Our Austerlitz-2010 trip began on November 29, when en route to Minsk, we greeted our colleges from Belorussian re-enactment groups who came along to join us. Our next stop was in Krakow where we spent the entire day admiring local historical landmarks and did some window’s shopping.

 

Finally, on December 2nd – the 205th anniversary of the famous battle – our delegation arrived to Prague. On the next day we reached the actual battlefield and were lodged nearly 5 miles off of the historical village of Twarozna. The evening of that day was culminated in Slavkov u Brna where, in the Historical Hall of the Austerlitz Castle, the big reception for group leaders’ was organized.

 

On the morrow of December 4 we arrived to Twarozna to form the order of battle for the Allies. Note that if previous days were cloudy, that now we embraced the crispy sunny morning, with practically no wind. We joined the ranks of the Life-Grenadier Regiment (re-enactment organization of Brno under Radim Dufek). Our piece of ordinance and its gunners was positioned separately, while sharpshooters (jaegers) acted conjointly with our Czech colleagues. While in preparation, we had a chance to meet and greet our old friends from Austria and Germany.

 

 

 

No war is without an accident; one "French” guy tried to steal a big pot with salted pork, a meal that was prepared for us by the organizers. But, fear not! This marauder was caught up and bitten by one Czech kitchen woman armed with a gigantic fork. After a short struggle, the pork was taken back and all re-enactors ate it with a big appetite.

 

After a short meeting with commanding officers, we moved on towards Santon (we noted that there were nearly 1300 re-enactors from various European countries). The battle itself lasted nearly 2 hours and ended mainly due to the lack of gun powder. And if at the beginning the snow was very deep, than towards the end of battle the scene looked like as a flat football field. Traditionally, after the battle we took part in the parade via Slavkov to a big enthusiasm of a local population. And on the next day we paid a tribute near the Peace Monument, after which we departed back home.

 

 

 

 

We all are very happy that we had a chance to participate in such a great event. We would like to express our gratitude and sincere appreciation to the organizers in general and certain individuals, in particular: Mr. Jakub Samek, Mr. Vit Odstrcil , and Mr. Vladislav Mara, who helped us to set off. We also would like to commend all re-enactment groups from Russia and Belorussia that come along for their discipline and organizational skills.

 

See you all one day on the battlefield!

 

 

 

 

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