Preobrazhensky regt in Narva, 22-23 November 2003.

First Narva Campaign, November 2003

After the outbreak of Great Northern War, Russian army besieged fortresses of Narva and Ivangorod, held by Swedes. In the course of the siege, Swedish King Charles XII came to releave Narva, attacked fortified postion of Russians and broke its' center. Russian army was routed and fled across Narova river, however Guard regiments Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky remained in order and secured bridge which saved many troops. For their steadfastness, Tsar Peter granted his Guards with the first collective award - encription "19 No. 1700" on officers' gorgets.

Narva has its' own group of enthusiasts interested in history of the Great Northern War; they constitute local branch of Preobrazhensky Life Guards. For us in St.Petersburg it was the first international event; we came to see historical sites of Narva, meet colleagues, discuss plans for future and take part in ever first in Narva public event featuring Russian GNW reenactors.

In 2000 a large body of Swedish reenactors came to commemorate 300 anniversary of their victory. A monument "Swedish Lion" was erected then. Now is our turn to honour memory of ancestors.

In August 2004 it will be 300 anniversary of Russians taking the fortress by storm. A historical festival with Great Northern War period re-enactment is planned for August 7-8. For further details please contact us or directly our friends in Narva.

*Arrival*

*In the Narva fortress*


Preobrazhenskys from St.Petersburg and Narva	together

*Visit to a museum in the castle*


			From the top of the tower one can see:
a bridge from Estonia to Russia,	...fortress of Ivangorod	...on the Russian bank,	...Swedish Lion monument further to the left and
...entrance to the fortress right next to the Russian-Estonian frontier.			We hope to continue our good relations with the museum. We very want to storm the fortress in August ;)
*Narva at night*
			In the evening it started snowing and thus the weather became just like it was for Preobrazhensky 303 years ago.
*Drill session*

*Ceremony near "Swedish Lion" monument and parade down the streets*
"present arms!"	photo from local e-paper gazeta.ee
*Ceremony near the Cross - monument to Peter's brigade*
Requiem in memory of Russians who fell there in 1700		The river-crossing, secured by Guards, took place exactly on this spot
		this monument was erected by Guard regts in 1900	while the ceremony was going on, one of spectators found 2 coins from 16 century!!!


*Ivangorod*
	We also count on events on our bank of the river - in Ivangorod with it's fortress which was besieged and taken in the course of Great Northern War along with Narva.

(с) photographs of "Preobrazhensky Life Guards", 2003