the Globe and symbolizes the return of Peace to Europe. This field is where the main Battle is re-enacted on Sunday. After we toured the Butte de Lion, we went to Plancenoit to see the evening's battle. This fight re-enacts the event that took place leading up to the Battle of Waterloo. The troops hauled their cannons to strategic spots around town in preparation for the battle.

Soldiers fought to defend their home from Napoleon's army. The cannon was shot from the front steps of the church. Finally, the gunfire ended and the smoke cleared. The battle has ended for today, and we headed home. It was a very interesting and educational day. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to check it out. They have a couple of movies on the battle, and a lovely museum that you can check out, as well. A big thank you to the 3,000 men and women who re-enact this event each year. It was a pleasure to get a glimpse into the past through them.