From: Mike Schmitt <shuksan!major@bcstec.ca.boeing.com>
Subject: Imperial Guard
Organization: Man Machine Systems Technology
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 17:40:15 GMT


From Mike Schmitt <shuksan!major@bcstec.ca.boeing.com>

Some added notes and facts about Napoleon's Imperial Guard.

In 1796 the 'Guides' were raised to protect General Bonaparte.  This became
the nucleus of the IG cavalry.  In 1799, members of the Guards of the
Directory and Guards of the Assembly were added.  These three cadres were
combined to form the Consular Guard which fought at Marengo. 

In 1804, the title was changed to Imperial Guard in preparation for Napoleon's
coronation.  In 1800, there were about 3,000 grenadiers and cavalry.  By
1804, there were 5,000 grenadiers, 2,000 'elite cavalry and 24 guns.  By
Austerlitz there were over 12,000 and by 1812 there were about 56,000 Imperial
Guardsmen of one type or another.  The peak was reached in 1814, with the
addition of the Young Guard to 113,000.  In 1815, however, at Waterloo, the
IG had been reduced to 26,000 veteran soldiers.

The Garde de la Imperiale evolved over the years from a small regiment to
a complex army.  Its complex organization was always changing as subunits
were added, disbanded, or brigaded.  

The Old Guard were the elite of the elite.  It was comprised of the
Grenadiers and Chasseurs-a-pied of the Guard, the mounted Grenadiers-a-cheval, 
the Chasseurs-a-cheval (Napoleon's personal bodyguards), the Gendarmerie
d'elite (they were responsible for discipline and security around Napoleans'
headquarters), Guard Marines, Guard Engineers, and Guard Artillery.

In 1806, the Middle Guard was formed into eventually four regiments - two of
fusiliers and two of flankers

In 1809, the Young Guard came into existence, mainly regiments of light
infantry, Voltigeurs and Tiralleurs.

Membership was made up from the best of each annual conscript class.  The
older regiments jealously guarded entry to their ranks.  For the Old Guard,
the minimum requirement was five years' service and two campaigns.  For
example, at Waterloo, the 1st Grenadiers (elite of the elite of the elite)
1,000 strong.  1/3 were veterans of 20-25 campaigns.  4/5 wore the Legion of
Honor.

Selection and transfer was a continuous process.  Privileges were considerable
in terms of extra pay, rations, and other comforts.   They were tough, veteran
soldiers who's very appearance on the battlefield caused more than one enemy
to hastily depart.  They earned a reputation for valor, skill and absolute
loyalty to Napoleon.

At Waterloo, the Imperial Guard consisted of the following regiments:

Old Guard:     1st and 2nd Grenadiers (Friant)
               3rd and 4th Grenadiers (Roguet)
Middle Guard:  1st and 2nd Chasseurs (Morand)
               3rd and 4th Chasseurs (Michel)
Young Guard:   1st and 3rd Tirailleurs (Duhesme)
               1st and 3rd Voltigeurs (Barrois) 

Guard Lancers and Chasseurs-a-Cheval (Lefebvre-Desnoettes)
  [One regiment of Lancers composed of old Polish Lancers and Dutch Lancers] 

Guard Dragoons, Grenadiers-a-Cheval, and Gendarmerie d'Elite (Guyot)

9 batteries, Guard Foot Artillery
4 batteries, Guard Horse Artillery
Marines of the Guard
Engineers of the Guard

 

-- 
Mike Schmitt - Disclaimer: These opinions are not my employer's.  My opinions 
are protected by the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of
America.  No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great.  Duty first. 


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