So you have heard the call of the bugle and feel like marching with Eagles to glory? Or perhaps your number has come up in the draft and you haven't a lot of choice in the matter!
Either way, the 2ème Legere are always looking for new and keen members. This page should give prospective recruits some information about joining and what you might expect from your first show.
The Emperor needs you!
How do I join? Easy! Either send an email to 2emelegere@gmail.com or send us a message via Facebook and we will be able to give you more instructions on how to join. We can then arrange for you to attend one of our training sessions or your first show.
How much does it cost to join? Membership is £25.00 for the year and will cover all insurance and powder costs of the season. However, your first show is free. So you will only be expected to join once you know that you want to do the hobby.
The 2eme Legere sporting their reigimental fannion
Do I have to provide all my equipment for my first show? No. The 2ème Legere has a large stock of equipment in our depot for new recruits. We will fully kit you out with uniforms, musket and a period tent for your first few shows. Once you have a feel for the hobby and know what type of light infantryman you wish to portray then we can assist you in putting together your own equipment at your own pace. A lot of equipment is made in-Regiment so costs are kept as low as possible.
Do you do shows aboard? Yes! We have links with other groups across Europe and take part in Napoleonic events across the continent. As a member of the 2ème Legere you will have the opportunity to re-fight Napoleonic battles on their original sites, such as Waterloo. These will frequently have thousands of other re-enactors participating. An experience not to be missed!
A quick fry-up of some recently looted Spanish cuisine
A lone chasseur storms the bridge
What will my first show be like? All shows vary, but probably a little something like this: You'll arrive on the Friday night and get to meet the rest of the Regiment. You will be issued all your equipment so you can start looking the part and then join us for some food and drinks around the camp fire. On the Saturday morning we will go through the ecole du soldat (the school of the soldier) which will cover the various movement and weapon drills we will carry out on the battlefield. By afternoon you will be ready for your first battle and have an excellent time on the field. Once the carnage is cover we will then quickly clean our weapons and have a night of food, wine and song. Sunday we will once again train and march to glory. Then after a great weekend we will head home and prepare for the next show
The 2e Legere holds up the allied advance whilst the Emperor plans.
How old to I have to be to take part? In order to be on the battlefield you need to be at least 16 years old and have your parents permission.
Do I require a shotgun or firearms licence to take part? In order to use a functioning musket members are required to have a shotgun licence and black powder licence. However, members using dummy or inert weapons do not require these to take part. Licences can be applied for from your local police force and we can provide guidance when sending off your application.
Will I receive training in handling a musket? Yes. All recruits will receive training in period French drill, which includes the procedure for carrying, loading and firing a musket. When you get your licences we also provide training on the safe handling of a musket and you will then need to pass our safety assessment before firing on the battlefield. All members then have to re-qualify each year.