Artillerie a Cheval

Originally formed as a mounted squadron of light artillery (Artillerie legere) in 1799; the unit was expanded to become the Artillerie a Cheval on 15 April 1806. Disbanded at the first Abdication, it was reorganised 8 April 1815.

The single squadron of light artillery of the Consular Guard was expanded to form three squadrons, each of two companies. A company formed a battery with four 4-pounder, 8-pounder, or even 12-pounder cannon (and sometimes captured 6-pounders) and two 6-inch howitzers. Each gun was manned by up to eight specialist gunners assisted by as many as seven infantrymen seconded to the artillery to help with manoeuvring the gun. The personnel of a company comprised one capitaine, one capitaine en seconde, two lieutenants, sixteen noncommissioned officers, twenty-five gunners 1st class, twenty-five gunners 2nd class, twenty-five velites and two trompettes.

In 1808 the Artillerie a Cheval was reduced to two squadrons each of two companies, and in 1813 a Young Guard company was formed. Four companies were available for the Waterloo campaign.

Artillerie a Pied

The unit was created 12 April 1808 with a total of six companies. Each company had two capitaines, two lieutenants, one sergeantmajor, four sergeants, one farrier (who ranked as a sergeant), four corporals, four artificers, twenty gunners 1st class, two drummers and forty-eight gunners. Typical battery composition was 8pounder or 12-pounder cannon and two long-barrelled howitzers, with a preference for the heavier 12-pounders.

In June 1809 the Conscrit Artillerie was formed as part of the Young Guard with three companies, which rose to sixteen by 1813. Young Guard companies were frequently armed with eight 4-pounders.

Train d'Artillerie

Created 8 September 1800 as a battalion with six companies, the unit was increased to two battalions in 1807. In February 1813 a Young Guard regiment was formed. A company consisted of two officers, one sergeant-major, two sergeants, four corporals, one trumpeter and between eighty to ninety men.