We are happy to report that on 7-8 August, 2010 at Smolensk and its vicinity (near the village of Loubino) was organized a re-enactment event commemorating the episode of Napoleon’s Russian Campaign 1812. Nearly 30 teams from Russia, Belorussia and Lithuania were attending, including 6 pieces of ordinance and some cavalry.

 

At a distance of 300 yards from the actual battlefield, the organizers built a camp, which composed of authentically historical tents (with some modern additions, however). Running water, the firewood and portable restroom – all was properly managed and maintained. As a great supplement, all participants appreciated a portable refrigerator, as well – and giving the circumstances of an incredibly hot summer – that was also, helpful. Unfortunately, because of the extreme heat – nearly 100F – not to many spectators were able to attend.

 

All participants and spectators noted a great respect and professionalism exercised by the local enforcing agencies, which organized and secured the proper order on the perimeter and, from the other hand, did not interfere with the event’s historical programme.

 

On Saturday, August the 7th, all participants took some drill near the camp, after which they were transported to the Smolensk Old center. A small ceremony honoring the soldiers of the Russian army fighting for their fatherland has commenced, after which all participants were given a chance to get acquainted with the historical part of the city.

 

On the next day, Sunday the 8th, all participants were employed in re-enactment of the "Battle of Loubino”. A small redoubt for the Russian artillery was built on the battlefield, which was ready to withstood fierce attacks of the French forces (note that fire-techniques were doubling the artillery shots almost with the great exactitude!). The battle lasted nearly an hour, after which all re-enactors paid the tribute to a newly erected monument near the Old Smolensk road.

 

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the following individuals, organization and groups:

 

City of Smolensk deputy major, Ms. Natalie Zvereva

Chief of the Smolensk tourist center Ms. Olga Yakunina

CEO of the Kardimov region Mr. Oleg Ivanov and his deputy, Mr. Sergey Onofriev

The "Pacification” Foundation and its CEO Mr. Igor Yasinsky

Special thanks to the organizers from Belorussia and Lithuania, Mr. Dimitry Glinkin and Ms. Gerda Drychkyvene, respectively.

 

The following re-enactment groups and associations also took part in the festivity:

 

Russia: The Life-Grenadier Regiment, "Corps-de-garde Company” , Moscow Dragoon Regiment, "Her Highness Catherine Pavlovna’s Own Regiment”, society "Musketeer”, 1st Pioneer Regiment, The Grodno Hussars, society "The Russian Standard”, Sevsk Infantry Regiment (Bryansk), historical society of Preisish-Eylau (Bagrationovsk), 41st and 21st Jaeger Regiments, Akhtyrsk Hussars.

 

Belorussian groups: Minsk Infantry Regiment, Brest Infantry Regiment, 50th artillery company, Vitebsk Infantry Regiment, Mogilev Infantry Regiment, Belorussian Hussars.

 

"La Grande Armée” (Moscow, St.-Petersburg, Smolensk, Cherepovets, Voronezh, Petrozavodsk) : Voltigeurs de la Garde Impériale, Artillerie à cheval de la Garde Impériale; 18th, 32nd and 46th Line Infantry Regiments, 15th légère; 8th Chasseurs à cheval, 2nd Swiss Regiment, Nassau Grenadiers

 

Also: Count Tizenghausen’s company of the artillerie à cheval (Kaunas) 18th Infantry Regiment and 17th Uhlan Regiment of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (Belorussia)

 

See you all one day on the battlefield!