Warriors: Fighting Men and their Uniforms (Osprey General Military) by Martin Windrow

Author:Martin Windrow [Windrow, Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 9781472812971
Google: umAOtAEACAAJ
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Published: 2015-10-19T21:00:00+00:00

FRENCH ‘HEAD OF COLUMN’

NAPOLEONIC WARS

Artwork by Bryan Fosten, from MAA 141: Napoleon’s Line Infantry, by Philip Haythornthwaite.

Of about 1.6 million young Frenchmen conscripted by Napoleon between 1800 and 1815, not all joined up unwillingly – there was genuine national pride in the new France, and a patriotic will to protect the real freedoms brought by the Revolution. Nevertheless, the pay was low (and most of it was deducted for uniform and equipment), and conditions on campaign were harsh. But Napoleon understood motivation, and built the esprit-de-corps of his regiments by means of inspiring symbolism.

The main focus of loyalty was the Eagle standard presented by the emperor, which was modelled on the legionary standard of ancient Rome, with a tricoleur banner bearing the regiment’s major battle-honours. It was carried by a veteran senior NCO or junior officer (left). This port-aigle was protected in battle (or, if he fell, replaced) by a guard of other senior NCOs, armed with halberds and pistols (centre). The other members of the regimental tête de colonne were the unit’s musicians, and a squad of strong, bearded sapeurs with axes, saws and leather aprons (right) – in today’s terms, combat engineers. This whole ‘head of column’ wore specially embellished versions of the national uniform, often with tall bearskin grenadier caps.

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