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The Chasseurs are a historical
re-enactment light cavalry unit that recreate the cavalry of the
Napoleonic period, both as French and as British. The re-enactment
regiment was started in the mid 1990s as the 1er Chasseurs à Cheval
de la Ligne, 5eme Companie. It very soon boasted an Elite Companie.
The first Major Re-enactment was at Waterloo in 1995 and thereafter
the unit recruited steadily, attending major and minor events both
in the UK and around Europe. In 2000, following an internal
reorganisation the Companie titles were dropped, the unit taking the
full title of the Regiment, and changing the details of dress to
cover mainly the period 1804 to 1808.
Members of the unit can fight mounted or dismounted as troopers
carry carbines, sabres and in some cases, pistols. There is also a
dismounted troop for those who do not wish to ride, or who wish to
experience the feel of the unit before moving on to becoming a
mounted chasseur. This also means that when the whole regiment
attends a foot event it can field a strong and effective light unit.
Because of the wide variety of disciplines that are practiced,
members of the unit are doing one sort of event or another
throughout the whole year, whether it be training in the winter
months, battles in the UK and on the Continent, battle proms
concerts, and skill at arms competitions and shows. The Regiment is
available to put on shows for an event which can be drill, skill at
arms, a musical ride or an educational session. Both mounted and
dismounted elements are incorporated in these giving everyone the
opportunity to take part.
It is a fact of life that any work with horses costs money and
cavalry re-enactment costs a lot of money. Because the regiment has
uniforms that are historically accurate plus the correct horse
equipment the cost is high. However initially it is not necessary to
purchase both and it is also possible to join the dismounted troop
as a first step to riding. Recruits must be able to ride to a
standard equivalent to BHS Stage 2, with horsemanship to match.
Because of the need to use a weapon in their right hand they must be
able to ride one handed. They need to be able to look after a mount
in all weathers, be prepared to carry on with the event regardless
of the weather, and like sleeping under canvas. A certain capacity
for drinking red wine is useful.
Because of the size of the mounts used there is a weight limit
imposed of 14½ stone. Insurance restricts permission to fight on the
field to 16 years and above but there is no maximum age limit.
Recruits must have no criminal record and be able to obtain shotgun
and black powder licences. Once joined, commitment to training and
events is essential. |
