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The 22e demi-brigade de ligne on campaign in 2014.

(Click on the images to enlarge.)

Ziegenhain, from 9 to 11 May 2014.

Quartered in the casemates of the ancient fortress, we devoted our time to extensive drilling and to extensive feasting, in equal parts.

Montmirail, from 29 May to 1st June 2014.

Our battallion in column by sections, in the background the village Marchais-en-Brie.

Together with many other groups from allover Europe, we formed a battalion of nearly 300 men, which is close to the strength of an original - though already weakened - batallion of the period ! We formed six pelotons, so that we could march for the first time in column by divisions and execute the feu de peloton. Our capitaine Schmidt acted as chef de bataillon ad interim and could watch everything from horseback. And our newly-appointed caporal Bras de Fer had his first duties in this rank.

Wolkenstein, from 13 to 15 June 2014.

Our former caporal Paul had decided to switch his musket with drum sticks, and appeared in Wolkenstein for the first time as tambour. Also the other four soldiers of our unit who were present, were all actual or former sous-officiers. Quarters and provisions, provided by the hospitable inhabitants of Wolkenstein, were excellent. During the combat our caporal Bras de Fer learned, why the backpack should be fixed so high that its upper edge is at the same level with the shoulder.

Freyburg, from 4 to 6 July 2014.

We had a great time: Pleasant company, pleasant countryside, pleasant weather, pleasant food (including cherries fresh from the tree).

From Bamberg to Schleiz, from 4th to 10th October 2014.

Our shoes after a march of about 20 German Miles (150 kilometers).

In the footsteps of the army corps under the command of marshal Bernadotte, we started our march in Bamberg, heading for Schleiz, to meet and beat the Prussians. On our way, we took quarters in Hohengüßbach, Lichtenfels, Kronach, Nordhalben, Lobenstein and Burgk, passing first along the river Main and then crossing the Thuringian Forest.

Roast beef in Burgk, on 9th October 2014.

In Burgk, we were quartered in a room in the castle, which with turned into a pleasant sleeping place with a lot of straw. We went out into the village, in order to requisition the ingredients for our evening soup. However, the first citizen we asked, presented us with the rost beef he had bought for his own dinner, adding onions, potatoes, oil, and even pepper and salt, not to forget something to drink. He convinced his wife to go for dinner to a tavern instead.

Schleiz, from 10th to 12th October 2014.

Most photos were made by Claudia Behnke - many thanks !

In Schleiz we were chasing Prussians and Saxons for a complete day.

The Prussian ruses were no match to our French wits, all their ambuscades failed.

Back in our bivouac, the day ended with singing and drinking, in good company as usual.

Saint-Quirin, from 25th to 26th October 2014.

In Saint-Quirin we chased Prussians and Badeners even for two days, through forests and plains, uphill and downhill - there was no time for fatigue.

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