French Line cavalry

Cuirassiers

Organisation and uniforms

Organisation

Decree of October 10, 1801 establishes the organisation of the twenty-third heavy cavalry regiments of French army, named Cavalry Regiments. Each was composed of a staff:

1 Brigade chief

3 Squadron chiefs

1 Quartermaster

1 Master-surgeon

1 Assistant-surgeon

2 Administrative officer

2 Administative NCOs

1 Master-trumpeter

1 Veterinary-surgeon

1 Saddler

1 Tailor

1 Boots maker

1 Gunsmith

1 Breeches maker

And three squadrons of two companies each with:

1 Captain

1 Lieutenant

1 Second-lieutenant

1 Master-sergeant

2 Sergeants

1 Quartermaster-corporal

4 Corporals

1 Trumpeter

66 Troopers (58 in peace time)

This Decree also converts two regiments to Cavalry-Cuirassiers regiments: 1st and 8th, the last one being already equipped with cuirasses. 24th regiment is disbanded.

The Order of October 12, 1802 converts the 2nd, 3rd and 4th regiments to Cavalry-Cuirassiers regiments, followed by 5th, 6th and 7th on December 23, 1802. This last order also disbands the 23rd Cavalry Regiment.

The order of December 31, 1802 disbands 19th to 22nd regiments and raises the strength of 9th to 18th regiments to four squadrons.

The Order of September 24, 1803 finally disbands all eighteen Cavalry regiments and strength is used to raise twelve Cuirassiers Regiments with four squadrons and to reinforce other cavalry units.

The Decree of August 31, 1806 raises the strength of each companies to 82 cuirassiers and creates a fifth quadroon t be raised in war time.

The Decree of March 10, 1807 raises the strength of Cuirassiers Regiments to five squadrons of two companies each with:

1 Captain

1 Lieutenant

2 Second-lieutenants

1 Master-sergeant

4 Sergeants

1 Quartermaster-corporal

8 Corporals

2 Trumpeters

84 Cuirassiers (comprising a farier)

A 13th regiment is raised in October 1808 and a 14th on August 18, 1810.

The Decree of December 24, 1809 suppresses the fifth squadron (except for 13th regiment), but it is re-established by Decree of January 10, 1812.

Short tailed, single breasted coat of dark blue cloth closed by a row of ten buttons. Regimental collar. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Front of coat piped in regimental colour. Regimental cuffs and cuff flaps. Turnbacks in regimental colour with horizontal or vertical pockets simulated by a piping in regimental colour. White buttons.

From 1806, short tailed lapelled coat (habit à la française) with same fittings. Squared lapels in regimental colour.

From 1810, short tailed, single breasted coat (habit-surtout) closed by a row of ten buttons. Regimental collar. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Front of coat piped in regimental colour. Regimental rounded cuffs. Turnbacks in regimental colour. It appears that these coat are often shown with unregulated cuff flaps and simulated pockets.

From 1813, short tailed, single breasted coat (habit-veste) closed by a row of nine buttons. Regimental collar. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Front of coat piped in regimental colour. Regimental cuffs and cuff flaps. Turnbacks in regimental colour with vertical pockets simulated by a piping in regimental colour.

White vest. Fawn coloured leather breeches and black high cuffed boots. In field dress, grey cloth overalls. Light grey sleeveless riding mantle with half-cape and facing coloured trim.

From 1813, light grey sleeved overcoat with half-cape.

Helmet with steel crown and brass crest bearing a black horsehair mane. Black horsehair tuft. Around crown, black fur turban. Scarlet plume. Black leather peak with brass strengthenings. Brass chinscales.

From 1813, scarlet plume is replaced by company coloured tuft.

Steel cuirass with black leather shoulder straps covered with brass scales.

White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a brass grenade badge. Heavy cavalry sabre with brass three bars hilt and steel sheath.

Black leather heavy cavalry harness. French saddle with white sheepskin saddle cover trimmed with facing coloured wolf teeth and blue cloth half-schabraque laced white bearing a white cloth grenade badge in rear corners. Blue cloth square portmanteau laced white bearing in white cloth either regimental number or grenade badge.

NCOs

White or silver rank laces over both cuffs. Sergeants sometimes wear epaulets with silver laced strap and fringes mixed with silver.

Officers

Troopers’ dress with silver thread rank epaulets. Saddle covers and pistol holsters in blue cloth laced silver.

Trumpeters and musicians

Dress of trumpeters and musicians, when known, is detailed in regimental plates.

Trumpeters usually wear troopers’ helmet with white horsehair mane and tuft.

With first dress, they wear troopers’ dress with collar and cuffs laced white and white lace square trim around waist buttons and sometimes white buttonhole laces on front of coat.

With lapelled coat, they wear troopers’ dress in reversed colours with white collar, lapels, cuffs and waist buttons lace trim.

From around 1808, lapelled coat is replaced by a single breasted coat in facing colour with white buttonhole laces.

From 1813, short tailed habit-veste in green cloth closed by a row of nine buttons. Regimental collar bearing two buttonhole laces in imperial livery, sometimes with livery lace trim. Facing colour piping on front of coat, bearing five livery buttonhole laces ending with white tassel. Livery laces trim to cuffs and turnbacks. Livery buttonhole laces to pockets buttons. Green and yellow trumpet’s cord.

Cuirassiers
1st Cuirassiers Regiment

The cavalry regiment Colonel-General raised in 1657 is renamed 1st Cavalry Regiment in 1791. It serves from 1792 to 1794 in the Army of the North then in the Army of Italy from 1795 to 1801.
The 1st Cavalry regiment is renamed as 1st Cuirassiers-Cavalry Regiment by order of October 10, 1801 and 1st Cuirassiers Regiment by decree of September 24, 1803.
It takes part in the campaigns in Germany from1805 to 1807, in the Reserve Cavalry Corps of the Grande Army, and in Austria in 1809, in the 3rd Cavalry Corps. Assigned in 1811 to the Observation Corps of the Elbe, he serves in Russia in 1812, then in Germany and France in 1813 and 1814 in the 2nd Cavalry Corps.
In 1814, regiment is renamed King’s Cuirassiers. It is disbanded in 1815, strength being transferred in the new Queen’s Cuirassiers (2nd).

Unit commanders
1803 : Adrien Guiton
1805 : Sigismond de Berckheim
1809 : Antoine de Clerc
1814 : Philippe Christophe de la Motte-Guery
1815 : Michel Ordener

Battles
1805 : Austerlitz
1807 : Eylau
1812 : Borodino

Standards
Each squadron is granted in 1804 with an eagle and a Challiot type standard.
Regiment is granted in 1812 with a standard of 1812 model with the following battles names:

ULM AUSTERLITZ
IÉNA EYLAU
ECKMÜHL ESSLING
WAGRAM
that is taken on October 18, 1812 during battle of Taroutino.

Cuirassiers
2nd Cuirassiers Regiment

The cavalry regiment Royal-Cavalerie raised in 1635 is renamed 2nd Cavalry Regiment in 1791. It serves from 1792 to 1798 in the Army of the Rhine and then in Reserve Army.
The 2nd Cavalry regiment is renamed as 2nd Cuirassiers-Cavalry Regiment by order of October 12, 1802 and 2nd Cuirassiers Regiment by decree of September 24, 1803.
It takes part in campaigns in Germany from 1805 to1807, Austria in 1809, Russia in 1812, Germany in 1813 and France in 1814.
In 1814, regiment is renamed Queen’s Cuirassiers. It is disbanded in 1815, strength being transferred in the new Angouleme’s Cuirassiers (3rd).

Unit commanders
3 September1799 : Jean Yvendorff
26 December 1805 : Claude Chouard
7 September 1811 : Pierre Rolland
5 November 1813 : Léonard Morin
17 March 1814 : Pierre Labiffe
28 September 1814 : Louis Grandjean

Battles
1805 : Wertingen and Austerlitz
1807 : Friedland
1809 : Eckmuhl, Ratisbonne, Essling and Wagram
1812 : Borodino
1813 : Dresden
1814 : La-Rothiere, Champaubert, Vauchamps and Fere-Champenoise
1815: Quatre-Bras and Waterloo

Standards
Each squadron is granted in 1804 with an eagle and a Challiot type standard.
Regiment is granted in 1812 with a standard of 1812 model with the following battles names :

AUSTERLITZ
IENA
EYLAU
FRIEDLAND
ECKMÜHL
WAGRAM

Cuirassiers

3rd Cuirassiers Regiment

The cavalry regiment Commissaire-General raised in 1645 is renamed 3rd Cavalry Regiment in 1791. It serves from 1792 to 1794 in the Army of the North, campaigns in 1795 in the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse, from 1796 to 1799 in the armies of the Rhine and Moselle, of Mainz, Germany et Helvetia and leaves for Italy in 1799.

The 3rd Cavalry regiment is renamed as 3rd Cuirassiers-Cavalry Regiment by order of October 12, 1802 and 3rd Cuirassiers Regiment by decree of September 24, 1803.

It takes part in the campaign of Austria in 1805 in the Reserve Cavlry Corps. It then campaigns from 1807 to 1809 in 1st and 4th Reserve Corps. Assigned to Observation Corps of the Elbe in 1811, it takes part in the campaign of Russia in 1812 and in Germany and France in 1813 and 1814 in the 1st Cavalry Corps.

In 1814, regiment is renamed Heir Prince’s Cuirassiers. It is disbanded in 1815, strength being transferred in the new Conde’s (or Colonel-General) Cuirassiers (6th).

Unit commanders

6 March 1801 : Claude de Préval

31 December 1806 : Jean-Louis Richter

7 September 1811 : Charles Lalaing d’Audenarde

13 May 1813 : Jean Delacroix

Battles

1805 : Austerlitz

1806 : Jena

1807 : Heilsberg and Friedland

1809 : Eckmuhl, Essling and Wagram

1812 : Borodino

1813 : Dresden and Leipzig

1814 : Champaubert

1815: Fleurus and Waterloo

Standards

Each squadron is granted in 1804 with an eagle and a Challiot type standard.

Regiment is granted in 1812 with a standard of 1812 model with the following battles names :

AUSTERLITZ

IENA

EYLAU

FRIEDLAND

ECKMÜHL

ESSLING

WAGRAM

Cuirassiers

4rd Cuirassiers Regiment

The cavalry regiment of the Queen raised in 1643 is renamed 4th Cavalry Regiment in 1791. It serves in 1792 in the Army of the Centre, in 1793 and 1794 in the Army of Moselle and Sambre-et-Meuse. Assigned in 1795 to the army of Rhine and Moselle, it campaigns from 1796 to 1800 in the armies of Mainz, of the Danube and of the Rhine.

The 4th Cavalry regiment is renamed as 4th Cuirassiers-Cavalry Regiment by order of October 12, 1801 and 4th Cuirassiers Regiment by decree of September 24, 1803.

It takes part in campaigns in Italy in 1805, Germany in 1806 and 1807, Austria in 1809, Russia in 1812 in the 3rd Reserve Corps, Germany in 1813 and France in 1814 in the 1st Cavalry Corps.

In 1814, regiment is renamed Angouleme’s Cuirassiers. It is disbanded in 1815, strength being transferred in the new Queen’s Cuirassiers (1st).

Unit commanders

2 Septembre 1803 : Fulgent Herbault

25 June 1808 : François Aldobrandini-Borghèse

28 January 1812 : Michel Dujon

11 May 1815 : Jean Habert

Battles

1805 : Caldiero

1807 : Heilsberg

1809 : Essling and Wagram

1812 : Polotsk and Berezina

1813 : Bautzen, Dresden and Leipzig

1814 : Brienne-le-Chateau, La-Rothiere, Champaubert, Vauchamps, Laon and Fere-Champenoise

1815: Ligny and Waterloo

Standards

Each squadron is granted in 1804 with an eagle and a Challiot type standard.

Regiment is granted in 1812 with a standard of 1812 model with the following battles names :

ESSLING

WAGRAM

that is taken on December 7, 1812 during battle of Malodetchko.

Cuirassiers

5th Cuirassiers Regiment

The cavalry regiment Royal-Pologne raised in 1653 is renamed in 1791 as 5th Cavalry Regiment. It serves in 1792 in the Army of the South, in 1793 in the Army of Vendee. Assigned in Italy in 1794, it campaigns there until 1801.

The 5th Cavalry Regiment, reinforced by a squadron of the 23rd Cavalry Regiment, is renamed as 5th Cuirassiers-Cavalry Regiment by order of December 23, 1802 and 5th Cuirassiers Regiment by decree of September 24, 1803.

It campaigns in Germany from 1805 to 1807, in Austria in 1809, in Russia in 1812, and in Germany in 1813. Besieged in Hamburg, it returns in France in July 1814.

In 1814, regiment is renamed Berry’s Cuirassiers. It is disbanded in 1815, strength being transferred in the new Orleans’ Cuirassiers (5th).

Unit commanders

30 December 1802 : Jean-Baptiste Noirot

30 December 1806 : Jean Quinette

7 September 1811 : Philippe Christophe de la Motte-Guery

9 September 1814 : Armand Gobert

Battles

1805 : Hollabrunn and Austerlitz

1806 : Jena

1807 : Hoff and Eylau

1809 : Eckmühl, Ratisbonne, Essling and Wagram

1812 : Borodino

1813 : Leipzig and Hanau

1814 : Montmirail and Bar-sur-Aube

1815: Ligny and Waterloo

Etendards

Each squadron is granted in 1804 with an eagle and a Challiot type standard.

Regiment is granted in 1812 with a standard of 1812 model with the following battles names :

ULM AUSTERLITZ

IENA EYLAU

ECKMÜHL ESSLING

WAGRAM

Cuirassiers

6th Cuirassiers Regiment

The cavalry regiment of the King is renamed as 6th Cavalry Regiment in 1791. It serves in 1792 and 1793 in the Army of the North, from 1795 to 1797 in the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse. Assigned to the Army of Germany in 1798, it campaigns there until 1801.

The 6th Cavalry Regiment is renamed as 6th Cuirassiers-Cavalry Regiment by order of December 23, 1802 and 6th Cuirassiers Regiment by decree of September 24, 1803.

It takes part in campaigns in Italy in 1805, Germany in 1806 and 1807 in 3rd Reserve Corps of the Grande Army, Austria in 1809 in Reserve Cavalry Corps of the Army of Germany. Assigned to the Observation Corps of the Elbe in 1811, it takes part in the campaign of Russia in 1812 and in Germany and France in 1813 and 1814 in the 1st Cavalry Corps.

In 1814, regiment is renamed Colonel-General’s Cuirassiers. It is disbanded in 1815, strength being transferred in the new Heir Prince’s Cuirassiers (2nd).

Unit commanders

2 January 1799 : Léonard Cacatte

24 February 1805 : Archange Rioult d’Avenay

25 June 1807 : François d’Avrange D’Haugeranville

6 August 1811 : Jean-Baptiste Martin

Battles

1805 : Caldiero

1807 : Heilsberg

1809 : Eckmühl, Essling and Wagram

1812 : Borodino and Malojaroslawetz

1813 : Dresden and Leipzig

1814 : Champaubert

1815: Waterloo

Standards

Each squadron is granted in 1804 with an eagle and a Challiot type standard.

Regiment is granted in 1812 with a standard of 1812 model with the following battles names :

ESSLING

WAGRAM

Garde impériale: cavalry

Elite gendarmes

1804 Further to imperial decree of 29 July, a legion of Elite gendarmes is incorporated in the Imperial Guard and composed of 2 mounted squadrons and 2 foot companies, total establishment of 632 troops.

1806 The foot companies are disbanded. The legion is now established at 456 mounted gendarmes.

1815 Resumed Imperial title, and took part at the Hundred Days campaign.

Troopers

Dark blue habit with scarlet squared lapels, dark blue collar with scarlet edging, scarlet turnbacks ornamented with white grenade devices. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a scarlet piping. White trefoiled epaulette with white aiguillette on left shoulder. White buttons.

Light buff waistcoat and breeches, black heavy cavalry boots.

Black bearskin headgear without plate, white cord and flounders. Scarlet plume inserted in a tricolour cockade. Black peak. Silver chinstrap. Scarlet crown with white grenade.

Yellow leather-work with white edging. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a copper eagle. Sabre of Guard Heavy Cavalry pattern, black leather scabbard covered by a copper sheet. Cavalry musket with brass fittings and bayonet.

Shabraque, portemanteau and holster dark blue edged with white band and outer piping, shabraque embroidered with white grenade in the rear corners. Black leather French harness. Black horses.

Trumpeters

Scarlet habit with blue squared lapels with silver edging and buttonholes lace, scarlet collar with silver edging. Blue turnbacks ornamented with silver grenade devices. Scarlet plume with white top. Trumpet with silver cord and tassels.

Gendarmes d’ordonnance

1806 Created in September to attract young émigrés nobles into the Guard.

1807 Unit is disbanded.

Troopers

Green coat, green pointed lapels, collar and turnbacks. Green pointed cuffs with silver edging. Soubises pockets simulated by a green piping. Silver trefoiled epaulette and aiguillette on right shoulder. Silver buttons.

Red waistcoat with silver laces. Green breeches with silver Hungarian knot and side band. Black light cavalry boots with silver edging and tassel.

Black shako with silver lozenge plate stamped with an imperial eagle. Silver cord and flounders. White plume inserted in a tricolour cockade. Silver peak strengthening and chinstrap.

Black leather-work with red edging. Black leather cartridge pouch with red edging bearing a silver eagle. Light cavalry sabre, with copper hilt and iron scabbard, silver swordknot. Carbine.

Shabraque of green cloth edged with silver band and outer piping. Green portemanteau edged with silver band and outer piping. Black leather light cavalry harness.

NCO

Trooper’s dress with silver rank stripes over the cuffs. No carbine.

Officers

Trooper’s dress with silver rank epaulettes. Shako with silver top band. Leather-work and pouch with silver edging. Shabraque embroidered with silver eagles in the rear corners. Harness with silver ornaments.

Trumpeters

Troopers’ dress in sky blue cloth, collar with silver edging. Sky blue cloth shabraque, crimson portemanteau. Grey horses. Trumpet with crimson cord and tassels.

Chasseurs à cheval regiments

1796 General Bonaparte raises a Guides of the Army of Italy unit.

1800 This unit is incorporated in the Consular Guard as Chasseurs à Cheval of the Consular Guard.

1804 Further to imperial decree of 29 July, the regiment of Chasseurs à Cheval of the Consular Guard is incorporated in the Imperial Guard with the same establishment as the regiment of Horse Grenadiers.

1805 Stength is augmented by four velites companies.

1812 Velites squadrons are disbanded and strength incorporated in others campanies. Regimental strength is so augmented to five squadrons.

1813 The regiment is augmented by 4 squadrons which belong to Young Guard.

1814 With the First Restoration, renamed Corps Royal des Chasseurs à Cheval de France.

1815 Resumed Imperial title as 1st regiment of Chasseurs à Cheval of the Guard. Young Guard squadrons form up the 2nd regiment of Chasseurs à Cheval of the Guard. Both regiments took part at the Hundred Days campaign.

1st regiment

Uniform of hussar pattern, dark green dolman with light orange braid and laces. Green collar with light orange edging. Scarlet pointed cuffs with light orange edging. Green sash with scarlet sliding loops and cord. Scarlet pelisse with light orange edging and lace, black fur and white lining. Copper buttons.

Buff breeches. Black hussar boots with light orange edging and tassel.

Black fur busby, scarlet bag with light orange piping. Light orange cords and flounders. Green plume with red top inserted in a tricolour cockade. Gold chain chinstrap.

White leather-work. Black cartridge pouch bearing a copper eagle. Green sabretache with light orange edging emblazoned with the imperial arms (light orange eagle over a red coat with ermine lining, topped by an light orange imperial crown). Sabre of Guard light cavalry pattern. Copper hilt and black leather scabbard covered by a copper sheet, white swordknot. Carbine and bayonet.

Shabraque of green cloth edged with light orange band and scarlet piping, embroidered with light orange imperial eagle in the rear corners. Green portemanteau edged with light orange band and scarlet piping. Black leather light cavalry harness.

2nd regiment

Uniform of hussar pattern, dark green dolman with light orange braid and laces. Green collar with light orange edging. Scarlet pointed cuffs with light orange edging. Scarlet pelisse with light orange edging and lace, black fur and white lining. Copper buttons.

Scarlet breeches with light orange lace.

Scarlet shako with light orange top band. Light orange pompon inserted in a tricolour cockade. Copper chinstrap.

White leather-work. Black cartridge pouch bearing a copper eagle. Black leather sabretache with copper crowned eagle. Light cavalry sabre with copper hilt and iron sheath.

Shabraque of red cloth edged with light orange band and green piping, embroidered with light orange imperial eagle in the rear corners. Red portemanteau edged with light orange band and green piping. Black leather light cavalry harness.

NCO

Troopers’ dress with gold rank stripes over the cuffs. Braid and laces of mixed gold and light orange thread on the dolman, of mixed gold and green thread on the pelisse.

Officers

Troopers’ dress with gold rank stripes over the cuffs. All light orange ornament become gold. Pelisse with white fur and gold cord ended by gold flounders. Green sash with gold sliding loops cord and tassel. Green bandolier with gold edging. Red swordbelt with gold edging. Pantherskin schabraque with gold band and green scalloped edge.

Trumpeters

Troopers’ dress with dolman in sky blue cloth, collar and cuffs scarlet with mixed red and gold edging. Braid and laces of mixed gold and red thread on the dolman, of mixed gold and sky blue thread on the pelisse. Red sash with sliding loops, cord and tassels of mixed gold and sky blue thread. White fur busby, scarlet bag with mixed gold and sky blue piping. Cords and flounders of mixed gold and red thread. Sky blue plume with red top. Sky blue sabretache with gold edging emblazoned with a gold imperial eagle. Trumpet with cord and tassel of mixed gold and red thread, scarlet pennon with gold fringes embroidered with the imperial arms. Shabraque of scarlet cloth (sky blue after 1812) edged with gold band and sky blue piping. Sky blue portemanteau edged with gold band and scarlet piping.

1st regiment of Guards of Honour

1813 The 1st regiment of Guards of Honour is raised at Versailles, with young nobles and bourgeois of France and annexed countries which have to pay their equipment and is included in the Guard on 29 July.

1814 With the First Restoration, the regiment is disbanded and his French elements admitted into the King’s Household.

Troopers

Uniform of hussar pattern, green dolman with white braid and laces. Scarlet collar with white edging. Scarlet pointed cuffs with white edging. Crimson sash with green sliding loops and cord. Green pelisse with white edging and lace, black fur and white lining. Silver buttons.

Scarlet breeches with white lace. Black hussar boots without edging, white tassel.

Scarlet shako with silver eagle. White top band, cords and flounders. Green plume with red top over a pompon in squadron colour inserted in a tricolour cockade. Silver chinstrap.

White leather-work. Black cartridge pouch. Black leather sabretache emblazoned with a white crowned eagle over the regimental number. Light cavalry sabre with copper hilt and iron sheath, white swordknot. Carbine and bayonet.

White sheepskin schabraque with green scalloped edge. Green portemanteau with white edge and regimental number. Black leather light cavalry harness.

NCO

Trooper’s dress with dolman and pelisse braid and laces of mixed green and white thread. Silver rank stripes over the cuffs. Red leather sabretache with eagle, number and edging in silver. No carbine.

Officers

Black fur busby, scarlet bag with silver piping or scarlet shako with silver band and ornaments. Troopers plume over a silver pompon. Red leather bandolier with silver ornaments and edging. Black cartridge pouch with silver edged flap. Red swordbelt with silver edging. Red leather sabretache with eagle and number in silver. Gold swordknot. Shabraque of green cloth edged with silver band and scarlet piping, embroidered with silver imperial eagle in the rear corners. Harness with silver ornaments.

Trumpeters

Troopers’ dress with dolman in sky blue cloth, with scarlet collar and cuffs Black sheepskin schabraque.

Mamelouks

1799 1799 General Kleber raises a turkish company that takes part in Accre siege.

1804 A Mameluks company is attached to the regiment of Chasseurs à Cheval and incorporated in the guard. The company is established as : 9 officers (6 of whom are Arabs), 10 NCO (6 of whom are Arabs), 10 brigadiers (8 of whom are Arabs), 2 trumpeters et 92 men.

1813 Establishment is augmented to 1 squadron of 250 men. The second company belongs to Young Guard.

1814 With the First Restoration, the regiment is disbanded and his French elements admitted into the Corps Royal des Chasseurs à Cheval de France. The remaining Arabs were slaughtered by the mob at Marseille.

Oriental habit made up of a jacket put over a long sleeved shirt, all ornamented with trimming and piping. Oriental sash.

Baggy trousers (charoual). Oriental boots of yellow, red or buff leather.

Headgear made up of a tarboosh (later replaced by a cahouk , a sort of flattened shako) surrounded with a turban.

Oriental sabre with copper hilt and black leather sheath with brass fittings. Dagger with ornamented wood hilt (ivory for officers). Mace, blunderbuss and pistols. Mace was often replaced by a hand axe, and blunderbuss by a carbine.

Oriental saddle covered by a shabraque of green cloth edged with coloured band and outer piping. Black leather oriental harness.

Horse Grenadiers Regiment

1799 Raised as Light Horses Regiment on 2nd december.

1800 Converted to Horse Grenadiers Regiment of the Consular Guard.

1804 Further to imperial decree of 18 May, the regiment of Horse Grenadiers of the consular Guard is incorporated in the Imperial Guard and organised in 4 squadrons of 2 companies each, established as 1018 troops.

1805 Strength is augmented by two velites squadrons.

1811 Both velites quadrons are disbanded and strength incorporated in others squadrons. Regimental strength is augmented to five squadrons.

1812 Following Russian gampaign, strength decreases to four squadrons.

1813 The regiment is augmented by 2 squadrons which belong to Young Guard. These 2 squadrons are disbanded on 23 July.

1814 With the First Restoration, renamed Corps Royal des Cuirassiers de France.

1815 Resumed Imperial title, and took part at the Hundred Days campaign.

Troopers

Dark blue habit with white squared lapels, dark blue collar, scarlet cuffs with white cuffs flaps, scarlet turnbacks ornamented with light orange grenade devices on white patches. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a scarlet piping. Light orange epaulettes without fringes. Copper buttons.

White waistcoat , buff breeches, black heavy cavalry boots.

Black bearskin headgear without plate, light orange cord and flounders. Scarlet plume inserted in a tricolour cockade. Copper chinstrap. Scarlet crown with white cross.

White leather-work. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a copper grenade replaced in 1806 by a copper lozenge plate stamped with a crowned eagle. Swordbelt with copper buckle stamped with a grenade.

Sabre of Guard Heavy Cavalry pattern, white swordknot, black leather scabbard covered by a copper sheet. Cavalry musket with brass fittings and bayonet.

Schabraque, portmanteau and holster dark blue edged with light orange band and piping, shabraque embroidered with light orange imperial crown in the rear corners. Black leather French harness. Black horses.

NCO’s

Troopers dress with rank stripes.

Officers

Troopers’ dress with gold rank epaulettes. All light orange ornament become gold.

Trumpeters

Sky blue habit with crimson squared lapels with gold edging and buttonholes lace, sky blue collar with gold edging. Crimson turnbacks ornamented with light orange grenade devices. Red epaulettes with gold crescent and edging. Aiguillette of mixed red and gold thread. White bearskin headgear. Cord and flounders of mixed red and gold thread . White plume with sky blue top. Shabraque and holster crimson edged with gold band and piping. Sky blue portemanteau edged with gold band and crimson piping. Black leather French harness. Grey horses.

Scout Lancers

1813 Further to imperial decree of 9 December, the 1st regiment of Scout Lancers of the Guard is created and organised in 4 squadrons of 250 men of which two (which men come from Guards of Honour regiments) belong to Old Guard and two (which men come from line) belong to Young Guard.

1814 The regiment is disbanded and his men reintegrated in line.

Old Guard squadrons

Uniform of hussar pattern, green dolman with white laces and braid. Scarlet collar with white edging. Scarlet pointed cuffs with white edging. Scarlet sash with white sliding loops and cord. Green pelisse with white edging , white lace and black fur.

Grey breeches with crimson lace.

Black shako with white metal eagle. Black top band embroidered with red loops. Red plume with black base over tricolour cockade. White metal chinstrap.

White leather-work. Light cavalry sabre with copper hilt and iron sheath, white swordknot. Black wood lance and pistols for the lancers ranks, carbine and bayonet for the carabiniers ranks.

Shabraque and portemanteau of green cloth edged with white band and scarlet piping. Black leather light cavalry harness.

Young Guard squadrons Green chasseur pattern habit ("a la Kinski"). Scarlet collar. Scarlet pointed cuffs. Grey overalls with red side band. Black shako with silver eagle. Black top band embroidered with red loops. Red plume inserted in a tricolour cockade. Silver chinstrap.

Corps des Chevau-légers

Light Horses regiments

1st regiment (Polish)

1807 Further to imperial decree of 2 March, a regiment of Guard Light Horses is created. It is comprised of 4 squadrons of 2 companies. Initial establishment, all of polish recruitment, is 968 men.

1809 The regiment is converted to lancer status and renamed regiment of Polish Light-horses Lancers of the Guard and by 1811 1st regiment of Light-horses Lancers of the Guard.

1813 With disbanding of the third regiment establishment is augmented to 6 then 7 squadrons, of which only the first three belongs to Old Guard.

1814 With the First Restoration, the regiment is disbanded but a squadron which goes with the Emperor in exile.

2nd regiment (Dutch)

1810 Further to imperial decree of 13 September, the Dutch regiment of Hussars of the Royal Guard is attached to the French Imperial Guard as 2nd regiment of Light-horses Lancers of the Guard. Initial establishment of 4 squadrons (939 men) is augmented on 11 March to 5 squadrons (1406 men).

1813 Establishment is augmented to 10 squadrons. The first five, of Dutch recruitment, belongs to Old Guard, the others, of French recruitment, to Young Guard.

1814 With the First Restoration, the regiment is disbanded and the Old Guard squadrons renamed Royal Corps of Light-horses Lancers of France.

1815 Resumed Imperial title, and took part at the Hundred Days campaign. The polish squadron which followed Napoleon in exile is included in the regiment.

3rd regiment (Lithuanian)

1812 Further to imperial decree of 5 July, the 3rd regiment of Light-horses Lancers of the Guard is raised. After the Russian Campaign, the regiment is disbanded and his men assigned to the other lancers regiments of the Guard.

1st regiment troopers

Dark blue kurtka with crimson trimming. Crimson lapels with white edging. crimson collar, turnbacks and pointed cuffs. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a crimson piping. White fringed epaulette on left shoulder, white trefoiled epaulette and aiguillette on right shoulder. With the adoption of lance, aiguillette was transferred to left shoulder. White buttons.

Dark blue breeches with crimson side band. Black light cavalry boots.

Crimson czapska with white piping. White cord and flounders. Czapska emblazoned with sun-rising stamped plate, copper ray, silver centre with copper imperial N. White plume inserted in a tricolour cockade wearing a silver polish cross. Silver chain chinstrap and peak strengthening. Black leather crown and top.

White leather-work. Black cartridge pouch bearing a copper crowned eagle. Swordbelt with copper buckle. Sabre of Guard light cavalry pattern. Copper hilt and black leather scabbard covered by a copper sheet, white swordknot. Black wood lance, pennon with red top and white bottom.

Shabraque of dark blue cloth edged with crimson band and white outer piping, embroidered with white imperial eagle in the rear corners and imperial N on holsters. Crimson portmanteau edged with white band and crimson outer piping.

2nd regiment troopers

Old Guard : scarlet kurtka with dark blue lapels and trimming. Blue collar, turnbacks and pointed cuffs. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a blue piping. Light orange fringed epaulette on right shoulder, light orange trefoiled epaulette and aiguillette on left shoulder. Copper buttons.

Young Guard : Dark blue kurtka with scarlet lapels. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a red piping. Blue shoulder straps with red edging.

Scarlet breeches with blue side band. Black light cavalry boots.

Scarlet czapska with light orange piping. Light orange cord and flounders. Czapska emblazoned with sun-rising stamped plate, copper ray, silver centre with copper imperial N. White plume inserted in a tricolour cockade. Silver chain chinstrap and peak strengthening. Black leather crown and top.

White leather-work. Black cartridge pouch bearing a copper crowned eagle (no plate for Young Guard). Swordbelt with copper buckle.

Old Guard : sabre of Guard light cavalry pattern. Copper hilt and black leather scabbard covered by a copper sheet, white swordknot.

Young Guard : sabre of light cavalry pattern. Copper hilt and iron sheath, white swordknot.

Black wood lance, pennon with red top and white bottom.

Shabraque of dark blue cloth edged with light orange band and outer piping, embroidered with light orange imperial eagle in the rear corners and imperial N on holsters. Scarlet portemanteau edged with light orange band and outer piping.

3rd regiment troopers

Dark blue kurtka .Crimson lapels, collar, turnbacks and pointed cuffs with white edging. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a crimson piping. White epaulettes, aiguillette on left shoulder. White buttons.

Dark blue breeches with crimson side band. Black light cavalry boots.

Scarlet czapska with white piping emblazoned with sun-rising stamped plate, copper ray, silver centre with copper imperial N. Short white plume inserted in a tricolour cockade.

White leather-work. Swordbelt with copper buckle. Sabre of light cavalry pattern. Copper hilt and iron sheath.

Shabraque of dark blue cloth without edging.

NCO 1st regiment

Troopers’ dress with silver rank stripes over the cuffs. Aiguillette of mixed silver and red thread on right shoulder. Cord and flounders of mixed silver and red thread. NCO carried no lance. 2nd regiment

Troopers’ dress with gold rank stripes over the cuffs. Aiguillette of mixed gold and red thread on right shoulder. Cords and flounders of mixed gold and red thread. NCO carried no lance.

3rd regiment

Troopers’ dress with gold rank stripes over the cuffs.

Officers 1st regiment

Troopers’ dress. All white ornament become silver. Crimson breeches with silver side band. White leather-work with red edging. Schabraque with silver band and crimson piping. 2nd regiment

Troopers’ dress. All light orange ornament become gold. Sash of red cloth with gold stripes. Scarlet breeches, gold side band with blue middle piping. Red leather-work with gold edging. Schabraque with silver band and crimson piping. 3e régiment

Troopers’ dress. All light orange ornament become gold.

Trumpeters

1st regiment

White kurtka, lapels, collar and pointed cuffs crimson with silver edging. Silver buttonhole laces. Crimson epaulettes with silver piping and fringes of mixed silver and red thread. Aiguillette of mixed silver and red thread Crimson breeches with silver side band. White Czapska with red piping. Silver cord and flounders. Crimson plume with silver top. Shabraque edged with silver band and crimson outer piping. Trumpet with cord and tassels of mixed silver and red thread. Crimson pennon embroidered with a silver imperial eagle surrounded by silver laurels.

2nd regiment

White kurtka, lapels, collar and pointed cuffs crimson with gold edging. Gold buttonhole laces. Crimson epaulettes with gold piping and fringes of mixed gold and red thread. Aiguillette of mixed gold and red thread. Scarlet breeches, gold side band with blue middle piping. White Czapska with piping, cord and flounders of mixed gold and red thread. Scarlet plume with silver top. Scarlet shabraque edged with gold band and outer piping. Trumpet with cord and tassels of mixed gold and red thread. Blue fringed pennon embroidered with a imperial eagle under a banderole wearing the regiment’s name.

Corps des dragons

1806 Further to imperial decree of 15 April, a regiment of dragoons is created with the same establishment as the regiment of Horse Grenadiers. The empress decides to be the godmother of this regiment which is nicknamed Empress’ Dragoons.

1807 Strength is augmented by two squadrons to 1269 men.

1812 The regiment is augmented by a squadrons which belongs to Young Guard .This squadron becomes on 12 January the 2nd regiment of Dragoons of the Guard but is disbanded the same year and used to replenish the first regiment.

1814 With the First Restoration, renamed Corps Royal des Dragons de France.

1815 Resumed Imperial title, and took part at the Hundred Days campaign.

Troopers

Dark green habit with white squared lapels, green collar, scarlet rounded cuffs with white flaps. Scarlet turnbacks ornamented with light orange grenade devices on white patches. Vertical skirt pockets simulated by a scarlet piping. Light orange epaulettes without fringes. Light orange aiguillette on right shoulder (Young Guard squadrons do not wear this aiguillette). Copper buttons.

White waistcoat , buff breeches, black heavy cavalry boots.

Helmet of the Minerve style, with copper crown and crest. Turban in leopard-skin imitation. Black horse-hair mane and tuft. Scarlet plume. Copper chinstrap and peak strengthening.

White leather-work. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a crowned eagle. Swordbelt with copper buckle stamped with a grenade.

Sabre of Guard Heavy Cavalry pattern, white swordknot, black leather scabbard covered by a copper sheet. Cavalry musket with brass fittings and bayonet.

Shabraque, portemanteau and holster dark green edged with light orange band and piping, shabraque embroidered with light orange imperial crown in the rear corners. Black leather French harness. Chestnut horses.

NCO

Troopers’ dress with rank stripes.

Officers

Troopers’ dress with gold rank epaulettes. All light orange ornament become gold.

Trumpeters

Troopers’ dress in sky blue cloth. Lapels, collar, cuffs, cuffs flaps and turnbacks with gold edging. After 1810, white habit, lapels, collar, cuffs, cuffs flaps and turnbacks sky blue with gold edging. Sky blue epaulettes with gold crescent and edging. Aiguillette of mixed sky blue and gold thread. Trumpet with cord and tassels of mixed sky blue and gold thread.

 

Corps des dragons

2nd Scout lancers Regiment

1813 Further to imperial decree of 9 December, the 2nd regiment of Scout Lancers of the Guard is created and organised in 4 squadrons of 250 troops.

1814 The regiment is disbanded and his men reintegrated in line. Troopers

Troupe

Green coat. Crimson collar with green edging. Crimson pointed cuffs, turnbacks and shoulder straps. . Soubise style skirt pockets simulated by a crimson piping. Copper buttons.

Green overalls with crimson side and bottom band. Black light boots.

Crimson shako. Crimson top band embroidered with black loops and piping. Light orange cord. White plume over a pompon in company colour inserted in a tricolour cockade. Black leather chinstrap.

Black leather-work. Black cartridge pouch. Light cavalry sabre with copper hilt and iron sheath, white swordknot. Black wood lance and pistols for the lancers ranks, carbine and bayonet for the carabiniers ranks.

Shabraque and portemanteau of green cloth edged with white band and scarlet piping. Black leather light cavalry harness. Leather saddle without schabraque. green coat rolled over the pommel. Crimson portemanteau edged with light orange band and piping. Black leather light cavalry harness.

NCO

Troopers’ dress, with silver rank stripes over the cuffs. NCO carried neither lance nor carbine.

Officers

Troopers’ dress. Shako’s top band embroidered with gold loops, cord ended by flounders fastened on right side of the chest. Gold rank epaulettes. Black leather-work with gold edging. Black cartridge pouch with gold edged flap bearing a gold eagle. Green schabraque edged with gold band and green piping, embroidered with imperial crowned eagle in the rear corners. Black leather harness with gold ornaments.

Trumpeters

Troopers’ dress in sky blue cloth. Collar and cuffs with light orange edging. Trumpet with cord and tassel of mixed green and light orange thread. Grey horses.