Napoleon's Imperial Guard
1800-1815
Introduction
by Tony and JF Broughton
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After many discussions that have taken place recently,
with regards to French Regiments it is my intention to begin a series of Articles on the Regiments of France during the Period 1800 to 1815 giving I hope a clear understanding of their Command structure and detailing the Battles and Combats that they took part in.
As probably the most famous unit in the Napoleonic Wars the Imperial Guard will be my starting pint, hopefully readers will find it of some interest.
The history of the Garde in France spans many centuries, almost all the
Kings and Queens in French history had a guard in one form or other. The
Imperial Guards history begins in 1789 with the formation of the Gardes de la
Prevote de l'Hotel, there task being to guard the Royal Residences.
After the guard joined the National Assembly their title changed to
the Garde de l'Assemblee Nationale after a period of time (20th June 1789
to 10th May 1791) they became the Comagnie de la Prevote. Then the
Gendarmes Nationaux this formation lasted only five days before becoming
the Grenadiers-Gendarmes pres de la Representation Nationale on the 15th
May 1791. It was decided to expand this force and on the 22nd July 1795 it
was renamed the Grenadiers pres la Representation Nationale shortened to
the Gardes de la Convention. With the dissolution of the Convention on the
26th October 1795 and the introduction of the Corps Legislatif the Garde
de la Convention became the Garde du Corps Legislatif (28th October
1795) and comprised one thousand two hundred men nominated by the Directory.
Napoleon's Imperial Guard 1800-1815
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