Regiment of La Tour d’Auvergne
1st foreign regiment
The regiment is raised on 30th, September 1805 in Wissemburg, mainly using austrian and russian POW. Strength is 3 battalions with same establishment as in French light infantry regiments. At the end of 1806 regiment is posted in the Army of Naples.
In 1809 a fourth battalion is raised using Austrian prisoners. This battalion is posted in Spain.
In 1810, regiment is augmented to six battalions with six companies each. . _ In 1811, regiment is renamed 1st foreign regiment and 4th battalion joins other five in Italy.
At the end of 1813 when foreign troops are disarmed all battalions but 1st and 2nd are disbanded and strength transferred in a pioneers’ battalion. Regiment is formally disbanded at the end of 1814.
Unit commanders
29 November 1805: Godefroy de La Tour d’Auvergne d’Apchier
13 February 1809: Louis Drummond de Melfort
31 March 1811: Jean-Baptiste Danlion
8 April 1813: Louis Drummond de Melfort
Battles
1814: Mincio
Chasseurs
French cut dress with long tails in dark green cloth. Scarlet collar piped white. White fringed epaulets. Green pointed lapels piped white. Scarlet cuffs piped white with green flaps piped white. Green turnbacks piped white and vertical pockets simulated by a white piping. White metal buttons.
From 1807, same dress with short tails and green cuffs piped white with scarlet flaps piped white.
In 1813, new cut habit-vest with same ornaments. Epaulets are replaced by green shoulder straps piped white.
Green waistcoat. Green breeches. High gaiters, white in summer dress and black in winter dress, replaced by short ones in 1809.
Black felt cocked hat with green plume over French tricolour cockade with white strap.
From 1807, black felt shako with black leather top and base bands bearing a white metal rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. Ball pompon in company colour and green plume over French tricolour cockade with white strap. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak and white metal chinscales.
From 1809, brass plate with eagle over shield base stamped with regimental number. Brass chinscales.
In 1813, new type shako with standard light infantry plate, white metal eagle over shield base stamped with regimental number. Plume, cords and flounders are suppressed.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch. Infantry sabre with white sabre strap.
Carabineers
Scarlet fringed epaulets. Turnbacks bearing a scarlet grenade patch. Black fur bearskin without plate or cloth top and scarlet plume cords and flounders. Light infantry heart-shaped gaiters with scarlet trim and tassel. Cartridge pouch bearing a brass grenade. Scarlet sabre strap.
Bearskin is replaced in 1813 by the new type shako with scarlet top, base and side V bands and scarlet tufted pompon.
Voltigeurs
Green fringed epaulets with yellow moon. Turnbacks bearing a yellow horn patch. Green plume with yellow top and green cords and flounders. Light infantry heart-shaped gaiters with yellow trim and tassel. Green sabre strap with yellow tassel.
In 1813 shako with yellow top, base and side V bands and green pompon with yellow tuft.
NCOs
Rank lace in white or silver cloth on both sleeves. For sergeants, moon of epaulets, cords and flounders mixed with silver thread.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with long tails. Silver rank insignias (epaulets and shako top bands). Black Hungarian boots with silver trim and tassel. For field officers, white plume in silver tulip and French saddle with green schabraque laced silver.
Drummers
Troopers’ dress with red lace on collar, lapels and cuffs.
Sappers
Grenadiers’ dress with sapper’s insignias (crossed axes over a grenade) in white cloth on both sleeves. Whitened leather apron. Shoulder belts bearing brass crossed axes. Sappers axe and sabre.
Musicians
Troopers’ dress in reversed colours, scarlet with green facing, with silver lace on collar, lapels, cuffs, pockets and shako top. Silver trefoil epaulets. White plume and pompon. Green breeches and black Hungarian boots with silver trim and tassel.
From 1809, green troopers’ dress with same ornaments.
Flags
First three battalions were granted with an eagle and a flag of Challiot type, motto unknown.
Regiment is granted in 1813 with a flag of new type, without battle honours, probably with the inscription :
L’EMPEREUR
NAPOLEON
AU 1ER RÉGIMENT
ÉTRANGER
Regiment of Isembourg
2nd foreign regiment
The regiment is raised on 1st, November 1805 in Mainz, mainly using Austrian and Russian prisoners. Strength is 3 battalions with same establishment as in French light infantry regiments. At the end of 1806 regiment is posted in the Army of Italy and at the end of 1807 in the Army of Naples.
In 1809 a fourth battalion is raised using Austrian prisoners. This battalion is posted in Spain.
In 1810, regiment is augmented to six battalions with six companies each. At that time, two battalions are posted in Corfu island, one in Spain and three in Naples.
In 1811, regiment is renamed 2nd Foreign Regiment and 4th battalion joins other five in Italy.
At the end of 1813 when foreign troops are disarmed, two battalions are disbanded so only one is left in the Army of Italy and two in Corfu. At the end of 1814 the regiment is integrated in Royal Army.
Unit commanders
1 November 1805: Charles d’Isembourg
6 January 1807: Guillaume O’Meara
12 October 1808: Phillipe Stieler de Landoville
23 January 1811: Jean Barre
28 January 1813: Adrien Meijer
Battles
1808: Capri
Chasseurs
French cut dress with long tails in sky blue cloth. Yellow collar piped white. Yellow epaulets with green moon and fringes. Sky blue pointed lapels piped white. Sky blue pointed cuffs piped white. Sky blue turnbacks piped white and vertical pockets simulated by a white piping. White metal buttons.
From 1809, same dress with short tails and epaulets replaced by sky blue shoulder straps piped white.
In 1813, new cut habit-vest with same ornaments.
Sky blue or white waistcoat. Sky blue breeches. Short black gaiters.
Black felt shako with black leather top and base bands bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. Sky blue ball pompon over French cockade with white strap. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak and white metal chinscales.
In 1813, new type shako with standard light infantry plate, white metal eagle over shield base stamped with regimental number. Ball pompon is often replaced by a lenticular one with company coloured rim and white enamelled centre with battalion number painted in black.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch. Infantry sabre with white sabre strap.
Sabre disappears in 1808.
Carabineers
Scarlet fringed epaulets with white moon. Turnbacks bearing a scarlet grenade patch. Black fur bearskin without plate or cloth top and scarlet plume and white cords and flounders. Light infantry heart-shaped gaiters with scarlet trim and tassel. Cartridge pouch bearing a brass grenade plate. Scarlet sabre strap.
Bearskin is replaced in 1813 by the new type shako with scarlet top, base and side V bands and scarlet plume.
Voltigeurs
Green fringed epaulets with yellow moon. Turnbacks bearing a yellow horn patch. Green plume with yellow top and green cords and flounders. Light infantry heart-shaped gaiters with yellow trim and tassel. Green sabre strap.
In 1813 shako with yellow top, base and side V bands.
NCOs
Rank lace in white or silver cloth on both sleeves. For sergeants, moon of epaulets, cords and flounders mixed with silver thread.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with long tails. Silver rank insignias (epaulets and shako top bands). Voltigeurs officers are often shown with a black fur busby with sky blue bag piped silver. Black Hungarian boots with silver trim and tassel. For field officers, white plume in silver tulip and French saddle with sky blue schabraque laced silver.
Drummers
Troopers’ dress with white lace on collar, lapels and cuffs. Drummers of centre companies wear sky blue swallow nests laced white.
Sappers
Grenadiers’ dress with sapper’s insignias (grenade over crossed axes) in white cloth on both sleeves. Whitened leather apron. Shoulder belts bearing brass crossed axes. Sappers axe and sabre.
Musicians
Troopers’ dress with silver lace on collar. Silver trefoil epaulets. Black fur busby with sky blue bag piped white and white plume, pompon, cords and flounders. Black Hungarian boots with white trim and tassel.
Flags
First three battalions were granted with an eagle and a flag of Challiot type, motto unknown. Regiment is granted in 1813 with a flag of new type, without battle honours, probably with the inscription :
L’EMPEREUR
NAPOLEON
AU 2ME RÉGIMENT
ÉTRANGER
Irish Regiment
3rd Foreign Regiment
The Irish legion raised on 31st, August 1803 as a single light battalion of one elite and eight chasseurs companies. It is at first posted to Channel coast and in 1807 to Walcheren garrison.
At the beginning of 1808, Legion detached a provisional battalion that is sent in Spain. At the end of 1808, the Legion is renamed Irish Regiment with two battalions strength. Strength is augmented to four battalions in 1809 but falls down to three after 1st battalion surrender at Flushing.
In 1811, regiment is renamed 3rd foreign regiment and all three battalions are gathered in Walcheren. 1st and 2nd battalions take part in the Germany campaign of 1813.
The Irish Regiment is integrated in the Royal Army at the end of 1814 and renamed as 7th Foreign Regiment during the Hundred Days. It is disbanded in 1815.
Unit commanders
1804: Antoine Petrezzoli
17 May 1809: Daniel O’Meara
8 February 1812: William Lawless
4 December 1813: Jean-François Mahony
Battles
1809 : Walcheren
1813 : Löwenberg
Chasseurs
French cut dress with long tails in dark green cloth. Yellow collar. Green fringed epaulets with scarlet crescent. Yellow pointed lapels. Yellow pointed cuffs. Yellow turnbacks bearing green horn patches, vertical pockets simulated by a yellow piping. Yellow buttons.
From 1811, same dress with green lapels piped yellow. Green cuffs piped yellow with yellow flaps piped green. Green turnbacks piped yellow. White metal buttons stamped with « Régiment étranger » around number 3.
In 1813 the regiments probably perceived the new cut habit with same ornaments, epaulets replaced with green cloth shoulder flaps piped yellow
White waistcoat. White or green breeches. Heart shaped short black gaiters with green lace and red tassel.
From 1811, green waistcoat.
From 1813, standard short gaiters.
Black felt cocked hat. Green plume with scarlet top over French cockade with white strap.
From 1806, black felt shako with black leather top and base bands bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. Green plume or ball pompon over French tricolour cockade with white strap. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chin scales.
From 1811, plate die cut with the number 3 and white metal chinscales.
From 1813, new type shako with white metal eagle over shield base stamped with regimental number. Company coloured pompon.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch and infantry sabre with white strap.
The sabre is suppressed in centre companies in 1810.
Carabineers
Centre companies dress with scarlet fringed epaulets. Shako with red top band, plume, pompon, cord and flounders. Red grenade patch on turnbacks. Scarlet sabre strap.
With the 1811 dress, centre companies’ shako with red plume, cord and flounders.
With the 1813 dress, shako with red top and bottom bands and side V, red brush plume.
Voltigeurs
Centre companies dress with green epaulets with yellow crescent and fringes. Shako with yellow top band, green plume with yellow top and green pompon, cord and flounders. Green horn patch on turnbacks. Green sabre strap.
With the 1811 dress, centre companies’ shako with green plume with yellow top and green cord and flounders.
With the 1813 dress, shako with yellow top and bottom bands and side V, yellow brush plume.
NCOs
Rank lace in white or silver cloth on both sleeves. For sergeants, crescent of epaulets, cords and flounders mixed with silver thread.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with long tails. Silver rank insignias (epaulets and shako top bands). Black Hungarian boots with silver trim and tassel. For field officers, white plume in silver tulip and French saddle with green schabraque laced silver.
Drummers
Troopers’ dress with gold lace on collar, lapels and cuffs. Five yellow lace chevrons embroidered with green rhomboids on both sleeves.
With the 1811 dress laces on collar, lapels and cuffs are suppressed.
In 1813 the imperial livery is adopted.
Sappers
Grenadiers’ dress with sappers’ insignias (a grenade over crossed axes) in white cloth on both sleeves. Whitened leather apron. Shoulder belts bearing brass crossed axes. Sappers axe and sabre.
Musicians
With the 1811 dress, troopers’ dress with silver lace around collar, lapels, cuffs, cuff flaps and pockets. White plume. Black leather Hungarian boots with silver lace and tassel.
Flags
The Irish Legion was issued in 1804 with an eagle, with green silk flag of 80x80cm with gold fringes bearing on the obverse the words :
L’EMPEREUR
DES FRANÇAIS
À LA LÉGION
IRLANDAISE
in gold letters and on the reverse a gold Irish harp above the words
L’INDÉPENDANCE
DE L’IRLANDE
in gold. _2nd to 4th battalions are granted with flags of the same type but without eagle._ In 1812 this flag is replaced by a standard French flag of 1811 type without battle honours that can have worn the words :
L’EMPEREUR
NAPOLÉON
AU 3ME RÉGIMENT
ÉTRANGER
Regiment of Prussia
4e Foreign Regiment
The Regiment of Prussia is raised in November 1806 in Leipzig, mainly using Prussian prisoners. Strength is 3 battalions with same establishment as in French light infantry regiments. In 1807 regiment is posted in Observation Corps of the Escaut, employed in Walcheren and Flushing garrisons.
In 1808 the 1st battalion is sent to Spain in the 3rd Division of Observation Corps of the Coast. In 1809, 2nd and 3rd battalions become prisoners when Flushing surrenders to British forces. They are both reconstructed in Lille and 2nd leaves for Spain at the beginning of 1810. In August 1810, 1st and 2nd battalions are gathered in a new 1st battalion. Regimental strength is two battalions, one in Spain and the other in Walcheren.
In 1811, regiment is renamed 4th Foreign Regiment and is augmented to the regulated five battalions strength, with 2nd and 3rd battalions posted in Walcheren garrison and 1st, 4th and 5th battalions posted in Spain.
At the end of 1813 when foreign troops are disarmed the three battalions posted in Spain are disbanded and strength transferred in a pioneers’ battalion. Regiment is formally disbanded at the end of 1814.
Unit commanders
13 November 1806: Charles d’Isembourg
29 January 1808: Fortune de Hartmanis
6 August 1813: Jean Falba
Battles
1809 : Walcheren
1810 : Busaco
Chasseurs
Initially, Prussian cut coat in dark green cloth. Scarlet collar. Green shoulder straps. Scarlet lapels closed down to the waist. Scarlet rounded cuffs. Scarlet turnbacks. Brass buttons.
From 1808, french cut short tailed coat in dark green cloth. Scarlet collar piped green. Green shoulder straps piped scarlet. Green pointed lapels piped scarlet. Green cuffs piped scarlet with scarlet flaps. Green turnbacks piped scarlet with vertical pockets simulated by a scarlet piping. White metal buttons.
In 1813, new type habit-vest, scarlet collar piped white, green lapels piped scarlet closed down to the waist and scarlet pointed cuffs. White metal buttons.
Green waistcoat. Green kersey breeches and black heart-shaped gaiters with yellow lace and tassel.
A partir de 1808, demi-guêtres simples.
Initially, Prussian light infantry shako in black felt bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with a crowned N. white plume over French cockade. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak.
From 1808, French type shako in black felt with black leather top and bottom band bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with an imperial eagle over the words “REGIMENT DE PRUSSE”. Green plume and pompon over French cockade with white strap. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chinscales.
From 1813, new type shako with white metal eagle over shield plate. Plume and cords are suppressed.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch. Infantry sabre with white sabre strap.
Carabineers
In Prussian dress, shako bearing a brass grenade plate and scarlet plume and cords.
In French dress, centre companies’ dress with scarlet fringed epaulets. Shako with red plume, cord and flounders.
Voltigeurs
In Prussian dress, shako bearing a brass horn plate and yellow plume and cords.
In French dress, centre companies’ dress with yellow fringed epaulets with green crescent. Shako with green plume with yellow top, yellow cords and flounders.
NCOs
Rank lace in yellow or gold on both sleeves. For sergeants, crescent of epaulets, cords and flounders mixed with green and gold thread.
In Prussian dress, gold laces to shako.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with long tails. Gold rank insignias (epaulets and shako top bands). Black Hungarian boots with gold trim and tassel.
In Prussian dress, gold aiguillette and trefoil epaulet on right shoulder.
Drummers
In Prussian dress, troopers’ dress in white cloth, collar, lapels and cuffs trimmed with a white lace with central red stripe. Red shoulder straps and white swallow’s nests with red lace trim and red and white fringes.
In French dress, troopers’ dress in white cloth with scarlet lapels. Collar, lapels and cuffs trimmed with a red and white lace. White swallow’s nests with red lace trim and red and white fringes. Five red and white chevron laces on sleeves.
Sappers
Grenadiers’ dress with sapper’s badge (grenade over crossed axes) in red cloth on both sleeves. Whitened leather apron, sapper’s axe and sabre.
In the French dress, black fur bearskin with scarlet plume and cords
Musicians
In Prussian dress, single breasted coat in scarlet cloth with green piping. Green collar and cuffs laced gold. Black felt cocked hat with green plume.
Flags
First three battalions were granted with a flag without eagle of Challiot type with empty corner laurels. The flag bears in the centre the words :
L’EMPEREUR
DES FRANÇAIS
AU RÉGIMENT
PRUSSIEN
Regiment is granted in 1813 with a flag of new type, without battle honours, probably with the inscription :
L’EMPEREUR
NAPOLEON
AU 4ME RÉGIMENT
ÉTRANGER
The Hanoverian Legion
General Mortier, governor of Hannover, creates the Hanoverian Legion on August 12th 1803. This legion was intended to include both infantry and cavalry troops.
Infantry
Following the final formation decree of April 15th 1804, the infantry component of the legion is raised as a Light Infantry Regiment of two battalions, each composed of one grenadier and four chasseurs companies. Difficulties of recruitment led to reorganize it in 1806 as a single battalion of eight companies.
The regiment is first posted in Germany and transferred to Avignon in France at the end of 1805 and to the Atlantic coast in 1807. In August 1807 it becomes part of the Gironde Observation Corps which leaves to Spain with the Army of Portugal in January 1808. It takes part in the battles of Benavente and Oporto.
A voltigeur company is raised in the battalion on February 25th 1809 and on September 30th 1809 the remnants of Regiment Westphalia are incorporated in Hanoverian Regiment as its second battalion.
The regiment then takes part in the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and battles of Busaco and Fuentes d’Onoro. Finally the regiment is disbanded in August 1811 and the remaining strength dispatched between other German speaking regiments (3rd and 4th Foreign and 127th, 128th and 129th Line Regiments).
Unit commander
12 August 1803 : Louis Striffler
Battles
1809 : Oporto
1810 : Ciudad Rodrigo, Busaco
1811 : Fuentes de Onoro
Chasseurs
Until 1808, German cut then French cut coat in red cloth. Dark blue collar piped white. Green fringed epaulets. Dark blue lapels (square cut for French cut coat) piped white. Dark blue rounded cuffs piped white then with French cut coat dark blue cuffs with red flaps piped white. White turnbacks bearing blue horn patches and vertical pockets simulated by a blue piping. White metal buttons.
Some sources indicate collar, cuffs and cuffs flaps without piping, lapels piped red and blue turnbacks bearing white horns.
White vest and breeches. Black short gaiters and shoes.
Black felt shakos with black leather top and bottom bands bearing a white metal rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. White cords and breeches. Green plume and spherical pompon above tricolour cockade with white strap. White metal chinscales.
French infantry equipment, white leatherwork and black leather cartridge pouch. French infantry sabre, white leather strap with green knot.
Carabineers
Troopers dress with white epaulets. Black fur bearskin bearing a white metal or brass plate stamped with imperial eagle. Red plume, white cords and flounders. Red sabre strap. White metal chinscales.
Some sources indicate red epaulets and chasseur shako with red plume, cords and flounders.
Voltigeurs
Troopers dress with green epaulets with yellow crescents. Green plume with yellow top, green cords and flounders. Green sabre strap with yellow knot.
NCOs
Troopers dress with white or silver piped blue rank laces.
For sergeants, epaulets with silver crescent and fringes mixed with silver.
Officers
Troopers dress with long tails with silver or silvered ornaments. Silver rank insignias (epaulets and shako band).
Sword with swordbelt worn on right shoulder.
Drummers
Troopers dress in reversed colour, dark blue with red collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks. Collar and lapels laced white and white chevrons on both sleeves.
Flags
It seems probable that Legion infantry was granted with a flag of Picot type at the end of 1804 or at the beginning of 1805. Flag with a simple gilded pike finial and 150x150cm silk with red and blue corner triangles surrounding the central white diamond painted with the words :
L’EMPEREUR
DES FRANÇAIS
A LA LÉGION
HANOVRIENNE
In gold on obverse and :
VALEUR
ET
DISCIPLINE
On reverse. Hollow corner wreath with silver background.
Cavalry
Following the final formation decree of April 13th 1804, the cavalry component of the legion is raised as a Light Horses Regiment of three squadrons of 120 men each.
The regiment is at first based in Germany and transferred to Avignon in France at the end of 1804. He is then assigned to the Army of Italy in September 1805 and to the Army of Naples in 1806.
The regiment returns shortly in Germany to be posted in Spain in 1808.
In September 1809 the strength is augmented to four squadrons.
The regiment is disbanded on August 9th 1811 and the remaining strength dispatched between 1st Hussars and 9th Light Horses Regiments.
Unit commander
24 October 1803 : Charles Evers
Battles
1809 : Coruna
Light horses
Single breasted coat in dark green cloth closed down by a row of nine buttons. Green shoulder straps piped buff. Buff piping in front of coat. Buff pointed cuffs. Buff turnbacks. Copper buttons.
Buff breeches with green Hungarian knots and side bands. Black leather Hungarian boots with buff lace and tassel.
In campaign dress, green overalls with black leather insert.
Black felt shako with black leather top and bottom bands bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. Green ball pompon over tricolour cockade with yellow strap. Brass chinscales.
Light buff leatherwork and black leather cartridge pouch. At first Hanoverian dragoons sabre then French hussars sabre with single bar brass hilt and iron scabbard. Light buff sabre strap.
Black leather light cavalry harness. White sheepskin shabraque with buff wolf teeth and green cloth cylindrical portmanteau laced buff
NCOs
Troopers dress with yellow or gold piped yellow rank laces.
Officers
Troopers dress with long tails with gold or gilded ornaments. Gold rank insignias (epaulets and shako band). Knötel and Carl show officer, maybe belonging to staff, wearing a black fur colpack with red, yellow or red bag and white plume with yellow or red top..
Drummers
Troopers dress with buff buttonholes laces across chest. Green plume with red top. Brass trumpet with green cord.
Standards
Each squadron may have been granted at the end of 1804 with a standard of Challiot type with a simple gilded pike finial. 60x80cm silk with red and blue corner triangles surrounding the central white diamond painted with the words :
L’EMPEREUR
DES FRANÇAIS
A LA LÉGI
ON
HANOVRIENNE
In gold on obverse and :
VALEUR
ET
DISCIPLINE
On reverse. Hollow corner wreath.
Sedentary Croatian regiments
Illyrian Chasseurs
The six Austrian Grenzer regiments forming the bulk of the Croatian land forces were incorporated as such in French and renamed Sedentary (or Provincial) Croatian Regiments.
The imperial order of May 22nd, 1810 regulated the new uniform for these regiments seems to have introduced at the same time the name “Illyrian Chasseurs” with the following correspondence :
All six regiments were disbanded at the end of 1813 when the provinces faced invasion by Coalition forces
Unit commanders
1er
o1 January 1810: Marc Slivarich von Heldenbourg
o1811 : vacant
2e
o3 January 1810: Louis Meynadier
o17 April 1810: Pierre Winter
o1812 : Colonel Robert Gordon
o1813 : vacant
3e
o20 December 1809: Joseph Serrant
o1811: Colonel Xavier Holevatz
o1812: vacant
4e
o27 May 1810: Jacques Souslier de Choisy
o1812: Colonel Xavier Holevatz
5e
o30 December 1809: Etienne Joly
o1811: vacant
6e
o28 December 1809: Jacques Boudin de Tromelin
o1813: vacant
Chasseurs
Initially men kept their Austrian dress, with old Austrian features suppressed or replaced by their French counterpart. Brown single breasted coat closed down by a single row of ten buttons. Facings colour collar. Facings colour pointed cuffs. Facings colour turnbacks. Buttons following regiment.
From 1810, dark blue single breasted coat closed down by a single row of nine buttons. Facings colour collar. Facings colour piping in front of coat. Facings colour pointed cuffs. Facings colour turnbacks. White metal buttons.
Uniforms replacement seems to have been very slow so the Austrian brown dress was still worn in 1813 – sometimes with a brownish black colour following attempt to dye them with blue.
White vest and brown or sky blue Hungarian style trousers and white overalls for marching order.
From 1810, dark blue Hungarian style trousers.
Conical black felt Grenzer shako bearing French cockade with white strap. Black leather peak and chinstrap.
From 1810, French black felt shako with black leather bottom and top band bearing a rhomboid white metal plate stamped with regimental number. Company colour ball shaped pompon over French cockade. White metal chinscales.
Austrian equipment. White leatherwork and black leather cartridge pouch.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with silver or silvered rank insignias (epaulets and shako features).
Fanions
There is in Vienna a fanion that can be granted to these regiments. Fanion of white cloth with silver fringes bearing the diagonal inscription :
3EME ILLYRIEN IEME BON
Natural wood staff with white metal spearpoint finial
After the disastrous Russian Campaign the French army tries by all means to compensate for the enormous cavalry losses sustained during retreat. The governor of the Illyrian Provinces, general Bertrand, orders on February 11th 1813 to each Illyrian Chasseurs Regiment to detach a troop of 100 men mounted and equipped as cavalryman. This decision is confirmed by the imperial decree of February 23rd that raises the 1st Croatian Hussars Regiment with strength of three squadrons.
As organisation proceeds the regiment is called, along with 4th Illyrian Chasseurs Regiment (Sluin) to fight back a Turkish raid.
Before reaching his full definitive establishment of six squadrons, the regiment is sent to Lyon in August 1813 to avoid being faced to Austrian troops.
The imperial decree of November 25th 1813 disbanding all foreign regiments is applied there to the hussars. On November 25th the Croats are disarmed and transformed into a battalion of Pioneers of five companies.
Unit commander
28 January 1813 : Bernard Pruès
Hussars
Hussars dress, sky blue dolman with white braids and laces. Light buff collar laced white. Buff pointed cuffs laced white.
Iron grey pelisse with white braids and laces and black fur trim.
White wool hussar sash with crimson barrels and tassels. White metal buttons.
Iron grey breeches with white Hungarian knots and side laces. Black leather Hungarian boots with white trim and tassel.
Iron grey overcoat and iron grey overalls with black leather inserts.
French black felt shako with black leather top and bottom bands bearing a white metal rhomboid plated stamped with “1 HUSSARDS CROATES” or “HUSSARDS CROATES” or “1”. Company coloured ball pompon over French cockade. White metal chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather sabretache bearing a white metal eagle over “1 HUSSARDS CROATES”. Light cavalry sabre with white sabre strap.
Black leather light cavalry harness. Black sheepskin saddle cover with buff wolfteeth. Iron grey portmanteau laced white.
Trumpeters
Forthoffer shows a trumpeter with troopers’ dress laced with imperial livery on both arms.
Illyrian Regiment
The Illyrian regiment is raised by decree of November 16th 1810 to incorporate in French army all Austrian prisoners of war originating from Illyrian provinces not submitted to the sedentary land forces system and from the territories of Istria and Fiume.
Organised as light infantry regiment in Turin it is established to four war battalions of six companies each. It takes part in the Russian campaign within Marshal Ney IIIrd Army Corps in General Razout 11th Infantry Division. After retreat, remnants are gathered in a single battalion for the campaign in Germany.
The Illyrian Regiment is disbanded on November 25th 1813.
Unit commanders
2 March 1811: Nicolas Schmitz
1st August 1813: Jean Muller
Batailles
1812: Krasnoië, Beresina
1813: Leipzig
Chasseurs
French cut coat in dark blue cloth. Scarlet collar piped white. Scarlet shoulder straps and swallow nets piped white. Blue pointed lapels piped white. Blue pointed cuffs piped white. Blue turnbacks piped white and vertical pockets simulated by a white piping. White metal buttons.
Blue vest piped white. Blue breeches and heart shaped black gaiters with white trim and tassel.
French black felt shako with black leather top and bottom bands bearing a white metal rhomboid plate stamped with a hunting horn. Scarlet ball pompon and plume over French cockade with white strap. Black leather peak and white metal chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch.
Corps d’origine italienne
Piemond’s Legions - Legion of the South
Premier Consul Bonaparte orders on may 18th, 1803 to raise four Piedmont’s Legions among former soldiers living in French departments of Italy.
Each legion is planned to comprise five line battalions – of four centre and one grenadiers companies –, two light battalions with same strength and one artillery battery. This strength was however never reached as poor recruitment allowed raising only a single legion of 4000 men at first named Piedmont’s Legion then, from June 30th, 1804, Legion of the South.
In June 1805 1st battalion is sent to Martinique and 2nd to Santo Domingo where they are disbanded in May 1807 and their remaining strength distributed among 5th Light and 37th and 89th Line regiments.
Following this the 3rd and 4th battalions remaining in France are re-titled as 1st and 2nd battalions and take part in the invasion of Portugal in 1807 and in the campaign of 1808. At the beginning of 1810, both war and depot battalions are regrouped in a single war battalion comprising six companies, one grenadiers, one voltigeurs and four fusiliers.
On August 11th, 1811 the Legion is disbanded with the strength remaining in Spain transferred to 31st Line Regiment and those remaining in France and Italy transferred to 11th Light Regiment.
Unit commanders:
22 décembre1803: Joseph Chevillard de Marlioz
27 janvier 1807: Jean-Pierre Maransin
1810-1811 Battalion chief Charles Spring
Main battles:
1809 Coruna
1810 Busaco
1811 Fuentes de Onoro
Fusiliers
Projected uniform 1803
Long tailed coat of iron grey cloth. Legion coloured collar. Legion coloured shoulder straps. Red squared lapels. Legion coloured cuffs. Grey turnbacks piped red, horizontal or vertical pockets simulated by a red piping. White metal or brass buttons.
White waistcoat. White kersey breeches. Black high gaiters and black shoes.
Black felt cocked hat. Red pompon over cockade with white strap.
White leatherwork.
Legion Collar Shoulder straps Cuffs Pockets Buttons
1st grey grey grey vertical white
2nd grey grey scarlet vertical white
3rd écarlate grey scarlet horizontal yellow
4th écarlate scarlet scarlet vertical yellow
grey parts have a scarlet piping
Uniform 1804-1811
The Legions’ dress is modified to brown cloth with sky blue facings by a decree of July 23rd, 1803, with facing colours initially attributed as before. The sole legion actually raised seems to have worn the dress of 4th Legion thereafter described.
Short tailed coat of brown cloth. Sky blue collar. Green epaulets with red crescent and fringes. Sky blue lapels. Sky blue cuffs with brown flaps piped blue. White turnbacks piped blue, vertical pockets simulated by a blue piping. Brass buttons.
Dress seems to have been modified again in 1807-1808 with all green epaulets, all blue cuffs flaps and turnbacks.
White waistcoat. White kersey breeches. Black high gaiters and black shoes.
Helmet with black leather skull and brass comb bearing a brass plate stamped with imperial eagle. Green horsehair tuft. Black leather peak and neck guard with brass strengthening. Brass chinscales.
From 1807-1808, black felt shako with black leather top and bottom band bearing a rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. Green pompon. Black leather peak and brass chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch and infantry sabre with white strap with green tassel with red fringes.
Grenadiers
Scarlet fringed epaulets. Black fur bearskin bearing a brass plate stamped with a grenade then an eagle. Red cords flounders and plume. Red sabre strap.
Chasseurs of light battalions
Green fringed epaulets with yellow moon.
In first uniform, pointed cuffs, other details as before.
Brown lapels piped blue. Brown kersey breeches. Black felt shako, yellow plume with green top on left side, green cords and flounders.
Voltigeurs
Green fringed epaulets with yellow moon. Green cords and flounders and green plume with yellow top.
NCOs
Troopers’ dress with orange or gold rank laces on both sleeves.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with gold rank epaulets.
Drummers
Troopers’ dress with white lace on collar and lapels and in chevron on both sleeves.
Gunners
Long tailed coat of dark blue cloth. Scarlet collar piped blue. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Blue squared lapels piped scarlet. Scarlet cuffs with blue flaps piped red. Scarlet turnbacks, vertical pockets simulated by a red piping. Brass buttons.
Dark blue waistcoat and kersey breeches. Black high gaiters and black shoes.
Black felt cocked hat. Red dropping plume over cockade with white strap.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch and infantry sabre.
Flag
Each battalion was granted in 1805 with an eagle and a flag of unknown type and motto.
Corps d’origine italienne
Po Tirailleurs
The order of April 20th, 1803 raises a new unit intended to enrol volunteers of the former Piedmont’s army. At first entitled Expeditionary Piedmont’s Battalion its name was changed on April 24th to Po Tirailleurs Battalion. Battalion was composed of one carabineers and eight chasseurs companies, each of 100 men.
Po Tirailleurs are posted to 4th Army Corps (Marshal Soult) in 1st Brigade (General Merle) of 3rd Division (General Legrand) and take part in 1805, 1806 and 1807 campaigns in Germany.
For the Austrian Campaign, Tirailleurs are transferred in Grenadiers Reserve Corps (General Oudinot) in Coehorn Brigade of 12th Division (General Claparède).
By Decision of August 11th, 1811, Po Tirailleurs Battalion is disbanded and his strength transferred in the 2nd battalion of a new 11th light infantry regiment.
Unit commanders
2 February 1803: Jean-Dominique Borghese
23 January 1804: Bernard Cattaneo
1805: Brun-Cussan
1st November 1805: Etienne Hulot de Mazerny
March 1807: Jacques Chenaud
1809: Gassa (killed at Wagram)
1809: Falquieres (killed at Wagram)
14 August 1809: Etienne Mano
Main battles
1805: Holabrunn and Austerlitz
1807: Heilsberg
1809: Herttingen, Ebersberg, Essling et Wagram
Chasseurs
Long tailed coat of dark blue cloth. Blue collar. Scarlet epaulets with scarlet crescent and fringes. Scarlet pointed lapels piped white. Scarlet pointed cuffs piped white. Scarlet turnbacks piped white, vertical pockets simulated by white piping. White metal buttons.
From 1805, short tailed coat of dark blue cloth. Blue collar piped white. White epaulets with light blue crescent and fringes. Blue pointed lapels piped white. White cuffs with white flaps. Blue turnbacks piped white bearing white horn patch, vertical pockets simulated by white piping. White metal buttons.
Dark blue waistcoat and kersey breeches. Black heart shaped gaiters with white trim and tassel. Black leather shoes.
Black felt cocked hat. Red dropping plume over cockade with red strap.
From 1805, black felt shako with black leather top and bottom band bearing a white metal rhomboid plate stamped with an eagle. Green plume and pompon over cockade with white strap. white cords and flounders. Black leather peak with white metal strengthening and white metal chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a white metal horn plate and infantry sabre with white strap and green tassel.
Grenadiers
Black fur bearskin without plate. Red cords flounders and plume. Scarlet fringed epaulets.
NCOs
Troopers’ dress with white or silver rank laces on both sleeves.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with silver rank epaulets.
Drummers
For 1805 uniform, troopers’ dress with scarlet lapels.
Flag
Battalion was granted in 1805 with an eagle and a flag of Picot type with empty corner laurels. The flag can bear in the centre the words :
L’EMPEREUR
DES FRANÇAIS
AU BATAILLON
DE TIRAILLEURS
DU PÔ
Regiments of Mediterranean
Decree of June 8th, 1808 raises in Corsica a battalion meant to be used as training depot for conscripts that tried to escape the draft (réfractaires), coming from Italian departments of the Empire. It was composed of six chasseurs companies and gets in August 1809 the name Battalion of Mediterranean.
Decree of January 27th, 1810 raises the battalion to the size of a regiment with five battalions, always without elite companies. This regiment is named Regiment of Mediterranean. Its fifth battalion is posted on the Elba Island.
Decree of March 11th, 1811 raises the 2nd Regiment of Mediterranean with same strength and posted too in Corsica.
Decree of September 20th, 1812 redesigns 1st Regiment of Mediterranean as 35th Light Infantry regiment and 2nd Regiment of Mediterranean as 133rd Line Infantry Regiment. Both are posted in 32nd Infantry Division (general Durutte) of XIth Infantry Corps (Marshal Augereau) and take part in the campaigns in Germany of 1813 and Italy in 1814.
They are disbanded on May 12th, 1814.
Unit commander 1st Regiment – 35th Light
20 August 1809: Francois Dupuy de Saint-Florent
27 February 1812: Claude Pigeard
5 May 1812: Jean-Baptiste Duche
Battles
1813: Gross-Beeren, Leipzig, Hanau
Unit commander 2nd Regiment – 133rd Line
5 May 1811 - 4 September 1812: Pierre Lamotte
4 September 1812 -10 September 1813: Paul Menu de Menil
Battles
1812: Bautzen, Gross-Beeren, Dennewitz, Leipzig, Hanau
Chasseurs
As the role of these regiment was only to drill conscripts before their assignment to active duty units, their men did not wear a full uniform dress but only a drill suit composed either of a grey greatcoat or a blue coat (with pointed lapels in 1st regiment and squared ones in 2nd) without any facing colours. Headgear is a full blue fatigue cap.
Before being sent to the Army in 1812, they are reequipped with standard light or line infantry dress.
Honour Guards of Florence and Turin
The decree of April 1st, 1809 raises two Honour Guards companies, one in Turin as guard of Prince Borghèse and one in Florence as guard of duchess of Toscana.
Each company is composed of:
4 officers
6 NCOs
8 corporals
50 mounted guards
36 foot guards
23 stablehands
and are not fully organized before 1810.
Honour Guards join the Army in 1812 and attached to the Mounted Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard.
Both companies are disbanded by decree of May 19th, 1813 and their strength transferred in the 4th Honour Guards Regiment of the Imperial Guard.
Unit commanders, Turin Honour Guards
1809-1812: Capitaine de la Hunaudière
1812-1813: Capitaine Bodson de Noirefontaine
Unit commanders, Florence Honour Guards
1809-1813: Capitaine Martelli
1813: Capitaine Doré de Brouville
Mounted guards
Long tailed scarlet cloth French coat. Dark blue collar bearing a silver oak leaves embroidery trim. Silver epaulets without fringes and silver thread aiguillette on right shoulder. Dark blue squared lapels. Dark blue cuffs bearing a silver oak leaves embroidery trim and white flaps. White turnbacks bearing blue crowned N badges. Vertical pockets simulated by white piping bearing a silver oak leaves embroidery trim. Silvered buttons.
White vest and breeches, high black leather riding boots.
Black felt cocked hat with silver lace trim. Blue plume with white top over tricoloured cockade with silver thread strap.
White leatherworks, black leather cartridge pouch bearing a brass eagle. Heavy cavalry sabre with three bars brass hilt and iron scabbard. Silver thread sabre strap.
Heavy cavalry harness with dark blue saddle cloth and holsters with silver lace trim. Silver crowned N in cloth rear corners.
Foot guards
Mounted guards dress with red plume and sword.
NCOs
Troopers’ dress with blue or silver rank laces on both sleeves.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with silver rank epaulets. Lapels bearing a silver oak leaves embroidery trim.
Trumpeters
Trooper’s dress in reversed colours, blue cloth with scarlet facings. Silver lace trim on collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks. Silver buttonholes laces. Brass trumpet with silver thread cord.
Tiragliatori corsi
Corps d’origine italienne
Velites of Florence and Turin
Further to imperial decree of March 24th, 1809 two battalions of Velites are raised, one in Turin as guard of Prince Borghèse and one in Florence as guard of duchess of Toscana.
Each battalion is composed of a staff with:
1 Battalion Chief
1 Administrative officer
1 Quarter-master
1 Master Surgeon
1 Administrative NCO
1 Post master
1 Corporal drummer
3 Master craftsmen
And four companies each with:
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
1 Second-lieutenant
1 Master sergeant
5 Sergeants
1 Fourrier
9 Corporals
1 Drummer
105 Velites
Both battalions take part in the campaigns of 1813 in Germany and 1814 in France with Imperial Guard infantry.
They are disbanded on February 1st, 1814 with French nationals transferred in Line and foreign nationals being dismissed.
Unit commanders, Velites of Turin
7 March 1810: Jean-Baptiste Ciceron
Unit commanders, Velites of Florence
7 March 1810 : Elie Dufour
26 June 1813 : Francois Barrois
1813: Joseph Ardourel (wounded at Leipzig)
20 November 1813: Jean-Baptiste Delaire
Battles
1813: Lützen, Bautzen,Leipzig, Hanau
1814 : La Rothière, Montmirail, Fère Champenoise
Fusiliers
Long tailed dark blue cloth French coat. Dark blue collar. Scarlet cloth epaulets with white moon and fringes, all white for Velites of Turin. White squared lapels. Scarlet cuffs with white flaps. Scarlet turnbacks bearing white cloth eagle badges. Vertical pockets simulated by red piping. Brass buttons.
White vest and breeches, high white gaiters in parade dress black ones in other dress. For field dress, white overalls. Beige overcoat.
Black felt shako with black leather top and bottom band bearing a brass eagle. For Turin velites, light orange side chevrons. Red plume and white cords and flounders for Florence velites, red ball pompon and light orange cords and flounders for Turin velites. Tricoloured cockade with light orange strap. Brass chinscales.
White leatherworks, black leather cartridge pouch bearing a brass eagle. Infantry sabre with white sabre strap with red tassel. Musket with iron fittings.
NCOs
Corporals wore the same dress as others troopers with light orange rank laces on both arms.
Sergeants wore Foot Grenadiers dress with gold rank laces on both arms. Scarlet epaulets laced gold with gold crescent and mixed gold and scarlet fringes. Gold grenade patches on turnbacks. Gold top lace on shako and for Velites of Turin sergeants gold chevrons with scarlet trim.
Officers
Same dress as Foot Grenadiers’ officers, with gold rank epaulets and gilded gorget.
Shako with black velvet top band with gold trim embroidered with gold stars, gold cords and flounders. Scarlet plume inserted in gilded tulip.
Drummers
Trooper’s dress with light orange lace trims on collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks. Brass drum with blue hoops and white cords, white leather strap, black wood sticks and brass stick holder.
Flag
Each battalion was granted a flag without eagle of Challiot type with gold grenades in corner laurels. The flag bears in the centre the words :
L’EMPEREUR
DES FRANÇAIS
AU BON DE VÉLITES
DE TURIN
on obverse, and on reverse :
GARDE
IMPÉRIALE
VALEUR
ET DISCIPLINE
For Velites of Turin, words unknown for Velites of Florence.
The Portuguese legion
After the invasion of Portugal in 1807, 8000 men of the Portuguese army were kept on duty and sent to France were they formed the Portuguese legion in may 1808. Under marquis d’Alorna command, this legion was comprised of :
6 light infantry regiments (only 5 formed)
2 chasseurs a cheval regiment
1 artillery battery
all unit with standard French organisation.
During the 1809 campaign, Portuguese troops were regrouped in a brigade of 3 infantry battalions and two chasseurs a cheval squadrons, included in Grandjean division of Oudinot second corps. In 1811 the legion was reduced to 3 infantry regiments these regiments being sent to Russia :
1st regiment in Ledru 10th division of Ney third corps
2nd regiment in Razout 11th division of third corps
3rd regiment in Legrand 6th division of Oudinot second corps
Infantry
Chasseurs
Short tailed coat of brown cloth. Red collar piped white. Brown shoulder straps piped red. Red lapels piped white. Red pointed cuffs piped white. Red turnbacks piped white. White metal buttons stamped with "Légion portugaise" around regiment number.
White waistcoat. Brown breeches. Black short gaiters.
In campaign dress, white cloth overalls with red double side bands and piping.
Black Portuguese type shako (barretina) bearing brass horn over regimental number plate. Black leather peak and brass chin scales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch and French infantry sabre.
Grenadiers
Scarlet fringed epaulets. Red cords, flounders and plume.
Voltigeurs
Green fringed epaulets with scarlet moon. Green cords and flounders and red plume with yellow top.
NCOs
Troopers’ dress with rank laces on both sleeves.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with silver rank epaulets. Scarlet silk sash.
Drummers
Troopers’ dress with white lace on collar and lapels and in chevron on both sleeves.
Cavalry
Chasseurs
Short tailed coat of brown cloth. Poppy red collar piped white. Red wings. Red half-lapels piped white. Red pointed cuffs piped white. Red turnbacks piped white and vertical pockets simulated bya red piping. White metal buttons.
In 1812 short tailed single breasted coat of brown cloth with poppy red piping. Poppy red collar, cuffs and turnbacks.
In 1812, brown breeches with red side bands.
cuir noir à chenille de crins noirs. Plumet écarlate. Visière de cuir noir cerclée de laiton et jugulaire en écailles de laiton.
Portuguese type helmet with black leather crown, brass strengthening and black leather comb with black caterpillar. Scarlet plume. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales.
In 1812, black felt shako bearing a brass eagle over shield plate. Company coloured pompon.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch. Light cavalry belt with brass buckle and light cavalry sabre with single bar brass hilt and iron scabbard. White sabre strap.
Black leather light cavalry harness. White sheepskin shabraque with red wolf’s teeth trimming. Cylindrical portmanteau in brown cloth with poppy red lace.
Elite company
In 1812 dress, black fur busby.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with silver thread rank epaulets.
Trumpeters
Troopers’ dress in reversed colours, poppy red coat with brown facings. Yellow within white lace on collar, lapels and cuffs. White wings with yello
w inner band. White plume. Brass trumpet with white cord.
Valais Batallion
The Valais breaks away from the Helvetic Republic in 1802 to form the Republic of Valais. A capitulation is signed on 1st November 1805 and stipulates that the French Emperor will raise an infantry battalion with Valais volunteers.
It is established as French infantry battalions and composed of a staff with:
1 Major
1 Adjutant
1 Quartermaster
1 Chaplain
1 Master-Surgeon
1 Flag-Bearer
1 Drum-Corporal
4 Musicians
4 Master-Craftsmen
and of five companies (one grenadiers and four fusiliers) each composed of:
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
1 Second-Lieutenant
1 Sergeant-Major
1 Furrier
4 Sergeants
8 Corporals
2 Drummers
110 grenadiers or fusiliers
The battalion is raised in Genoa in 1806. Recruitment difficulties led to reduce the companies’ strength from 110 to 64 grenadiers or fusiliers. In 1808, the battalion is assigned to Spain.
In 1810, the Valais is annexed to France. The Valais Battalion is disbanded on 16 September 1811 and strength transferred as 3rd battalion in the 11th Light Infantry Regiment.
Unit commanders
10 July 1806: Charles de Bons
20 February 1810: Pierre Blanc
Battles
1808 : Gerona
Standards
The battalion was likely granted an eagle in 1807. Flag model is unknown but could be a standard infantry flag with the coat of arms of the Valais Republic.
Fusiliers
French cut dress with long tails in scarlet cloth. White collar piped scarlet. Scarlet shoulder straps piped white. White squared lapels. White cuffs piped scarlet with white flaps (rectangular with 3 buttons) piped scarlet. White turnbacks bearing blue crowned N patches, vertical pockets simulated by a white piping. Brass buttons stamped with "Empire Français, Bataillon Valaisan".
White waistcoat. White breeches and high gaiters, white in summer dress and black in winter. Black shoes.
French black felt shako with black leather top, base band and side V bearing a brass eagle plate. White cords and flounders. Company coloured ball pompon over tricolour cockade with white strap. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a brass crowned N plate.
Grenadiers
Troopers’ dress with white wool fringed epaulets. Scarlet grenade patches on turnbacks.
On shako, scarlet top band, base band, cords, flounders plume and pompon.
Infantry sabre with single bar brass hill and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Scarlet sabre strap.
NCOs
Troopers’ dress with white wool or gold rank stripes on both sleeves and gold shako lace.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with gold rank epaulets and gold shako lace.
Drummers
Dark blue coat with gold lace on collar, lapels, cuffs and cuff’s flaps. Company epaulets and for fusiliers drummers scarlet swallow’s nests with gold lace trim.
Prince of Neuchatel’s Battalion
The Kingdom of Prussia gives the Principality of Neuchatel to France in 1805 and Marshal Berthier is raised to the dignity of Prince of Neuchatel.
By decree of May 11, 1807, the Emperor raises in the Principality an infantry battalion to serve in the French army. It is established as French infantry battalions and composed of a staff with:
1 Major
1 Recruiting Lieutenant
1 Assistant-Surgeon
1 Quartermaster
1 Drum-Major
3 Master-Craftsmen
and of six companies (one carabineers, one voltigeurs and four fusiliers) each composed of:
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
1 Second-Lieutenant
1 Sergeant-Major
1 Furrier
4 Sergeants
8 Corporals
2 Drummers
1 Sapper
140 Carabineers, voltigeurs or fusiliers
By decree of 27 August 1808, strength is augmented by an artillery company composed of:.
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant (Engineer)
1 Second-Lieutenant (Train)
1 Quartermaster-Sergeant
1 Sergeant-Major
2 Sergeants (Gunner)
1 Sergeants (Sapper)
1 Sergeants (Train)
1 Furrier
4 Corporals (Gunner)
2 Corporals (Sapper)
2 Corporals (Train)
1 Drummers
32 Gunners
16 Sappers
16 Train Drivers
Prince of Neuchatel’s Battalion takes part in the campaigns of 1809 in Austria, of 1810-1812 in Spain, of 1812 in Russia and of 1813 in Germany and is then wiped out.
Battalion is disbanded on 19 June 1814. At the end of the Empire, Principality of Neuchatel is given back to Prussia.
Unit commanders
11 May 1807 : Jean de Bosset
11 December 1811: Charles d’Andrié de Gorgier
Battles
1809 : Wagram
1812 : Borodino, Berezina, Krasnoi
1813 : Dresden, Leipzig, Hanau
Standards
The battalion was likely granted an eagle in 1809. Flag model is unknown but could be a standard infantry flag with the coat of arms of the Neuchatel Principality.
Fusiliers:
French cut dress with short tails and closed lapels in light orange cloth. Scarlet collar. White wool fringed epaulets. Scarlet lapels. Scarlet cuffs with scarlet flaps (rectangular with 3 buttons). Scarlet turnbacks bearing yellow five-tipped star patches, vertical pockets simulated by a scarlet piping. White metal buttons stamped with "EMPIRE FRANÇAIS, BATAILLON DE NEUFCHÂTEL ".
From 1812, short tailed habit-veste with pointed cuffs, alla ornaments as preceding dress.
White waistcoat and breeches. High gaiters, white in summer dress and black in winter replaced from 1810 by black short gaiters in all dresses. Black shoes
French black felt shako with black leather top, base band and side V bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle. White cords and flounders. White ball pompon over tricolour cockade with white strap. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch.
Grenadiers
Troopers’ dress with scarlet wool fringed epaulets. Yellow grenade patches on turnbacks. Black bearskin without plate with scarlet plume, cords and flounders. From 1812, shako with scarlet top band, base band, cords, flounders plume and pompon. Brass grenade plate on pouch. Infantry sabre with single bar brass hill and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Scarlet sabre strap.
Voltigeurs
Troopers’ dress with green wool epaulets with yellow crescent and green fringes. Yellow horn patches on turnbacks.
Shako with green cords, flounders and pompon, green plume with yellow top.
Brass horn plate on pouch. Infantry sabre with single bar brass hill and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Green sabre strap.
NCOs
Troopers’ dress with white or silver on scarlet base rank stripes. For sergeants, cords and epaulets entwined with silver thread.
Officers
Troopers’ dress with long tails and rank silver thread epaulets and shako top band. White piping on collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks. At the beginning of the regiment’s life, officers wear in full dress a black felt hat with large brims and upturned front brim.
Drummers and hornists
Dark blue coat with scarlet collar, lapels, cuffs and cuffs flaps trimmed with livery lace of silver lace with yellow stripes.
Sappers
Grenadiers’ dress with sapper’s ’badge (white cloth crossed axes) on both arms. Whitened leather apron. Cartridge pouch trimmed with white lace bearing brass grenade over crossed axe plate. Sappers axe and sabre.
Musicians
Dark blue coat with scarlet collar, lapels, pointed cuffs and turnbacks trimmed with yellow lace. Trefoiled epaulets on both shoulders. White plume and pompon.
Gunners
French cut dress with short tails and closed lapels in dark blue cloth. Yellow collar piped white. Blue shoulder straps trimmed scarlet. Yellow lapels piped scarlet. Yellow rounded cuffs piped scarlet. Yellow turnbacks piped scarlet bearing blue grenade patches, vertical pockets simulated by a yellow piping. Brass buttons.
From 1812, short tailed habit-veste in dark blue cloth. Yellow collar piped white. Scarlet wool fringed epaulets. Blue lapels piped yellow. Yellow cuffs with blue flaps (trident shaped with three buttons) piped yellow. Yellow turnbacks bearing blue grenade patches.
Blue waistcoat, blue breeches with yellow side band. High gaiters, white in summer dress and black in winter replaced from 1810 by black heart shaped short gaiters with scarlet lace and tassel in all dresses. Black shoes.
French black felt shako with black leather top, base band and side V bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle over crossed guns. Scarlet cords and flounders. Scarlet plume and ball pompon over tricolour cockade with white strap. Black leather peak and brass chinscales.
White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing brass crossed guns plate. Infantry sabre with single bar brass hill and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Scarlet sabre strap.
Train drivers
French cut dress with short tails and closed lapels in dark blue cloth. Yellow collar. Scarlet wool fringed epaulets. Blue lapels piped yellow. White cuffs and cuffs flaps. Blue turnbacks piped yellow bearing white grenade patches, vertical pockets simulated by a yellow piping. Brass buttons.
From 1812, short tailed habit-veste in dark blue cloth. Blue collar piped yellow. Scarlet wool fringed epaulets. Blue lapels piped yellow. Blue rounded cuffs piped yellow. Yellow turnbacks.
White waistcoat and breeches. Black high-cuffed boots.
Other details as gunners.
Engineers
French cut dress with short tails and closed lapels in dark blue cloth. Blue collar piped scarlet. Scarlet wool fringed epaulets. Blue lapels piped scarlet. Blue rounded cuffs piped yellow. Black turnbacks piped scarlet with blue flaps piped scarlet. Yellow turnbacks piped scarlet.
Shako bearing a brass rhomboid plate stamped with imperial eagle.
Other details as gunners.
