Who We Are
The 151ème Régiment d'Infanterie de Ligne is a living-history organization dedicated to the remembrance of the Great War (1914-1918). Our impression is that of the ordinary French foot-soldier, or Poilu (which means "scruffy" or "hairy"). The regiment that we portray was an actual front-line unit that served throughout the entire war with distinction. The primary purpose for why we recreate the past is to honor and perpetuate the memories of these men who lost so much. Millions were killed; tens of millions more were wounded. There were also the incalculable numbers of men who were psychologically scarred from the months and years of hardships, fear, violence and death. The memories of those who suffered and sacrificed so much must be preserved. At the same time, we are attempting to take our own study of the war to the ultimate level--beyond what has been written and recorded--so that we may gain for ourselves at least some small part of the poilus' experience. We don't treat it like a game of tactical paint-ball--we are respectfully portraying real people caught up in a brutal war. We approach our hobby with the greatest solemnity.
The 151e R.I. belongs to a larger parent organization -- the Great War Association (G.W.A.) -- which consists of various units representing the other "belligerent" powers that sent troops to fight on the Western Front. However, we often operate autonomously from the GWA. Unit members hail from various parts of the United States, including New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and New Mexico. Though we are a diverse group of individuals, we all share an intense desire to recreate the French soldier of 14-18 as accurately as possible. We also have people coming from Canada and (naturally) France. Though we are a diverse group of individuals, we all share an intense desire to recreate the French soldier of '14-18' as accurately as possible. As such, each member adopts a French name to use at events. Our uniforms and equipment are based on exact reproductions and many of the items that make up our kit are in fact originals from the war (please see the Gear page). Our impressions are not fixed but, rather, continually evolving in the pursuit of accuracy.
