Napoleon’s Dragoons of the Imperial Guard
Title | Napoleon’s Dragoons of the Imperial Guard PDF eBook |
Author | Ronald Pawly |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Pages | 121 |
Release | 2012-04-20 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 1780964048 |
Dressed in distinctive green uniforms and classically inspired copper helmets, the Dragoons of the Imperial Guard were raised in 1806 by the same criteria as other Guard units – by selection of picked, literate veterans from Line regiments who had six to ten years of service, and citations for bravery in at least two campaigns. The following year they were named Dragons de l'Impératrice in a unique compliment to the Empress Josephine. As a ceremonial regiment it enjoyed many privileges, but it also saw combat on a number of occasions, including the battles of Essling and Wagram (1809), the Russian campaign (1812, when it suffered severe losses), at Bautzen, Wachau and Leipzig (1813), in the 1814 Campaign of France, and at Ligny and Waterloo (1815).
Napoleon's Elite Cavalry
Title | Napoleon's Elite Cavalry PDF eBook |
Author | Lucien Rousselot |
Publisher | Greenhill Books |
Pages | 216 |
Release | 1999 |
Genre | History |
ISBN |
In a series of wonderful, full-color plates, this superb book conveys the glory of soldiers of a military era surpassing the splendor of any others. 91 illustrations.
Napoleon's Imperial Guard Uniforms and Equipment. Volume 1
Title | Napoleon's Imperial Guard Uniforms and Equipment. Volume 1 PDF eBook |
Author | Paul L. Dawson |
Publisher | Pen and Sword |
Pages | 653 |
Release | 2019-08-30 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 1526701936 |
The author of Battle for Paris 1815 examines the uniforms and equipment of the infantry of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. From its origins as the Consular Guard of the French Republic, and as Napoleon’s personal bodyguard, the Imperial Guard developed into a force of all arms numbering almost 100,000 men. Used by Napoleon as his principal tactical reserve, the Guard was engaged only sparingly, being deployed at the crucial moment of battle to turn the tide of victory in favor of the Emperor of the French. Naturally, the Imperial Guard has been the subject of numerous books over many decades, yet there has never been a publication that has investigated the uniforms and equipment of the infantry of the Imperial Guard with such detail and precision. The author has collected copies of almost all the surviving documents relating to the Guard, which includes a vast amount of material regarding the issuing of dress items, in some instances down to company level. This information is supported by an unrivaled collection of illustrations, many of which have never been published before, as well as images of original items of equipment held in museums and private collections across the globe. In addition, the renowned military artist, Keith Rocco, has produced a series of unique paintings commissioned exclusively for this book. This glorious book is, and will remain, unsurpassed as the standard work on the clothing and equipment of the Imperial Guard, and will not only be invaluable to historians, but also reenactors, wargamers and modelers. It is one of the most important publications ever produced on this most famous of military formations.
The Imperial Guard of Napoleon from Marengo to Waterloo
Title | The Imperial Guard of Napoleon from Marengo to Waterloo PDF eBook |
Author | Joel Tyler Headley |
Publisher | |
Pages | 362 |
Release | 1852 |
Genre | France |
ISBN |
Napoleon’s Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard
Title | Napoleon’s Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard PDF eBook |
Author | Ronald Pawly |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Pages | 123 |
Release | 2012-02-20 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 1780964110 |
This book draws on original regimental records to give by far the most detailed account ever published in English of the organization and personalities of the most renowned of the foreign units that served in the Emperor's armies. Unlike most of his foreign troops, these Polish horsemen were true volunteers, who owed their honoured place in his Imperial Guard to their proven courage and dash on battlefields from Spain to Russia. The text is illustrated with rare portraits and photographs, and with detailed colour plates of the Lancers' magnificent uniforms.
Napoleon's Imperial Guard
Title | Napoleon's Imperial Guard PDF eBook |
Author | Gabriele Esposito |
Publisher | Pen & Sword Military |
Pages | 160 |
Release | 2021-07-30 |
Genre | |
ISBN | 9781526786715 |
A detailed analysis of the organization, uniforms and weapons of the French Imperial Guard created by Napoleon I. The author describes how this large military body evolved from the Consular Guard created by Bonaparte as early as 1799 and how this came to include dozens of different military units belonging to each branch of service (infantry, cavalry, artillery, specialist corps). The Imperial Guard was a 'miniature army' made up of veteran soldiers, who were dressed with the most spectacular and elegant uniforms ever seen on the battlefields of Europe. The Guard also included several 'exotic' non-French units that are also covered in the text: Egyptian Mamelukes, Polish and Lithuanian lancers, Tatar scouts, Dutch grenadiers and lancers. The way in which Napoleon employed the Guard in battle is discussed and also how it differed from the rest of the French Army in terms of military dress and weaponry.
Napoleon's Guards of Honour
Title | Napoleon's Guards of Honour PDF eBook |
Author | Ronald Pawly |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Pages | 120 |
Release | 2012-03-20 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 1780965591 |
One of the least understood of Napoleon's corps were the four regiments of Gardes d'honneur, raised in 1813 during the frantic rebuilding of the French cavalry after the huge losses in Russia. Recruited from the leading social classes, uniformed and equipped at their own expense, and accompanied by servants to take care of such unpleasant chores as stable duty, these men were promised commissions as officers after a year's service in the ranks. Though spectacularly unready for combat upon their arrival with the army, the Guards of Honour would gain skill and confidence while serving alongside the élite cavalry of the Imperial Guard in the campaigns of Saxony and France, 1813-14, and distinguished themselves in battle at Hanau and Rheims. The story of their organisation, uniforms and service is researched from rare archives and memoirs, and illustrated with portraits, surviving uniform items, and meticulous colour plates.