The Men of La Garde Imperiale and their uniforms and equipment.
The Foot Artillery of the Imperial Guard was formed on 7th April 1808, consisting of six companies plus one of Pontoniers (bridge builders). Each artillery company comprised of four officers, 6 NCO’s, 4 corporals, four artificers, 20 gunners first class, 48 gunners second class and two drummer. They were equipped with 2x 6-inch howitzers, the first four companies with 6x 12lb, and the last two with 6x 6lb.
The decree stipulated that each artillery regiment of the Line was to furnish the guard with 73 men of the required service, and height to join the guard. General Lariboisiere opinion was that every man in the regiment was to be a gunner, even the drummers and mathematics professor. On 27th August 1808 Antoine Drouot of the 3e Regiment was appointed as Major of the newly formed regiment. |
The Uniform of the Imperial Guard Foot Artillery combined traditional elements from both the Artillery uniform and that of the Imperial Guard. The most distinctive feature was the Bonnet a Poil (Bearskin) adopted in March 1810. The Full Dress (Grande Tenue) Uniform had the following elements:-
Bonnet a Poil (Bearskin) Habit (tail coat) Gilet (waist coat) Pantalon (Breeches) Guetres (Gaitors Bottes (Boots) Gunners were also issued with a Fusil (musket), a cross belt that carried the sabre and bayonet, and a second which supported the Giberne (ammunition pouch). In cold or wet weather they wore a Capote (Greatcoat). For more on the uniform, click here |
