Our group was formed in 1990.
Before being able to take to the field, we did extensive research using primary and secondary sources as well as numerous European museum visits.
This work paid off in terms of very authentic uniforms, equipment and accurate knowledge of the regimental histories.
In addition to our interested in French military history, we have deep appreciation of the "French way of life" in general. The "Esprit d'Corps" of the Zouaves throughout military history has been impressive and some military historians have rated French Zouaves as having been the best light infantry of their time!
During the course of our research we discovered that the uniform of the French 3ème Zouave de Ligne was very similar to the 62nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the American Civil War. This enabled us to recreat both regiments and participate in historical events of both periods. Subsequently research has enabled our unit to accurately portrait the development of the 3ème Zouave Regiment from about 1842 through to 1918 in campaignes such as Algeria, Morocco, Russia, Italy, Mexico and France. With the impression of the 62nd N.Y.S.Vol. Regt. we can also appear on the battlefields of the American Civil War from 1861 till 1865.
Our commands and drill are primarily in French. We recreat period authentic camp living, take part in reenactments, commemorative events, TV documenteries, and professional movie making.
We maintain contact with Zouave enthusiasts around the world and have developed many valuable friendships.
We are a member of the German living history association Freundeskreis Lebendige Geschichte e.V. |
