Hougoumont

French Line Grenadier of 1815

Observations by Scott Bowden


On January 19, 1812, a decree introducing sweeping changes in the uniforms of the French line and light infantry was first published in the Journal Militare. The new regulations not only substantially modified the cut of the uniforms, but also called for standardizations of uniforms among the musicians (to a green Imperial livery) and other personnnel comprising the "heads of the column."

Because this edict occurred early in the year and thus prior to the invasion of Russia in June, many publications, including numerous Napoleonic uniform guides, have promoted the French 1812 uniform as that which was worn in the field from Moscow to Waterloo.

But is it true? Could a uniform decree published in January 1812 be realized throughout the empire, or even just within the Grande Armee in only a few months? Considering that existing depots and regimental stores of clothing had the old uniforms--not to mention what the men already had on their backs and on their heads--how quickly could the change be implemented?

By consulting the inspection documents and reports found at the French Army Archives iat the chateau de Vincennes, at the Musee de Armee, and eyewitness uniform manuscripts of Freyburg and Sauerweid, we know that the 1812 French uniform was not seen until the spring 1813 campaign, and it wasn't until the fall 1813 campaignthat large numbers of these uniforms were seen.

What's more, only the units of Napoleon's Grande Armee in Germany received the new uniforms while units comprising Marshal Soult's Army of Spain had to make do with the old (and still preferred) uniforms. As a result, it was not until the 1815 Waterloo campaign that the French forces were dressed uniformly according to the 1812 edict. Even then, some minor modifications at the regimental level were inevitable.

Rocco's French Line Grenadier correctly shows all the 1812 uniform details, including the parade dress look (except no plume is worn by the subject) along with no backpack taken into action.

Hougoumont

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