We were frantic to spend time in the Allied encampment rather than looking at the French or visiting the monuments to the Prussians. It met all our expectations when we finally tramped into the grounds of the Chateau Hougoumont where the re-enactors for the Allies had their camp. But the first glimpse was rather a chuckle.
Yes, behind the hallowed walls of this crucial site of constant fighting on the day of the battle were PORTA-POTTIES. Somehow, they don't appear exactly authentic, no matter how necessary.
The highlanders were at target practice. Note their uniforms -- I think they are the Black Watch.
Here are walls of Hougoumont without the modern conveniences in view.
The reenactors came with horses, trailers, tents and families.
This darling little girl looks less than enthusiastic about her role.
More of Hougoumont above and below.
The memorial reads: "To the memory of General Baudin who fell in front of these walls 18 June 1815." General Marechel de Camp Baudin was the bridgade comander who led the first assault on Hougoumont and was the first French general to die in the battle.
The horses seem pretty satisfied with the fresh grass.
This tent seemed well supplied but its tenant must have been off looking for candles for his brass candlestick.
This is one of the women who were playing the role of soldiers in the re-enactment. Most of the women seemed to be cooks and camp-followers. The braids are decorative, but are they regulation?!
A view of the battlefield from the Chateau Hougoumont.
Some horses came with their own quarters.
Here is a Hussar engaging in every military man's favorite exercise.
practicing
Yes, definitely the Black Watch.
They all weren't Scots; the man on the left came from Italy.
The back view
Three versions of the same gear.
This uniform is carefully pressed with white gloves at the ready.
Too obvious to need a caption.
Talking over the artillery.
It got darker and darker as Saturday afternoon wore on. This was about 3 pm. But it certainly was not as dark as it was in the real battle where the smoke from the guns and cannons engulfed everything.
Above, two sections of the Waterloo panorama.
Below, the panorama building near the battlefield.
Here is a photo from the internet of a portion of the Panorama
Labels: Battle of Waterloo, London and Waterloo Tour, Victoria Hinshaw
