Historic Encampment at Château Fasanerie, 6-8 August 1999

Grenadier and Sergeant of the Prussian Infantry Regiment von Hessen-Darmstadt (Nr. 12)

On the weekend of 7-8 August 1999, the Association of Hessian Military and Civilian History - IG Hessische Militär- und Zivilgeschichte - held their annual reenactment event again at Schloss Fasanerie near Fulda, Germany. The picture shows a grenadier and 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, and 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, and latches he sold to fellow re-enactors and visitors, a weaver went about his business, producing one yard of linen cloth per hour, the armourer had swords and bayonets on display, an engineer mapped the area of the camp, a saddler sold bridles and riding boots, off-duty soldiers built simple camp furniture, and their wives took care of the field kitchen. A tavern had been opened up in one of the guard houses, and 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

Officers’ Tent, Regimental Flags & Battalion Gun

Officers and 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 and 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

Grenadiers of Hessian infantry regiments drilling together

Grenadiers of Infanterie-Regiment v. Donop and Infanterie-Regiment v. Ditfurth loading their muskets

Bayonet charge of the combined regiments

The historic encampment at Schloss Fasanerie drew a large crowd, including the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel and 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, and it is sure to be repeated the following year. See our Calendar of Events for details.

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