Regiment 3e De Grénadiers

History : The silhouette of a grenadier a pied is one of the most symbolic and most easily recognised images from the Napoleonic era, second only to the silhouette of the Emperor with his hat and grey riding cloak. The guard was elite and self confident, its mesmeric effect on friend and foe alike was due to its close relationship with the Emperor. At the very top of the military food chain under Napoleon was the indomitable Imperial Guard, the best seasoned and most highly decorated veterans in the entire French army. They were the most fearsome and dedicated warriors of their day. From the plains of Spain to the snows of Russia, they followed closely behind the legendary black bicorn hat with the tricolor cockade trusting absolutely in the genius of the man who wore it. The Grenadiers a Pied of the Imperial Garde were formed on 4th May 1804, and consisted to two battalions, each made up of eight companies of 102 men. In 1806 each company consisted of 166men, and two years later the 2nd regiment was incorporated into the 1st. A company consisted of the following, one capitaine, three lieutenants, one sergeant-major, two sergeants, one fourrier, eight corporals, two sapeurs, two drummers and 102 soldats.


Each field battalion had only one grenadier company. They were the elite shock troop often used as spearhead of attacking force. They were also granted a higher pay. The Prussian King Frederick the Great, required from his grenadiers to be brave, good marchers, with black hair and moustaches, not appear too amiable or laugh too easily and not have an effeminate aspects. He formed them in battalions and used as crack troops on battlefield. Napoleon's grenadiers were also elite troops, selected for their stature and war experience. The Imperial Decree of February 18th 1808 stated in Article 9th: "The Grenadier Company shall be taken from the totality of the corps, from among the men most appropriate by their height and shall be accepted only if they have 4 years of service and have participated in at least 2 of the following campaigns: Ulm, Austerlitz, Jena or Friedland." Newly formed regiments and battalions didn't have grenadiers as they not had been in enough combat.As for their appearance it was stipulated that they must present a formidable sight, with moustaches, red epaulettes and tall fur caps. The epaulettes broadened their shoulders and the tall headwears made them look even taller.


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