Valtice 2014 event is planned for 200 enthusiasts in Napoleonic-era uniforms and intends to offer its visitors a chance to acknowledge a life of a soldier at the break of the 18th and 19th century. The event’s main goal is to prepare participating units for the upcoming season fo-cused mainly on the French campaign of 1814 bicentennial, battles of Montereau, Reims or Montmirail as well as many others (205th anniversary of the battle of Sacile, 200th anniversary of the battle of Mincio) traditionally climaxing at Austerlitz 2014, a 209th anniversary of the battle of Austerlitz on November 28th-30th 2014. In 2015 we can look forward for the biggest re-enactment ever organized: a Waterloo bicentennial. A decade of imperial bicentennials will by topped in a symbolic fashion by the 210th anniversary of the battle of Austerlitz.
The Valtice maneuvers will be the fourth since 2011 and again they will be dedicated to commemorate Bonaparte’s first Italian campaign of 1796-1797.
1. Historic context
One of the many monuments located in the Lednice-Valtice natural range is an obelisk erected by Aloys Joseph of Liechtenstein to commemorate the Campo Formio peace treaty which ended the first Bonaparte’s Italian campaign in 1797. The campaign started in spring 1796 and the spring term of the CENS maneuvers reflects a 218th anniversary of battles of Montenotte, Cosseria, Millesimo and Dego and at the same time a 217th anniversary of truce talks in Leoben a year later.
The Liechtensteins, owners of the Valtice estate, belong to important figures of the Revolu-tionary and Napoleonic wars. Two members of the house of Liechtenstein took part in the battle of Austerlitz: FML Johann I prince of Liechtenstein (1760-1836) as the commander of the Allied cavalry, and leading a cavalry brigade in the Kienmayer’s avant-garde his cousin, GM Moritz of Liechtenstein (1775-1819).
Johann prince of Liechtenstein was one of the most important Austrian generals of his era. In 1809 he commanded the 1st Reserve corps; his military talent has won him a respect of Napoleona himself. In 1805 as well as in 1809 none other than Johann of Liechtenstein was entrusted by the Emperor Francis to negotiate a truce with French victors. After the battle of Austerlitz he was present at the meeting of Napoleon and Francis where the two monarchs agreed main points of the separate Austrian armistice deal.
2. Event concept
The event’s main focus is a preparation and training of units and troops, participants of similar events dedicated to the European Napoleonic history, not only by theoretic lectures for officers and NCOs but a practical exercise of the rank-and-file and units according to period regulations.
On Friday afternoon a tent camp will be set in the chateau park. The Saturday morning will see men and officers to exercise in pelotons followed by larger battalion maneuvers in the afternoon.The entire Saturday program is open to the public – people can visit the camp or watch military training and exercises.
On Sunday participants will perform more maneuvers and live demonstrations of the usage of arms for the public. Visitors will have a chance to witness a “dance school of a peloton” -synchronized maneuvers of two pelotons of the French infantry.