1. The year 1915 was most fateful for France. First the Battle of Waterloo affected one Empire and the birth in that year of the German statesman Otto von Bismarck would affect another. 2. A point to remember in the accuracy of British and French muskets deals with the cleaning of each. The French Musket can be easily broken down to clean by the simple removing of three metal bands. The Brown Bess on the other hand, required the removal of small retaining pins, which require a cleaning tool to remove. As this was somewhat difficult to obtain in the field, the interior of British muskets were not as clean as the French. Therefore the firing of the two will be different. Having cleaned both of these weapons, I can attest to the above statement. How many soldiers of the British or French armies noticed the same thing, especially those troops of the French forces re-equipped with captured British weapons. This little-fact, un-noticed by many, should result in the French musket having a slightly greater range, at least for the first few rounds. 3. For those rugged individuals who wish to take their wargaming more to heart, may I offer the following. Recently a new overseas branch of the "Waterloo and Peninsula Association" opened in Canada, by re-activating the 1st Regiment of Grenadier a Pied of the Imperial Guard. Those seeking additional information or data on membership are encouraged to contact Mr. Louis Weider at 165 Finchley Road, Hampstead, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA. 4.There is no available documentation to allow Sappers or Pioneers of United States Infantry Regiments during the Napoleonic period, War of 1812, to remain or help re-man crews of artillery pieces. As regular American line units had no such unit designation of Grenadier Company, Sappers if involved in the unit T/O. should not receive grenadier stat. They were Pioneers only and there was no official number per regiment. Brigade commanders could decide that matter. Comments from the editor. On note 2, it is perfectly possible that the Charleville had a greater range than the Brown and Bess. I have several references on that matter, we should come back on that matter in our next issue in an article I am preparing on musket range and also fire discipline. On note 4. I am always very careful when conclusions are drawn when no evidence are found, which does not mean that I disagree with Tom's statement on the sappers capabilities etc.. But that reminds me of a certain statement that was made some two years ago by an ex-member of our club about grenadiers being incapable of firing guns etc. Both of us were even ridiculed several times if I recall the events correctly. Today, we have serious references on that matter. It sure took a load of research but it was worth it. The point I just want to bring is that perhaps a reference could be found on the contrary .... I frankly don't know. Tom's comments appear to be logical and so far that's good enough for me. Future will tell. Back to Empire, Eagles, & Lions Table of Contents Vol. 1 No. 23 Back to EEL List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1978 by Jean Lochet This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com