Full Description
After the disastrous Russian campaign in 1812, Napoleon was desperate to scrape together a new army to resist the inevitable Allied offensive in Germany. Particularly short of cavalry, he levied four complete regiments of "Guards of Honour" - totalling no less than 10,000 men - from the upper classes of Europe. This title details the history, organization and uniforms of this cavalry corps raised by Napoleon's last dazzling campaigns in 1813 and 1814. Supported by quotes from period letters and memoirs, and illustrated with portraits and photographs of surviving items of their hussar-style uniforms, it looks at these troubled troops' successes and failures.
Contents
The French cavalry in the aftermath of the Russian campaign; Decree of 3 April 1813 creating four regiments of Gardes d'Honneur - inducements offered; organization and depots of 1st to 4th Regiments; the officers and troopers - volunteers and "volunteers" - mutinies and plots; campaign history - 1813 - Leipzig - successful charge at Hannau; sufferings of Metz and Mainz garrisons; campaign of France, 1814 - the great charge at Rheims, 13 March; uniforms and weapons - officers, troopers and trumpeters.
