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:
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
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.
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 yellow inner band. White plume. Brass trumpet with white cord.
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:
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
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.
Line infantry regiments are composed of three battalions of which only the first two are field battalions. Field battalions are composed of one grenadier company, one voltigeur company and four fusilier companies. The reserve battalion is composed of four fusilier companies only.
Fusiliers Short tailed coat with closed lapels of cornflower blue (deep sky blue) cloth. Closed collar of regimental colour. Blue shoulder straps piped red. Lapels of regimental colour. Rounded cuffs with side slit piped red closed by four buttons. Red turnbacks. White or yellow buttons. Regiments belonging to royal household (nr.1 König and nr.2 Kronprinz) have buttons’ colour buttonhole laces on lapels and waist buttons. After 1814, all regiments wear the same uniform with red facings and yellow buttons and are only differentiated by the number stamped on their buttons. White breeches. Short black gaiters. Helmet with high black leather crown bearing a brass crowned oval plate stamped with royal cipher over a brass band. A small brass chain joins each chinstrap boss to two rivets on each side of the plate crown. Black wool caterpillar. On left side of the crown, between national cockade (white with blue centre) and chinstrap boss, small wool tuft of company colour (see plate). Black leather peak. Black leather chinstrap trimmed by small brass chains. White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch. White belt with brass buckle and sabre with brass single bar hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings, white sabre strap. In 1810, waistbelt is replaced by a shoulderbelt.
Grenadiers Trooper’s dress with tuft replaced by a scarlet plume. Pouch often bears a brass grenade plate. White sabre strap. After 1808, button colour grenade patch on turnbacks.
Voltigeurs Trooper’s dress with tuft replaced by a green plume. Pouch often bears a brass horn plate. Rifle and sabre-bayonet with steel hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Black leather powder horn with green cord and tassel. After 1808, button colour horn patch on turnbacks.
NCOs Trooper’s dress with rank laces on collar. Special type sabre with white metal basket hilt, silver sabre straps with blue stripes.
Officers Troopers’ dress with long tails. Vertical pockets simulated by a red piping. Rank laces in button colour on collar. All ornaments (including buttonhole laces of 1st and 2nd regiments) are silver (silvered) or gold (gilded). Large waist sash in silver silk with blue embroideries knotted on left hip ending with tassels for senior officers, without tassels for junior officers. Black boots. Large black fur caterpillar on helmet. Sword for fusilier and grenadier officers, curved bladed sabre for voltigeur officers. For mounted officers, french saddle with regimental colour schabraque and holster cover (red for all after 1811) with silver or gold lace and royal cipher embroidery in rear corners. In 1812, the silk sash is replaced by a gorget as service insignia.
Drummers and hornists Troopers’ dress with button colour lace on collar and cuffs. Swallow nests of lapel colour with button colour lace. After 1807, royal cipher embroidery (royal arms for 1st and 2nd regiments) on swallow nests. Five or six chevrons of lace on sleeves and lace along sleeve seam. Drum hoops are painted with blue and white stripes and the horn has blue and white cord and tassels. Most voltigeur hornists do not wear sleeve chevrons. Grenadier drummers and voltigeur hornists are often shown with drooping plume.
Sappers Grenadier dress with scarlet fringed epaulets and sappers’ badge (crossed axes) in scarlet cloth on sleeves. Scarlet drooping plume. Whitened leather apron.
Musicians Before 1814, troopers’ dress with black felt cocked hat with white stiffeners, lace and cockade strap. Black boots. After 1814, short tailed single breasted coat of cornflower blue cloth, closed by six buttons. Gold lace on collar, cuffs and front of coat.
Grand-duché de Clèves et de Berg Infanterie Période 1806-1812
Some military units, as for example the Bavarian 12th line infantry regiment, came with the territories used to create the grand duchy. These units were amalgamated in the 1st Berg infantry regiment raised on 24 April 1806 in Düsseldorf, with a strength of four battalions of eight companies each of 100 men. The regiment is reorganized in August 1806 along French system and divided to raise a second regiment. Each is composed of three battalions of six companies (of which two were elites) that had :
They share a common reserve battalion of four companies where recruits were trained. A third regiment is raised in October 1808 with same strength. In August 1811 the first three regiments were reduced to two battalions and released cadres used to raised a fourth regiment composed as the others with two war battalions of eight companies (of which two were elites) each of 120 men, and a reserve company. The first regiments took part in the Prussian campaign in 1807 and to the Peninsula war between 1808 and 1811 along with the second. Third regiment was posted in Germany during the Austrian campaign in 1809. Finally all four regiments were sent in Russian in 1812, each reinforced by an artillery battery of two 6pdrs guns. Only the first two regiments were reraised in 1813, using the few soldiers that escaped Russia and Spain, but they took no active part in the 1813 campaign.
Fusiliers White coat with short tails. Light blue collar piped white. Blue shoulder straps piped white. Blue squared lapels piped white hooked down to the waist. Regimental cuffs :
1st blue piped white, white flaps (trident shaped 3 buttons) piped blue. 2e Pointed, blue piped white. 3e blue piped white, blue flaps (trident shaped 3 buttons) piped white. 4e Rounded, blue piped white.
Blue turnbacks and horizontal pockets simulated by a blue piping. Brass buttons for 1st and 2nd regiments and white metal ones for 3rd and 4th.
White jersey breeches and black short gaiter and shoes. Grey or brown overcoat, collar bearing light blue patches. Black felt shako with black leather top and base band, bearing either a brass oval shaped plate stamped with Berg lion or with a crowned J cipher or a brass rhomboid plate stamped with French eagle. Light blue pompon over white cockade with red centre and white strap. In full dress, white cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chinscales that miss on nearly all paintings. 3rd regiment fusiliers had a light blue plume until 1811. White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a brass oval shaped plate stamped with Berg lion or crowned J cipher. Infantry sabre with brass hilt and black leather sheath with brass fittings, light blue sabre strap.
Grenadiers Troopers dress with red fringed epaulets. Black fur bearskin, red cloth patch with white cross. White cords and flounders and red plume. Cartridge pouch sometimes bearing a brass grenade plate. Red sabre strap. From 1811-1812, bearskin is replaced by shako with similar fittings.
Chasseurs or voltigeurs Troopers dress with green fringed epaulets or green with red crescent. Cartridge pouch as fusiliers. Green or green with red tassel sabre strap.
Officers French cut coat with squared lapels and long colours distributed as troopers. Rank epaulets and shako bands in gold thread for 1st and 2nd regiments and silver thread for 3rd and 4th regiments. White vest and breeches and black leather Russian or Hungarian boots. Gilded gorget with silver Berg lion ornament. Gold or silver thread sabre strap. In campaign dress, light grey single breasted coat and breeches. For mounted officer, high cuffed boots and French saddle with light blue saddle cloth laced in gold.
Drummers Black cloth single breasted coat. Light blue collar piped white trimmed with a white lace with red zigzag decoration. Company epaulets or shoulder straps. Regimental cuffs. Chevrons of same lace on both sleeves. Other details as troopers.
Sappers Grenadiers dress with whitened leather apron trimmed with (from outside inward) black fur, red, white and blue lace.
Musicians In everyday dress, light blue single breasted coat with light blue collar laced white and regimental cuffs. White breeches and black Hungarian boots.
Regimental artillery Plate V/33 of the Lienhart and Humbert in the Army museum of Rastatt shows the dress of an artillerymen that likely belongs to a regimental battery : Troopers dress with scarlet collar, white lapels piped scarlet and scarlet cuffs with white flaps piped scarlet. White overalls and black gaiters. Shako without plate and scarlet ball pompon cords and flounders.
Grand-duché de Clèves et de Berg Infanterie Période 1813-1815
In autumn 1813 as the duchy was returned to Prussia, both regiments were reorganized along Prussian lines with three battalion, one of fusiliers and two of musketeers. In addition the regiment comprised one company of voluntary jaegers. Berg also raised a battalion of grenadiers of two companies. These new units took part in the campaigns of 1814 and, after being transferred in the Prussian army as 28th (1st regiment) and 29th (grenadiers and 2nd regiment) Line Infantry Regiments, in the Belgium campaign.
Fusiliers and musketeers White double breasted coat closed by two rows of eight buttons. Collar in battalion colour (1st yellow, 2nd white, 3rd red, 4th peach). Blue shoulder straps. Swedish cuffs in battalion colour bearing two buttons. Scarlet turnbacks. White metal buttons. Jersey breeches. Black short gaiters. Black felt shako with white-blue-white cockade. White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch.
Voluntary jaegers Green single breasted coat closed by a row of eight buttons. Red collar bearing two buttonhole laces. Red shoulder straps. Red piping on front of coat. Red Swedish cuffs. Red turnbacks. Brass buttons. Grey cloth trousers with two red side band over black boots. Black felt shako with black leather top and base band, bearing a large brass cross. Short pale green plume. Pale green cords and flounders. Brass chinscales and black leather peak. Black leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch. Jaeger sabre with brass hilt and black leather sheath with brass fittings.
Grenadiers White coat with short tails. Scarlet collar. Dark blue shoulder straps piped red. Dark blue squared lapels piped red hooked down to the waist bearing yellow buttonholes laces. Scarlet cuffs with white flaps (rectangular 3 buttons) piped scarlet. Scarlet turnbacks. Brass buttons. White jersey breeches and black short gaiter and shoes. Black felt shako with black leather top and base band, bearing a brass shield plate. Black plume and scarlet pompon over white cockade with light blue centre. Yellow cords and flounders. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales. White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a brass grenade plate. Infantry sabre with brass hilt and black leather sheath with brass fittings, scarlet sabre strap.
Grand-duché de Clèves et de Berg Cavalerie Light-horses lancers regiment of the grand duke of Berg
The « light horse regiment of the duke of Berg » was raised by decree of May 21 1807 around a nucleus of German speaking volunteers, officers and NCOs, from various French cavalry regiments posted in France or Italy. It used the classical French establishment of one depot squadron and four war squadrons of 87 horsemen each. The 1st company was entitled as « Body Guard » of Murat. In the spring of 1808, the Body Guard company was sent in Spain. When Murat was promoted as king of Naples, the company was at first administratively attached to the imperial Guard cavalry and finally disbanded on January 11 1809 his strength being transferred to the imperial Guard horse grenadiers and chasseurs or to the newly raised Berg chasseurs. In fact the new governor of the duchy decided, by decree of August 29 1808 to raise a « regiment of mounted chasseurs of Berg » using the cadres of the companies that stayed in the duchy. The new regiment was posted to the army of Germany during the Austrian campaign. The decree of December 17 1809 renamed the chasseurs as « regiment of lancers of Berg » and the first two squadrons were sent to the Peninsula in the spring of 1810. In 1811, regiment is augmented to six squadrons, three in Spain and three in Germany. Following the decree of March 4 1812, the latter are transferred to a new regiment, the 2nd lancers of Berg, the former so becoming the 1st regiment of the branch. Finally both were renamed « regiments of light horses lancers of Berg ». The 2nd one takes part to the Russian campaign. In 1813, the few horsemen that escaped Russia were amalgamated with the ones called back from Spain to raise a « lancers of Berg brigade » that fight at Dresden and Leipzig battles. The Prussian rulers used the few strength they found in the duchy to raise a « hussars of Berg regiment », of four hussars and one voluntary jaegers squadrons. On April 20 1815, the regiment was transferred to the Prussian army as 11th hussars regiment and as such took part in the Belgium campaign.
Light horses 1807-1808
Light horses Polish style coat (kurtka) in white cloth. Light crimson collar. White fringed epaulets. Light crimson lapels. Light crimson pointed cuffs. Light crimson turnbacks and vertical pockets simulated by a light crimson piping. White metal buttons. In field dress, light grey single breasted coat with light crimson collar and cuffs and same ornaments. Light crimson polish style trousers with double white side band. Black light boots. In field dress, grey cloth overalls with leather inserts and light crimson side band. Czapska with light crimson cloth top piped and laced white and black leather crown bearing a brass sunrays plate with silvered centre bearing a brass crowned J cipher. White plume over white cockade with light crimson centre. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales. White leatherwork. Light cavalry sabre with brass three bars hilt and iron sheath, white sabre strap. Light cavalry harness, Hungarian saddle with light crimson saddle cloth laced white bearing a white crowned J cipher in rear corners. Cylindrical portmanteau in light crimson cloth laced white. Life guards Same dress with white buttonholes laces on lapels. White thread aiguillette on right shoulder.
Trumpeters Troopers dress in reversed colours, light crimson with white facings. Silver lace on collar, lapels and cuffs. Epaulets in mixed white and light crimson thread. Brass trumpet with mixed white and light crimson cord.
Chasseurs a cheval 1808-1809
Chasseur Dark green coat with short tails and lapels hooked down to the waist. Light crimson collar. Green shoulder straps piped light crimson. Light crimson or green piped light crimson lapels. Light crimson pointed cuffs sometimes shown with green piping. Light crimson turnbacks. White metal buttons. In field dress, dark green single breasted “Kinski” coat with light crimson collar and cuffs sometimes piped green. “Soubise” pockets simulated by a light crimson piping. Dark green Hungarian breeches with light crimson Hungarian knots and side bands, Hungarian boots with light crimson trim and tassel. Black felt shako with black leather top and base band, bearing either a white metal rhomboid plate stamped with Berg lion or French eagle or a large white and light crimson cockade with white strap. Company coloured pompon over white cockade with red centre and white strap. In full dress, white cords and flounders. White metal chinscales and black leather peak. Leatherwork and sabre as before. Black leather cartridge pouch. White sheepskin schabraque with light crimson wolf teeth. Elite company Troopers dress with scarlet fringed epaulets. Black fur colback with scarlet bag piped scarlet. Scarlet plume and pompon. Scarlet sabre strap.
Trumpeters Troopers dress with white lace with light crimson lozenges on collar, cuffs and maybe lapels.
Light horses lancers 1809-1813
Light horses Same dress as before until 1811. From 1812, dark green polish style coat (kurtka). Light crimson collar piped green. Green shoulder straps piped light crimson. Light crimson lapels. Light crimson pointed cuffs. Light crimson turnbacks and vertical pockets simulated by a light crimson piping. White metal buttons. In 1813, white fringed epaulets. Breeches and boots as before. In field dress, dark green or middle grey overalls with light crimson side band. Same headgear as before until 1811. From 1812, czapska with light crimson cloth top for 1st regiment and dark green for 2nd one, both piped and laced white and black leather crown bearing a brass sunrays plate with silvered centre bearing a brass crowned N cipher. White plume over white cockade with light crimson centre. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chinscales. Leatherwork and sabre as before. From the end of 1809, black wood lance with light crimson over white pennon. Saddle dress as before for 1st regiment. White sheepskin schabraque with dark green wolf teeth and cylindrical portmanteau in dark green cloth laced light crimson for 2nd regiment.
Elite company Troopers dress with scarlet fringed epaulets. Same colback as before for 1st regiment and czapska with red short and thick plume for 2nd regiment.
Trumpeters For 1st regiment, troopers dress with imperial livery lace on collar, lapels, cuffs, pockets and around waist buttons. For 2ns regiment, dark green single breasted coat with light crimson collar and cuffs bearing five white buttonholes laces in breast and white lave around collar and cuffs.
Grand-duché de Clèves et de Berg Cavalerie Hussars of Berg regiment
Hussars Hussars style dress. Dark green dolman with light green braid and laces. Scarlet collar trimmed light green. Scarlet pointed cuffs trimmed light green. Scarlet wool sash with scarlet barrels. White metal buttons. Dark green pelisse with light green braid and laces and brown fur trim. Middle grey overalls and black light boots. Black felt shako with black leather top and base band. New blue within white cockade. Light green cords and flounders. Brass chinscales and black leather peak. Black leatherwork. Black leather hussar belt with black leather sabretache and Prussian light cavalry sabre with iron hilt and scabbard and black sabre strap.
Freiwillige Jäger Hussars style dress. Dark green dolman with light green braid and laces. Scarlet collar with two yellow buttonholes laces. Scarlet pointed cuffs trimmed yellow. Scarlet wool sash with scarlet barrels. Brass buttons. Dark green pelisse with light green braid and laces and brown fur trim. Dark green Hungarian breeches with light green knots and side bands. Black Hungarian boots. Same shako than hussars bearing a brass Landwehr cross. New white-blue-white cockade. Light green cords and flounders. Brass chinscales and black leather peak. Same leatherwork and sabre than hussars without sabretache.
Officers Troopers dress with gold braid and laces. Light blue breeches with gold Hungarian knots and side laces.
When the Duchy joins the Confederation of the Rhine the Jägerbataillon comprises four companies for a total strength of 549 men. On March 13th 1809, the battalion is reorganised in the french six companies scheme of which four are jaegers companies, one is Carabiniers and one voltigeurs. At the beginning of the Austrian campaign five companies only had reached their war strength for a total strength of 856 men. On January 15th 1810 the battalion is renamed Light Infantry battalion von Lingg (Leichtes Infanterie Bataillon). During the Russian campaign he is part of the Baden brigade in VICTOR’s Corps. Reformed at six companies strength after Russia, it takes part on french side in the 1813 campaign and on Allies side in the 1814 campaign.
Jägers Dark green coat with short tails and lapels closing to the waist. Black collar piped white. Green fringed epaulets. Black lapels piped white with white buttonholes laces. Black rounded cuffs piped white with white buttonholes laces. Black turnbacks piped white. White buttons. From 1808, buttonholes on lapels and cuffs are suppressed. From 1809, short tailed double-breasted coat closed by two rows of ten buttons with same ornaments. Front of coat piped white. From 1810 (transformation in light infantry), short tailed double-breasted coat closed by two rows of six buttons. Scarlet collar, rounded cuffs and turnbacks. Green shoulder straps. In 1813, same coat with black collar and cuffs, green shoulder straps piped scarlet and scarlet turnbacks. Brass buttons. Grey breeches, white in 1813 dress. Short black gaiters and black shoes Bavarian type helmet without comb, high black leather crown bearing side leather V strengthening, decorated by brass crowned ducal cipher (CF). Green caterpillar. At left of the crown, green plume over brass horn. Black leather visor and chinstrap. With 1813 dress, prussian type shako in black felt with yellow top band and black leather bottom band bearing a pompon in baden colours over a large black cloth cockade with yellow strap. Black leather peak and chinstrap. Black leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing white metal horn badge. Sword bayonet with brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings.
Carabiniers From 1810 (transformation in light infantry), troopers with white plume and scarlet fringed epaulets.
Sappers Troopers’ dress with sapper’s apron and axe. NCOs Leading and base edges of collar and cuffs laced silver. Epaulets with white half-moon. From 1808, french rank insignias: rank stripes in diagonal white (silver), yellow (gold) in 1813, laces above left cuff.
Officers Others ranks’ dress with gold or gilded ornaments. Gold or silver rank epaulets. Wide silver silk sash entwined with gold and scarlet threads. Green breeches and black hungarian boots with silver or gold laces and tassels. Black leatherwork. Light cavalry waistbelt with gilded buckle and sabre with gilded hilt and black leather scabbard with gilded fittings. Silver sabre strap entwined with gold and scarlet threads.
Drummers and hornists Hornists have no special distinctions. Drummers are introduced in 1810 (transformation in light infantry) and wear troopers’ dress with scarlet swallow nests trimmed by a white livery lace with scarlet central piping. On both sleeves, six chevrons of livery lace, seams covered with same lace.
Musicians Troopers’ dress with black swallow nests laced white and black shoulder straps piped white.
Regiment Nr.1 The regiment, formerly titled Leib-Infanterie-Regiment Churfürst (Elector), is renamed Leib-Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog (Grand-duke) on 21st August 1806. It is composed of two battalions of four musketeers companies each, whereas its two grenadiers companies are transferred in Guard Grenadiers battalion. Each company is organized along Prussian lines with :
1 Capitain 1 Premier-Lieutenant 2 Second-Lieutenants 1 Feldwebel 1 Sergeant 1 Capitaine d’armes 1 Fourier 3 Corporale 1 Pfeifer 2 Tambours 10 Schützen 80 Gemeine Moreover, the first company (Leib-Compagnie) has eight musicians. At the beginning of 1808 the Baden army adopts the French regulation and the four infantry regiments are reorganized along French lines with two battalions of six companies (grenadiers, voltigeurs and fusiliers). Each company is composed of :
1 Capitain 1 Premier-Lieutenant 1 Second-Lieutenants 1 Feldwebel 3 Sergeanten 1 Fahnenjunker 1 Fourier 8 Corporale 1 Zimmermann 2 Tambours 120 Gemeine When Carl-Friedrich dies in 1811, his regiment loses his title and is renamed Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.1 vacant. The 1st regiment takes part to the campaign of 1805, 1806 and 1807 in Germany, to the Austrian campaign in 1809, to the Russian campaign in 1812 and to the campaign in Germany in 1813.
Regiment Nr.2 The regiment, formerly titled Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Churprinz (Prince-Elector), is renamed Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Erbgroßherzog (Heir-Grand-duke) on 21st August 1806. It is organised as the 1st regiment and undergoes the same reorganisations. When Karl-Ludwig-Friedrich succeeds to his father in 1811, his regiment loses his title and is renamed Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.2 vacant. The 2nd regiment takes part in the same campaigns that the 1st regiment.
Regiment Nr.3 This regiment is organised as the 1st regiment and undergoes the same reorganisations. In August 1808 its second battalion is sent in Spain but regulation strength is restored by integrating in February 1809 the first battalion of Regiment Nr.4. The 3rd regiment takes part in the same campaigns that the first two regiments.
Regiment Nr.4 This regiment is raised in 1806 by gathering the different troops from territories acquired in 1805. It is organised as the other regiments and undergoes the same reorganisations. In August 1808 its first battalion and the second battalion of Regiment Nr.3 are combined to raise a Kombiniertes Infanterie-Regiment that is sent in Spain and will be renamed Infanterie-Regiment Nr.4 in February 1809. The 4th regiment takes part in the campaign in Germany in 1806 and from 1808 to 1813 to the Peninsular war. It is disarmed there by the French in November 1813.
Regiment facings in 1806 facings in 1810 facings in 1813 Buttons 1806 Leib-Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog 1808 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.1 Großherzog 1811 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.1 vacant 1813 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.1 Stockhorn scarlet scarlet crimson white 1806 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Erbgroßherzog 1808 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.2 Erbgroßherzog 1811 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.2 vacant 1813 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.3 Großherzog yellow scarlet yellow yellow 1806 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Markgraf Ludwig 1808 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.3 von Harrant 1808 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.3 Graf Hochberg 1813 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.2 Graf Hochberg scarlet scarlet pink white 1806 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment von Harrant 1808 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.4 vacant 1809 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.4 von Porbeck 1809 Linien-Infanterie-Regiment Nr.4 von Neuenstein white scarlet white yellow
Musketeers Dark blue coat with mid-length tails and lapels closing to the waist. Open collar in facings colour. Blue shoulder strap on left shoulder. (red for 1st regiment). Facings coloured lapels (bearing white buttonholes laces in 1st regiment) bearing seven buttons in the first regiment and eight in the others. Facings coloured cuffs with two buttonholes over the cuffs in regimental lace:
Regiment Buttonholes 1 white with tassel 2 white with two red lines and tassel 3 white with two light blue lines without tassel 4 yellow with two light blue lines without tassel
Scarlet turnbacks, at the onset of the turnback two regimental buttonholes laces. Horizontal pockets with regimental buttonholes laces. White or yellow buttons. From 1808, same dress with square lapels and without any buttonholes laces. From 1810, double-breasted coat closed down by two rows of six buttons and facings changed to scarlet for all regiments. Scarlet collar with two white buttonholes laces in the 1st regiment. Scarlet shoulder straps. Scarlet cuffs with dark blue cuffs flaps (bearing white buttonholes laces in the 1st regiment). Scarlet turnbacks. Horizontal pockets. White metal buttons. From 1814, same coat with short tails. Collar in facings colour. Blue shoulder straps. Facings coloured cuffs with blue flaps (rectangular with three buttons). Scarlet turnbacks. White or yellow buttons.
White waistcoat and breeches. Short black gaiters and black shoes In field dark blue (sometimes white) overalls. Slate gray overcoat closed by a row of six buttons. Helmet with black leather crown bearing side metal V strengthening, decorated by ducal arms (star of Fidelity for the 1st regiment) over a metal band stamped with the inscription “GROSSHERZOGLISCHES BADISCHES INFANTERIE REGIMENT (followed by regimental number)" . On both sides, a fine metal chain is suspended between chinscales boss and top of plate. All metal fittings are in button colour. Black wool caterpillar over brass comb with lion head front (the latter in button colour metal) covered by red fringes, replaced in 1809 by red enamelled stripes. Small company coloured pompon at the left of the crown. Black leather peak and chinstrap, the latter trimmed by small chains. From 1808 the chain of the crown is suppressed. In 1810 helmet’s fittings become brass for all regiments save first one. From 1814, black felt shako with top band in button colour and leather and bottom band bearing a large black cockade with white or yellow strap. Pompon in national colours. Black leather peak and chinstrap. White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing a button colour plate stamped with ducal arms. Waistbelt with brass buckle and infantry sabre with brass hilt, black leather scabbard with brass fittings and white sabre strap. From 1808, waistbelt is replaced by crossed shoulder belt.
Grenadiers Troopers dress with red fringed epaulets. White plume above red pompon. The Augsburger series shows grenadiers NCOs of the 3rd regiment wearing black bearskins bearing a white metal crescent shaped plate stamped with ducal cipher. Mixed red and white cords. White plume with red top (all white for troopers).
Schützen then voltigeurs Troopers’ dress the usual cartridge pouch replaced by a small one worn on the belly suspended to waistbelt. From 1809, green fringed epaulets and green plume over green pompon..
NCOs Troopers’ dress with silver or gold buttonholes laces. All NCOs are equipped like Schützen with the small cartridge pouch worn on belly. Pompon in national colours. For Felwebel, large black fur caterpillar. After 1808, french rank insignias: rank stripes in diagonal white (silver) or yellow (gold) laces above cuffs.
Officers Others ranks’ dress with gold or gilded ornaments. Gold or silver rank epaulets. Gilded gorget bearing silver ducal arms. Wide silver silk sash entwined with gold and scarlet threads. White breeches and black light or hungarian boots. Black cocked hat with silver or gold laces until 1808. Black cockade with silver strap. Red plume replaced in 1807 by a white plume with red base and in 1809 by a black one. From 1813, troopers’ shako with black plume. White leatherwork. Waistbelt with gilded buckle and sword or sabre with gilded hilt and black leather scabbard with gilded fittings. Silver sabre strap entwined with gold and scarlet threads. For mounted officers, German saddle with dark blue cloth shabraque laced silver or gold, embroidered with ducal cipher in rear corners.
Drummers Troopers’ dress with scarlet swallow nest trimmed by a livery lace in white with scarlet and yellow piping. On both sleeves, six chevrons of livery lace, seams covered with same lace. From 1810 same dress with seven chevrons on sleeves. Brass drums stamped with ducal arms with hoops painted with white/scarlet/yellow stripes.
Hornists Troopers’ dress and brass horn with yellow/red/white cord.
Sappers Troopers’ dress with axe. From 1808, white leather apron.
Musicians Troopers’ dress with scarlet swallow nest trimmed with silver lace. For drum-majors, on both sleeves, six chevrons of silver lace, seams covered with same lace.
On 31st October 1806, the grenadier battalion von Stetten is augmented to five companies and his name changed to Leib-Grenadier-Garde. Each company is composed of :
1 Stabsoffizier (Capitain) 1 Stabs-Capitain 2 Lieutenants 1 Feldwebel 1 Sergeant 1 Fahnenjunker 1 Fourier 5 Corporale 1 Pfeifer 2 Tambours 10 Schützen 90 Grenadieren In 1809 battalion is brought up to six companies organized as in French infantry :
1 Capitain 1 Premier-Lieutenant 1 Second-Lieutenant 1 Feldwebel 3 Sergeant 1 Fahnenjunker 1 Fourier 8 Korporal 2 Tambours 1 Zimmermann 120 Grenadieren The battalion takes part to the siege of Stralsund during 1807 campaign, to the fights in Vorarlberg during the 1809 campaign, on the Allied side, to several battles in France during 1814 campaign.
Grenadiers Dark blue long tailed coat worn open from the breast. Scarlet collar. Scarlet shoulder strap on left shoulder and white aiguillette on right one. Front of coat bearing six tasselled buttonholes embroideries. Scarlet rounded cuffs bearing three tasselled buttonholes embroideries. Scarlet turnbacks, horizontal pockets bearing three tasselled buttonholes embroideries. Waist buttons sitting on tasselled buttonholes embroideries. White buttons. From 1807, dark blue long tailed single-breasted coat closed by a row of nine buttons. Scarlet collar trimmed white. Blue shoulder strap piped red on left shoulder and white aiguillette on right one. Nine white buttonholes laces across breast. Scarlet cuffs trimmed white with blue flaps (rectangular with 3 buttons) piped red bearing white buttonholes laces. Scarlet turnbacks piped white. From 1809, double breasted coat closed by two rows of six buttons with same ornaments. Cuffs without flaps bearing two buttonhole laces. From 1813 same dress with short tails. From 1814 dark blue short tailed double breasted coat closed by two rows of six buttons. Scarlet collar bearing two white buttonhole laces. Scarlet shoulder straps on both shoulders. Scarlet cuffs with scarlet flaps (rectangular with 3 buttons) bearing white buttonholes laces. White breeches. High black gaiters and black shoes. From 1807, short gaiters. In field dress, dark blue cloth overalls. Grey overcoat. Black fur bearskin bearing white metal plate stamped with crowned ducal arms. Scarlet top patch embroidered with a white grenade. White plume with red top over Baden cockade. Cords and flounders in scarlet-white-yellow entwined thread. White metal chinscales. From 1809, white metal plate bearing a brass grenade. White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing white metal plate stamped with ducal arms and four white metal grenades in the corners. Waistbelt with brass buckle and infantry sabre with brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings and white sabre strap with red tassel (also white in 1813). From 1807, the waistbelt is suppressed and replaced by crossed shoulderbelt.
Schützen Troopers’ dress with cartridge pouch worn on stomach suspended to waistbelt.
NCOs Troopers’ dress. Red top to bearskin plume and red, white and yellow sabre strap fringes. From 1808, rank laces on both arms in white cloth or silver thread on red cloth :
Korporal 2 white stripes on both arms Fourrier 2 white stripes on both arms 1 silver on red lace on upper-arms Sergeant 1 silver on red lace on both arms Feldwebel 2 silver on red laces on both arms
Officers Troopers’ dress without embroideries on front of coat. Silver embroideries on both sides of collar. Black felt cocked hat trimmed with silver embroideries, with plume with red tuft base. Gilded gorget bearing silver trophy of arms. Silver silk sash with yellow and red embroideries. Sword with silver thread sword knot with yellow and red embroideries. Black leather boots. From 1808, silver thread rank epaulets :
Oberst 2 silver epaulets with silver heavy bullion fringes Oberst-Lieutenant 2 gold epaulets with silver heavy bullion fringes Major 1 silver epaulets with heavy bullion fringed on left shoulder Hauptmann 1 silver fringed epaulets on left shoulder Premier-Lieutenant 1 silver fringed epaulets with central red line on left shoulder Second-Lieutenant 1 silver fringed epaulets with two red lines on left shoulder Hat without embroideries and black falling feather plume. Silver gorget with gilded trophy of arms.
Drummers Troopers’ dress with blue swallow nest bordered by a white livery lace with red and yellow trim. On both sleeves, six chevrons of livery lace, seams covered with same lace. Copper drum, counterhoops painted with alternate red and white stripes.
Grand-duché de Bade Cavalerie Gardes du Corps Dragons légers Hussards
Artillerie
En 1804, les deux compagnies de Gardes du Corps sont constituées en escadron, à l’effectif de 77 hommes. L’organisation et l’effectif ne changent pas pour toute la période napoléonienne.
Gardes Habit à pans courts en drap blanc à devant agrafé. Collet rabattu écarlate bordé d’un galon de livrée blanc à broderies rouges, jaunes et argent. Trèfles écarlates, aiguillette blanche sur l’épaule droite. Devant de l’habit galonné du galon de livrée. Parements suédois écarlates bordés du galon de livrée. Ceinture écharpe écarlate. Retroussis écarlates bordés du galon de livrée. Boutons blancs. A partir de 1808, habit à pans courts en drap blanc fermé par deux rangées de 6 boutons. Collet agrafé écarlate. Pattes d’épaule blanches lisérées de rouge. Devant de l’habit passepoilé de rouge. Parements ronds écarlates. Ceinture écharpe écarlate. Retroussis écarlates. A partir de 1811, le collet est orné de deux boutonnières blanches, et le passepoil du devant ainsi que la ceinture écharpe disparaissent. Veste et culotte blanches. Bottes à l’écuyère noires. A partir de 1808, l’habit cache entièrement la veste. Bicorne de feutre noir à galons et floches blancs. Cocarde noire à ganse blanche. Plumet blanc avec à sa base des plumetis jaunes et rouges. A partir de 1806, casque à bombe de cuir noir ornée d’une plaque de métal blanc estampée de l’étoile de la fidélité et renforcée par deux bandes de métal blanc. Pas de cimier. Chenille de crins blancs. Visière de cuir noir cerclée de métal blanc et jugulaires de métal blanc. A partir de 1809, le casque est pourvu d’un cimier recouvert de cuir noir et la plaque ornementale est remplacée par une bande de métal blanc au-dessus de la visière surmontée de l’étoile de la fidélité. A partir de 1811, le casque retrouve sa plaque ornementale. Il est pourvu d’un couvre-nuque de cuir noir cerclé de métal blanc. Le cimier est pourvu de renforts de métal blanc et la chenille, à sa base, d’un bourrelet de tissu jaune (ou jaune et rouge comme l’infanterie ?). Buffleterie blanche. Giberne de cuir noir ornée de l’étoile de la fidélité en métal blanc. Sabre d’un modèle spécial à lame droite et garde de laiton doré ornée des armes du duché. Fourreau de cuir noir à garnitures de laiton puis (1808) de fer. Sabretache recouverte de tissu écarlate bordée du galon de livrée puis d’un simple galon blanc et ornée du monogramme ducal couronné blanc. La sabretache n’est plus portée après 1813. Selle allemande. Schabraque de drap écarlate bordée d’un double galon blanc, chaperons de même recouverts de fourrure noire. Schabraque et chaperons ornés du monogramme couronné blanc.
Sous-officiers Galon de livrée du bas du collet et des parements en fil d’argent. A partir de 1808, insignes de grades français : galon de grade blanc (argent) en diagonale au-dessus du parement sur le bras gauche.
Officiers Tenue de la troupe à pans longs, tous les ornements argent ou argentés. Trèfles argent avec aiguillette de même sur l’épaule droite. Large ceinture de soie argent mêlé de fils d’or et d’écarlate. Bicorne de feutre noir galonné d’argent à renfort et macarons argent. Plumet blanc avec plumetis jaune et rouge à la base. Le chapeau est remplacé à partir de 1808-1809 par le casque de la troupe à ornement argenté, étoile à centre émaillé et épaisse chenille de fourrure blanche. Schabraque bordé d’un galon bleu entre deux galons d’argent.
Trompettes Tenue de la troupe ornée de nids d’hirondelle écarlates bordés du galon de livrée. Chevrons en galon de livrée et couture des manches recouvertes du galon de livrée. Devant de l’habit orné de six boutonnières en galon de livrée. Fausses manches blanches bordée du galon de livrée. Casque à chenille écarlate.
The first two line infantry regiments of the kingdom are raised by decree of June 13 1806 with two battalions strength. The African pioneer’ battalion is assigned to king of Naples service by imperial decree of August 14 1806 and reorganised on November 10 as a line infantry regiment with two battalions strength named Real Africano. As conscription gains grow new regiments are raised in 1809: 3rd on March 10, 4th and 5th on September 15 and 6th on September 26. Finally on December 17th the weak battalions of Real Africano are used as base for a new 7th regiment. On October 14 1811 the remnants of 1st and 2nd regiments on duty in Spain are reorganised on the spot in a new 8th regiment, 1st and 2nd being raised again in Naples. 9th regiment is raised by decree of June 28 1813, followed by 10th on March 8 1814 and 11th on May 2 1814 ("to receive deserters, prisoners of war and voluntary enlistments of Italian origin"). The 12th regiment is raised on June 29 1814 with veterans of the 1812 and 1813 campaigns freed by the allies however this regiment is transferred to the Guard on September 29. The decree that transfers the 12th regiment to the Guard also raises a new 12th and 13th line regiment the last seemingly never really raised. The decree of April 2 1813 creates in each regiment a regimental artillery company equipped with two 4lb guns.
Fusiliers Long tailed french-cut coat of white cloth for 1st and 2nd regiments and of dark blue cloth for 3rd, 4th and 5th. Facing coloured collar with white piping. Facing coloured squared lapels with white piping. White or blue shoulder straps with facing coloured piping. Facing coloured cuffs with white piping and facing coloured flaps (rectangular with 3 or 4 buttons) piped white. Facing coloured turnbacks piped white. Horizontal (1st and 2nd regiments) or vertical (3rd, 4th and 5th regiments) pockets simulated by facing coloured piping. Brass buttons. Beginning in 1809, short tailed coat with lapels closed to the waist. Facing coloured collar with white piping. Facing coloured lapels with white piping. White shoulder straps with facing coloured piping. Facing coloured cuffs with white piping and facing coloured flaps (trident shaped with 3 buttons) piped white. Facing coloured turnbacks piped white. Vertical pockets simulated by facing coloured piping. Brass buttons. From 1814, same dress with facing coloured pointed cuffs piped white for older regiments (1st through 8th). For the new regiments, same dress with white collar and cuffs with facing coloured piping. These regiments keep their round cuffs with flaps and bear on collar a facing coloured patch. White waistcoat and breeches. High gaiters white in full dress and black in other dresses. From 1809, short black gaiters in all dresses. Black shoes. Black felt bicorn hat with company coloured carrot-shaped pompon and french cockade. From 1808, black felt french shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V. Brass lozenge plate stamped with royal cipher. Company coloured pompon. French cockade with yellow strap. In full dress white cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chin scales. From 1811 the french cockade is replaced by the neapolitan cockade (white with light crimson centre) and the lozenge plate by a shield shape plate stamped with the regimental number. French equipment. White leatherwork and black cartridge pouch. Before 1808 infantry sabre with single bar brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Facings in 1814 Facing Buttons 1er Re light blue yellow White French cut coat with royal blue facings 1806-1811 2e Regina scarlet " White French cut coat with medium blue facings 1806-1811 3e Real Principe black " Dark blue French cut coat with bright orange facings 1809-1811 4e Real Sannita light crimson " Dark blue French cut coat with pinkfacings 1809-1811 5e Real Calabria green " Dark blue French cut coat with bright orange facings 1809-1811 6e di Napoli orange " Initially dark sky blue French cut coat with light crimson facings (from Naples citizen guard) 7e Real Africano bright yellow " Initially brown French cut coat with scarlet facings (from african pioneers) 8e Principe Luciano pink " 9e purple " deep blue in 1813 10e medium blue " 11e light crimson white 12e green "
Grenadiers Fusilier’s dress with scarlet or light crimson fringed epaulettes. Turnbacks decorated with scarlet (before 1808) then white grenade patch. In full dress black bearskin. Scarlet or light crimson plume, cords and flounders. In everyday dress black bicorn hat with scarlet carrot shaped pompon (before 1808) then shako with scarlet or light crimson plume, cords and flounders. Scarlet or light crimson sabre strap.
Voltigeurs Fusilier’s dress with yellow collar piped white and green fringed epaulettes with yellow crescent. Turnbacks decorated with green (before 1808) then white bugle-horn patch. Before 1808, black bicorn hat with green carrot shaped pompon then shako with green carrot shaped pompon with yellow tip. Green sabre strap (sometimes with yellow tassel).
NCOs Other ranks’ dress. Yellow or gold rank laces piped with regimental colour. For sergeants of elite companies and all sergeant-major company epaulettes (red or light crimson for fusilier sergeant-major) with crescent and fringes entwined with gold thread. Light crimson sabre strap entwined with gold.
Officers Long tailed coat with gold rank insignias (epaulettes, gorget and shako upper edge). Shako with gilded plate, cords and peak trim. White, scarlet or green plume. White (in full dress) or black (in everyday dress) belt and sword (or curved sabre for light companies officers) with gilded hilt and black leather scabbard.
Drummers and hornists Other ranks’ dress (sometimes in reversed colours). Collar, lapels and cuffs decorated with white/red/blue lace. Regimental coloured swallow nests with the same lace on the lower edge. This lace is replaced in 1811 by a white and light crimson chequered one added at the same time on the sleeves in inverted chevrons. In 1811 drums have copper shell with counterhoops painted in white and light crimson triangles.
Sappers Troopers’ dress in reversed colours with sapper badge (crossed axes surmounted by a grenade) in scarlet cloth on both upper sleeves and in brass on pouch belt. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Black fur colback with scarlet plume. Whitened leather apron.
Musicians Single breasted short tailed coat of regimental colour cloth. White collar and cuffs trimmed with silver lace. Regimental coloured epaulettes with white crescent and fringes. White turnbacks. White breeches with black hessian boots. Shako without cords. White plume with regimental colour tip or base.
Вы не можете начинать темы Вы не можете отвечать на сообщения Вы не можете редактировать свои сообщения Вы не можете удалять свои сообщения Вы не можете добавлять Фото
