Numerous regiments in the Napoleonic Wars achieved the sort of fame that is remembered even today. For some, it was their elite status or glamorous uniforms. The Old Guard typifies the former case, the French Carabiniers the latter. Other units became famous for a single heroic exploit, for example the Scots Greys for their charge at Waterloo. But there are regiments that achieved high renown in their day and are relatively unknown now. They are the units that won the battles, the ones that showed consistent elan and professionalism rather than carrying out a single outstanding action. Scan the orders of battle and you'll start to find them; the regiments that seem to turn up at every key battle.

The French 30ème de Ligne were one such. They were not caught up in the debacle of the Peninsular War, but instead, fought in Central Europe. They were present at almost every major battle from 1800 to 1812, and almost invariably had a key role. For much of this period, they were part of the Corps of Marshal Davout. This in itself shows an acknowledgement of their reputation. Davout's Corps was the one Napoleon used to strike the decisive blows, as a spearhead, or to hold key positions in the line. Only the best regiments were selected for this formation.

Follow the links below for 2 examples of the regiment's exploits;
>> The 30ème at Eylau, 1807
>> The 30ème in Russia, 1812

The 30eme re-enactment unit

The above actions will give you some idea of what the 30eme were about, and why, when a small group of us started to discuss forming a French re-enactment unit in the winter of 1996-97, this was a regiment which we kept finding ourselves drawn to.

We wanted to form a re-enactment unit where the quality of drill and accurate appearance were the main standards we would apply to ourselves. We also wished to do this as a voltigeur unit, the only one currently represented in English re-enactment. This gives us the advantages of a really flashy uniform and being able to operate in skirmish order as light troops. Correspondingly, it means we needs to be really good at what we do, including carrying out all the standard evolutions of line troops. We primarily represent the regiment as it appeared in 1810-12.

We train intensively through the winter, using the original drill manual of the French infantry of the period, as well as making the majority of our kit and uniforms 'in-house'. Unlike many re-enactment units, we aim to recruit the enthusiastic rather than the rich. Rather than taking an attitude of 'welcome, now go and buy your kit', we can equip members totally out of depot, and encourage members to learn the skills to make their own uniforms should they wish. If a member wishes to be equipped from depot indefinitely, that is not a problem, although we do ask members to provide their own muskets and the relevant licenses.

Now, a couple of years down the line, we are still a fairly new unit in re-enactment terms, but growing rapidly and looking for recruits in the south of England. We are affiliated to the Napoleonic Association, and attend re-enactment events in England and Europe. We will most certainly be at Waterloo in 2005 for what promises to be the biggest Napoleonic event to date; now is a good time to join us in order to be trained and ready for it !

Further Resources

>>Appendix I: Colonels of the 30eme de ligne
>>Appendix II: Main Actions 1798-1815