Compagnie Batavia 1600-1630 is Australia’s premiere 80 years’ war living history group. The recreation of elements of a Dutch militia company from the early 17th century including staff, Pikeman, musketeers and camp followers wearing clothing and using equipment that are exact replicas as worn by soldiers and civilians of the period. Diverse activities undertaken such as cooking, sewing, coin striking, leatherwork, starting fire with flint and steel and setting up a tented encampment help bring the Dutch golden age to life. The Compagnie also undertake pike and musket drills according to the statutes of Prince Maurits von Nassau to the beat of the drum and the waving of the flag. Group members have attended events in the Netherlands such as Bourtange, Slag Om Heligerlee and Slag om Grolle linking up with like-minded living history practitioners and taking part in large scale battle reenactments and living history displays.
