Uniform

As no clear uniform regulations were issued when the Fusiliers were formed, it seems that each man kept the uniform of his previous unit. Because this situation persisted the Fusiliers-Chasseurs were issued Chasseur a pied coats with blue shoulder straps piped red and white eagle badges on the turnbacks. Similarly, the Fusilier- Grenadiers adopted Grenadier a pied coats, also with blue shoulder straps piped red and possibly red cuff-flaps piped white; after the 1807 campaign white cuff-flaps and turnback eagles were adopted. Just before the 1809 campaign epaulettes were issued: green with red fringe and crescent for Fusiliers-Chasseurs, red for Fusiliers-Grenadiers, with two white stripes on the strap and white fringe and crescent. Waistcoat, breeches and gaiters were as for the Old Guard and overalls were officially blue, although for Fusiliers-Grenadiers these were noted as light-brown in 1807, off-white linen in 1811.

Officer, Conscrits-Chasseurs and Officer, Fusilier-Grenadiers, 1809

NCOs from the Old Guard retained their old uniforms and officers' dress was quickly standardised. Those of Fusiliers-Chasseurs wore the officers' uniform of the Chasseurs a Pied, and likewise the Fusiliers-Grenadiers wore that of the Grenadiers a Pied. This was standard practice with senior officers of the Middle and Young Guard, and included the retention of the undress surtout.

Sappers were only distinguished by a crossed-axe sleeve badge noted as white edged red, for Fusiliers-Chasseurs, and red edged white with a grenade above. Drummers also wore ordinary uniform but with aurore lace on collar, cuffs and lapels.

Headdress

To distinguish them from the Old Guard, shakos were worn. For the Fusiliers-Chasseurs this had the cockade on the left with a white loop and red over green pompon, brass eagle plate and white cords. In 18 10 the pompon was replaced by a similarly coloured plume, which was moved to the front, and brass chinscales were adopted. Officers and NCOs had gold fittings and upper band (a row of laurel leaves for officers). NCOs had mixed red/green/gold cords, officers had gold.

The Fusiliers-Grenadiers, on the other hand, wore a shako with white upper band and side chevrons. Plate and cords were as above and a red pompon was worn at the front, above the cockade and loop. Before the 1809 campaign new shakos were issued without the white upper band, but with brass chinscales and a red plume. Officers had the same shako decoration as officers of Fusiliers-Chasseurs, but with a red plume and a row of gold stars replacing the laurel band. Sappers wore fur caps as for the Old Guard; forage caps were blue with aurore trim but no badge.

Equipment

The Fusiliers carried the same equipment as the Old Guard, although belts were not stitched along the edges. The cartridge pouch had a brass eagle badge on the flap. Greatcoats were not issued until the end of 1807, and were double-breasted and blue, the FusiliersGrenadiers changing to iron-grey in 1811 and the FusiliersChasseurs following suit in 1813. NCOs had gold mixed into their sword-knots, and officers were equipped as in the Old Guard. Drums were brass with sky blue hoops.

From left to right: Private Voltigeurs, 1811, Private - Trailleurs (campaign), 1811, Private, 1st Company, 7th Battalion, 1812

Imperial Guard Infantry

Grenadiers a Pied
Grenadiers Hollandais
Chasseurs a Pied and Veterans
Marins
Fusiliers
Tiraillers
Conscrits
Voltiguers
Velites and Gardes National de la Garde
Pupilles and Flanquers