Keith Rocco's new painting, "The Melee" shows the French 1st Carabinier Regiment as it appeared at the battle of Borodino (7 September 1812), hitting the Russian Izumsky (also spelled Isoum or Izum) Hussar Regiment near the Great Redoubt. Heavy losses during the 1809 campaign in Austria had prompted a change in uniform--now the two carabinier regiments wore a metal cuirass and helmet similar to the cuirassiers. However, unlike other cuirasses, the carabinier's armor was covered with brass plate and the brass helmet had a red comb instead of horse hair mane.

Initially successful, the carabiniers were forced to retire by reinforced Russian cavalry. Horse losses during the march into Russia were so severe, many carabiniers were riding smaller Russian horses at Borodino instead of their black mounts. At the end of this charge, the 1st Carabiniers were in command of a captain, the other officers killed wounded, or unhorsed.

Rocco's uniform research revealed that the Izumsky regiment was still wearing the early model shako as late as 1814 instead of the newer kiwer headgear authorized before the 1812 campaign.

Back to Table of Contents -- Napoleon #10

Carabiniers Profile

Carabiniers Section 1: 1679-1791
Carabiniers Section 2: 1792-1811
Carabiniers Section 3: 1812 and After
Carabiniers Uniforms 1801-09, 1810-15
Carabiniers Uniform Colors 1788-1815 (slow: 114K)
Carabiniers Postings: 1792-1815
Issue Cover: Carabiniers at Borodino (very slow: 224K)