“It should not be forgotten that a fine old brave Belgian Colonel, having a cocked-hat like the sails of a windmill, followed the movements, with his gallant little band, of our division the whole day –
always in the thickest of the fire.”
British officer of the 5th Division “Picton”
on the Battle of Waterloo
Who are we?
Our
mission
The mission of 7de Linie vzw is to bring to life and reenact the history of the 7th Belgian-Dutch Line Infantry Battalion. This unit was formed in 1814 in Ghent, shortly after the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte to Elba. The brave men of this battalion fought valiantly alongside the Allies at the battles of Quatre Bras (June 16, 1815) and Waterloo (June 18, 1815), following the return of the French Emperor.
Military
Heritage
The historical reenactment association 7de Linie vzw was founded in the early 1990s, on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The goal was to raise public awareness about the important role played by the Belgians and the Dutch in this historic battle. Since then, the association has grown to include approximately 45 to 50 active members in the Benelux and is recognized as intangible Belgian military heritage.
Living
History
Our association is based on three pillars: Experience, Evocation, and Education. We do not simply reenact historical events or reproduce daily life in the early 19th century. No, our goal is to truly live this era. We strive to convey the stories of the past in an authentic and historically accurate way. For us, authenticity and accuracy are at the heart of our approach, as we are convinced that this is how history can truly come to life.
Questions?
Whether you are interested in our history, wish to become a member, or want to learn more about our events, we are ready to answer all your questions.