Overview
The historical background of Holdfast classes and their uniforms
Introduction
We all love holdfast and its napoleonic scenery don’t we ? We also love its pretty big choice classes. Ranging from the grenadier to some dude with a violin, everyone can find something that suits him. The Essential part of these classes are of course uniforms of units they are based on, they all look fabulous don’t they ? But have you ever thought about history behind those ? Well I certainly did, thats why i made this.
In this little article, I’ll be covering the historical background of the regiments and their uniforms that Holdfast classes are based. The article will be divided by unit type which will contain 3 units from every faction in the game. Every section’s introduction will be accompanied by a march that can be associated with the role or unit type (with some exceptions) to make the things even fancier.(Disclaimer: Some classes and unit types might not appear in this article mainly due to lack of information on the topic or because the fact that the authors are still reading about that subject)
The purpose of this guide is to educate about the uniforms of the Napoleonic period and to inspire the creators of mods or new regiments who would want to create something, based on the histories of the men who have fought on the fields of Europe for their own glory, riches, ideals or their kings and emperors no more than 200 years ago.
~In-Game Uniforms By Period~
This section analyzes the overall uniforms present in game and the period of the wars from which they come from.
Most french units wear the habit a la française that came into use in the XVIIIth century (it undertook some changes after the revolutionary wars- the lapels were shortened and had a more rectangular shape than before). In 1792-1794, The white colour uniform of the past was replaced by blue associated with the Revolutionary ideals. Since then uniforms remained identical for every regiment with some slight differences like different buttons, plates or other addons privately commisioned by regimental Colonels.
In 1806, Napoleon planned to reintroduce the old white colour because the British trade blockade caused the lack of the expensive blue indigo dye. In the end, that plan proved to be a failure and luckily, similar dyes were found in France. (for more details, see the Grenadier section)
Picture: French Line Infantrymen of the 94th Line Regiment (Grenadier and Voltigeur) according to the Otto Manuscript.
In 1812 it was replaced by the Habit-veste introduced by the Bardin regulations. The lapels were fully attached to each other and the vest was not visible and the turnbacks were shortened. It took a long time for the Habit-veste to become common (it was a rare sight both in the Russian campaign and even the 1813 German spring campaign), especially in the Peninsula where it was hardly present. It started to become common in the autumn of 1813 and the French campaign of 1814, though the older habit still remained present. The French army fully adopted the habit-veste during the hundred days campaign of 1815.
In 1806 the m1806 pattern shako was introduced which started to fully replace the bicorn in 1807 (though it remained in use in some units up to 1809). The Bardin regulations replaced the older shako with a m1812 which was a bit taller than it’s predecessor.
The French faction that appears in the game can represent men fighting against the British and Spaniards in the Peninsula in 1808-1814, the Russians in 1812-1813 and the Prussians in 1813.
In 1808 the Prussian army went through a large wave of essential reforms that were supposed to modernize It’s forces after the catastrophic defeats of 1806 and 1807, most notably Jena and Auerstadt which humiliated the Kingdom and ended the myth of Prussian army’s invincibility. One of these reforms caused the uniforms to be changed entirely- the dashing and colorful uniforms of the past were replaced by standardised, more modern, and cheaper clothing based on the uniforms of the Russians. The full dress consisted of a double-breasted dark blue kollet nearly indentical for every regiment (they were distinquished by the different colour of the cuffs and collar). The shako was made of black felt and it had a brass Royal Monogram ‘FWR’ for musketeers. The officers had a black and white cockade instead. On campaign however, these differences were not visible because of a oilskin cover worn on the shako.
Picture 2: Prussian Colberg Infantry regiment in 1811, these men wear the new uniform introduced in 1808.
In 1813 the Landwehr and many irregular Freikorps units were raised, which are also present in the game.
To conclude, the Prussian models present in the game can represent men fighting against the hated French in Germany in 1813, France in 1814 and finally on the fields of Belgium in 1815 at the battles of Ligny, Wavre and Waterloo. However, without some later units, they could be also fighting for Napoleon against the Russians, serving as a contingent in Marshal Macdonald’s 10th corps during the 1812 campaign.
~The Line Infantry~
Description
The Line Infantry was the basis of an early 19th century army. They fought in both open or either closed order in colums, lines and squares. The main reason of those close order formation was maximising fire power and maintaining morale. The formations such as the square could have also given them advantage against more dangerous foes like the feared cavalrymen.
85e Régiment D’Infanterie
History:
During the Revolution it transformed into a regiment composed of frenchmen, It’s name was also changed to 85e régiment d’infanterie. It took part in both revolutionary wars and the napoleonic wars and even fought at the battle of Waterloo, it received 6 battle honors and it was considered as one of the best infantry regiments of the french army. After Napoleon’s exile to St. Helena the regiment still lived on during the bourbon restoration and the 2nd French Empire as a light infantry regiment and it was finally dissolved in 1920.
Uniform Description:The soldier wears a modele 1806 shako with a green pompon indicating that he is from the first company in his regiment, (the six companies (1 grenadier, 1 voltigeur and 4 fusilier) within each battalion were distinguished by color of pompon.) A tricolor cockade, white shako cords fastened with hooks and around the ‘V’ shaped loops that help keep the cap’s shape, as well as a brass lozenge plate with an imperial eagle and regimental number, it also bears brass chinstraps which are put up in this case, although it is missing it’s rear buckle in-game. His uniform which is halfway between campaign dress and parade (tenue de bataille) consists of a habit-longe with red lapels and piping ,breeches (pants), a vest,a red collar, red piped shoulder straps,cuffs and black gaiters. He carries one shoulder belt, carrying his bayonet frog or scabbard and his cartridge box, he also carries a belt suspending his metal canteen.
23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers
History:
It was one of the earliest regiment to be honoured with the fusilier title becoming The Welch Regiment of Fuzilieers. Later it fought in the American War of Independence, It was the only british regiment to not surrender its colors to the rebels. The regiment also took part in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars (mainly in the peninsular war and the Waterloo compaign). During the Victorian era it maintained a long period of garrison duties until the Crimean war, during that time the 23rd was among the first regiments to receive the Victoria Cross. The regiment fought in both world wars and was later deployed Northern Ireland during the troubles and in Bosnia. It also saw action in iraq in 2003-2004. In 2006 The 23rd was merged with the Royal Regiment of Wales to form The Royal Welsh. It exists to this day
Uniform Description:The chap we see on the picture wears a stovepipe shako with a brass badge, red over white plume indicating he is of a center company and a black cockade bearing a regimental numbered button. This type of shako was used by the british army from 1799 to 1812 when it was officialy replaced by the belgic shako, but not actually replaced in the field until the end of 1815. He is dressed in a red coatee with cross belts. The man wears white trousers that were worn on campaign in summer (grey blue ones were worn in winter and on campaign as early as 1807 unofficially, by Waterloo they would have been officially part of his uniform as per a 1812 regulation, Underneath the trousers the soldier wears black gaiters and shoes. He has red shoulder straps, dark blue cuffs and an open collar with a leather neck stock.
Colbergsches-Infanterie Regiment (Colberg)
History:
Prussia, in 1806 had in place a fortress system which would have given her Army and Nation time to regroup in the event of any defeat. Sadly, these fortresses were in the main commanded by doddering old men, seeing the remnant’s of a once proud and powerful army stream into their gates, lost all thoughts of defiance. Most of these powerful islands of stone and cannon fell to paltry parties of Frenchmen…one even as small as one plucky Lieutenant. Few were to hold until the cessation of hostilities. Colberg the most well known example. The name Colberg was to become synonymous with bravery and defiance against the greatest odds.
In most books, one reads that the Prussian Army had ceased to exist after Jena-Auerstadt. This is untrue, many of the soldiers who fought and fled in 1806-1807 were to return to battle again in 1806, 1807, and 1813. Too rarely, the Prussian Force’s significant contribution to The Battle of Eylau is recognized. At Eylau, the Russian left was being turned by Davout. L’Estocq and his force of Prussians was to push Davout back, and stabilize the situation, leading to what is considered Napoleon’s first defeat. Even in it’s darkest days, there were glimmers of bright light. Many regiments would be reborn and reorganised into the wars to follow. Jena-Auerstadt and the fall of the fortresses cannot be considered the fault of the common soldier. If the Prussian soldier of 1806-1807 can be considered guilty of anything, it would have been a loss of faith in old men, and an old system unworthy of such faith.
Uniform Description: Picture here wearing then modern uniform adopted by the Prussian army after it’s humiliating loss in 1807 during the War of the Fourth Coalition, patterned after the Russian uniform at the time much like the previous uniform and the ones to follow. He wears a comfortable blue (for line) double breasted coatee known as a ‘Kollet’ bearing brass buttons with the regimental number inscribed in roman numerals, a open collar with black neck stock and a white facings indicating his home province, red shoulder straps showing the seniority of his battalion within the regiment, suspended over his coat is a wicker canteen with a glass bottle, belt for his sword scabbard on the waist, and one belt for his cartridge box, Prussian infantry did not carry scabbards for their bayonets as they would always be fixed. He wears the Russian style cap adopted after 1806 but no issued till after war was over, it bears the regulation white band, the monarchie’s royal cypher, blackened leather chin straps, and a pom pom in the national colors. He wears the grey winter trousers/breeches? and ankle length gaiters to protect his boots and pants.
~Other Line Infantry regiments~
This section is dedicated to other, mostly foreign line infantry units.
1st Vistula Line infantry regiment
History:
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd infantry regiments of the Legion participated in the Peninsular War in June 1808 and they fought in two sieges of Saragossa, taking part in an assault on the fortified monastery of Santa Engracia. In early 1812 the Legion was withdrawn from Spain in preparatory to the Russian campaign.Unfortunately, Of the approximately 7 000 members of the Vistula Legion who entered Russia during the invasion only about 1 500 returned. On June 18th 1813 the survivors of the Legion were reorganized into the single Vistula Regiment which participated in the battle of Leipzig After Napoleon’s abdication, the survivors of the Legion returned to Poland, now yet again under the control of the three nations (Russia, Prussia and Austria) which partitioned it in the late 18th century
Uniform Description:We can distinquish the 1st infantry regiment of the Vistula Legion from other French regiments mainly by the blue coatee and yellow collar, cuffs, lapels , and shoulder straps piped in according color (These could vary depending on the regiment, for example the 2nd had a yellow collar and blue cuffs). The Poles of the Vistula Legion would often wear a model 1810 shako which is slightly narrower at the top and taller than the m1806 shako, (on the picture with a brass plate bearing the regimental name and a French ‘sunburst’ plate) or a polish hat called “czapka” or “rogatywka” (which is a square-topped shako) with a brass plate that contained polish/imperial eagle and white cords. His gaiters are only ankle length and are of the hessian style with a distinct shape and white tassels and material.
92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment Of Foot
History: 
It’s first name was 100th (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot. It fought in the French revolutionary wars and helped to supress the Irish rebellion. In October 1798 it was re-ranked to the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot. During the Napoleonic wars the regiment gained a second battalion in 1803 which served as reinforcements and never left Britain. The 92nd fought in the Peninsular war under the command of Sir John Moore and later under Arthur Wellesley. In May 1815 the Gordon Highlanders took part in the Hundred days campaign. They bravely stood their ground at Quatre Bras and charged the leading French column attacking the left of Wellington’s line at Waterloo. During the Victorian era they took part in many wars such as the Second Anglo-Afghan war or the First Boer war they were also amalgated with the 75th Regiment of Foot to form the Gordon Highlanders who fought in both world wars. The regiment exists to this day.
Uniform Description:The Highlanders of the 92nd wear a traditional Scottish kilt with a Gordon clan tartan. Their coatee is red and yellow can be only seen on shoulder straps and the collar with white piping. They wear a feathered bonnet with green/red/white stripes and a white/red center battalion plume.
Lützowsches Freikorps
History:
The corps consisted of artisans, workers, students, academics, writers, poets and many famous figures such as Friedrich Fröbel. There were even two women who joined the corps in disguise. The men were recruited from all over Germany and Austria, many of them were Romantic Nationalists who were loyal to Germany as a whole rather then only Prussia. The Freikorps fought in many battles, most importantly at Ligny and Waterloo during the Hundred Days. After the Napoleonic wars they were praised by German Nationalists and were portrayed as heroes. The unit was often associated with republican and Pan-German ideals.
Uniform Description:Many men of the Freikorps wore civilian clothing and old uniforms which were dyed black. One of the most popular tunics worn by the Freikorps was a polish civilian trench coat or frock coat called “litewka” (which is worn by the soldier on the picture) with a red collar, epaulettes and cuffs. The headgear worn by the Freikorps was often varied from whatever they scrounge up on campaign. Mostly it was a black shako or a peaked cap, some recruits even wore large berets. The men often wore black trousers with black gaiters underneath.
~The NCO And Officer Corps~
Description
NCOs and Officers form the core of the every army whether the time period be the present, near future, or distant past, the rank and file rely on these men to guide, teach, and lead them through the fields of battle. Without them, the army would have no direction, no orders, no plans, this is no more true than during the Napoleonic era where officers were forced to adapt to the ever changing demands of modern warfare.
85e Régiment D’Infanterie (Officer)
History:
In 1803 Napoleon re-instated the term “regiment”, the “demi-brigade” being applied henceforth only to provisional troops. Each line and light regiment had: staff, 2-6 “war” battalions and 1 “depot” battalion. In 1811 Napoleon ordered that majors-in-second be named for all regiments with 4-6 war battalions.
In 1808 Napoleon ordered the organization of war battalion [Bataillon de Guerre] being changed from 9 to 6 (stronger) companies. These changes were implemented in troops on primary theater of war while those on secondary theaters (Spain and Italy) would keep their 9-companies battalions for some time. Between 1808 and 1815 the battalion was 840 men strong. (Davout’s opinion, in a letter dated 10 Sept 1811, was that a battalion of 960 men was too large to be managed properly.)
In reality the strength of battalion was between 400 and 600 men. For example in 1809 at Wagram were 255 btns. with an average of 556 men each. Many line regiments formed their 4th field battalions. In 1811 Napoleon ordered that majors-in-second be named for all regiments with 4-6 war battalions.
Battalion of line infantry 1808-1815:
staff of battalion
– 1 grenadier company (140 men)
– 1 voltigeur company (140 men)
– 4 fusilier companies (140 men each)
Prior to going into battle, a battalion would have all companies equalized by the Chef. If the grenadier or voltigeur company was short on men, then selected fusiliers were accepted to help fill out their ranks. It was important to maintain the frontage of the troops not only by the above described process but also by taking the men of the third rank. Sometimes the 3rd rank would dissolve as the men were drawn to fill out the files in the 1st and 2nd rank.
The “depot” battalion was commanded by the senior captain, with a major in command of the depot itself. In the depot the new soldiers were clothed and trained. (The annual drawings took place and a numbered ballot for each man who had reached the required age was placed in an urn. There was a quick physical examination. The best age for recruits was between 20 and 25, the younger than that were weaker physically and lacked stamina.) Once trained and dressed the new soldiers were sent to the front and joined one of the three field battalions of their parent regiment.”Each company [of depot battalion] had different specific duties. The 4th Company of the battalion rarely if ever left the depot. It was charged with training recruits and included in its ranks the regiments’s artisans, the enfants de troupe (soldiers’ sons carried on the battalion payroll), and any veteran soldiers awaiting retirement, discharge, or pensioning.The 1st and 3rd Companies were responsible for transporting newly trained recruits to the field battalions. … The 2nd Company of the battalion was generally assigned to act as guards for naval vessels as well as for the garrisons to man them.” (Nafziger – “Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia” p 14)
Uniform Description: The French Infantry in-game like the others is a Captain, being a company grade officer gives him several distinctions such as brass shako accoutrements, an epaulette on his left shoulder, and a so termed ‘contre-epaulette’ on his right shoulder that lacks ‘macaroni’ or hair. He wears a gorget showing that he is on-duty and is holding a command, he wears a standard french infantry uniform and has donned a pair of hunting boots with the inside edges turned out. He wears a waist belt that he can use to hook his pistol into and sword, he has removed his pom pom on his shako, otherwise he is ready for battle.
85e Régiment D’Infanterie (Ensign)
History: 
These small flags could have ornaments privately purchased by regimental colonels or chefs de batallion. These would include gold embroidering with the number of the battalion and it’s parent regiment (light infantry regiments would sometimes include a symbol of a hunting horn).
The eagle had a guard of well behaved soldiers and senior NCOs equipped with a pair pistols, pole-arms, and swords. Later on an effort was made to further protect eagle bearers by equipping them with a metal carabinier style helmet with a red comb of hair.
The 85e bear their 1812 standard in-game which displays the battle honors they have earned throughout their existence. The battle honours figured first on 1812 pattern flags and remained later as a part of the 1815 pattern. They were ordered to be added by Napoleon himself in order to inspire the men with the names of glorious engagements in which they or their brothers-in-arms took part. However, these which would figure were only 8 battles picked by the Emperor among in which he was present and in full-command. These were as follows: Ulm, Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, Friedland, Eckmuhl, Aspern and Wagram. The infantry of the old Guard (guard chasseurs and grenadiers) also had the names of capitals which into Bonaparte entered in his whole military career.
There were 3 flag or drapeau patterns during the existance of the Empire:
1804 Pattern
1812 Pattern
1815 Pattern
Uniform Description:The French flag bearer in-game is a sous-lieutenant or junior Lt. bearing a highly decorative shoulder belt with cup for the regimental eagle, he wears an officer’s bicorne sans plume or pom pom and shares a similar uniform to the captain. The only major difference is that he is wearing dress surtout to battle including a single breasted tailcoat and blue trousers.
~The NCO And Officer Corps Pt.II~
Royal Welch Fusiliers (Officer) 
The strength of infantry regiment varied. At the breakdown of the Peace of Amiens (1803) virtually all regiments had only 1 battalion. But very soon it changed. For example in 1809 :
– the elite 60th Foot, the Royal Americans (actually they were mostly Germans), armed with rifles,
had 5,000 men in 7 battalions
– the 1st Foot, the Royal Scots, had 4,900 men in 4 battalions
– the 1st Foot Guards had 4,600 men in 3 battalions
– the 42nd Foot (later known as Black Watch) had 2,000 men in 2 battalions
– the 88th Foot, the Devil’s Own, had 2,000 men (mostly Irishmen) in 2 battalions
– the 101st Foot had 900 men in 1 battalion
– the 103rd Foot only 500 men in 1 battalion.
Each of the eight center companies was divided into 2 half-companies.
Theoretically the company consisted of:
– 3 officers (incl. 1 captain)
– 5 NCOs (2 sergeants and 3 corporals)
– 1 drummer (and sometimes 1 fifer)
– 85-100 privates (in Foot Guard more).
The British field battalion had ten companies: one light, one grenadier and eight centre. The Light and Grenadier Company drummers formed behind their own company, but their battalion company comrades were grouped behind the 2nd and 7th Companies. The battalion Colors were placed between the 4th and 5th Company.
Uniform Description: The British Officer in-game wears a red ‘service coat’ or frock coat with slightly longer tails and different adornments on the rear than of the rankers, his coat is double breasted and he has unfastened some buttons exposing his regimental facings. His Bicorne or felt c ocked hat is not worn fore and aft as that was technically forbidden to everyone but ensigns. He carries no plume and wears Knee-length boots, he carries a shoudler belt for his sword frog, a gorget indicating that he is on duty, and a wears a red sash around his waist.
The 23rd bear their King’s Color in-game, although there is a Regimental color in the game files that is fully textured.
Royal Welch Fusiliers (Ensign) 
An example of the king’s color and the regimental color:
Uniform Description: The British Ensign in-game wears his bicorne ‘fore and ‘aft to provide some shelter from the intense gaze of the sun, he carries two cross belts holding up a sword frog and cut for his flag to rest in. His coat is like of the Officer’s by being more ornate having lace, which would have been up to the colonel of the regiment. He carries a gorget and red sash around the waist, as well as knee length boots, he further carries a contre-epaulette one shoulder.
~The NCO And Officer Corps Pt. III~
Colberg Infantry Regiment (Officer) 
Infantry regiment in 1806:
– staff
– 2 light guns
– 2 grenadier companies
(during the war they were detached from the
regiment and formed grenadier batalions)
– 2 musketier battalions
(each battalion had 4 musketier companies)
Musketier battalion had 830 men:
– 22 officers
– 60 NCOs
– 15 drummers
(and 6 oboye players for the I Battalion)
– 10 sappers
– 600 musketiers and 50 reserves *
– 50 Schützen with 1 bugler
– 18 gunners (incl. 1 NCO)
– 5 surgeons
Grenadier battalion had 805 men:
– 18 officers
– 56 NCOs
– 12 drummers and 8 fifers
– 8 sappers
– 600 grenadiers and 40 reserves *
– 40 Schutzen with 1 bugler
– 18 gunners (incl. 1 NCO)
– 4 surgeons
Fusilier battalion had 690 men:
– 19 officers
– 48 NCOs
– 5 drummers and 7 buglers
– 8 sappers
– 520 fusiliers and 40 reserves *
– 40 Schützen with 1 bugler
– 4 surgeons
* – the ‘reserves’ were ordinary musketeers, fusilers or grenadiers.
They joined their parent battalions for periods of excercise. They
were paid only during that exercise period. In wartime they were
paid and were used to replace the killed, wounded and ill soldiers
and those detached for other duties, and deserters.
Uniform Description: This Captain (Hauptmann) carries a rather somber uniform consisting of a double breasted frock-coat (Überrock), this is differniated from the greatcoat by it’s shorter length and the presence of shoulder straps. He wears a grey sash around his waist and sports a rather distinctive cap with a black and white cockade, regulation gold band, and a chain bearing Prussian eagles on either side of his hat. He wears closely tailored trousers modeled after those of the Russians with red trim and buttons over his boots.
Colberg Infantry Regiment (Ensign) 
In November 1807 was issued order that each musketier battalion should have 2 colours, and that the grenadier and fusilier (light infantry) battalions should have none. By 1812 however all grenadier battalions carried colours. These were the retirierfahne of the regiment from which the grenadier companies were drawn.
“The two battalion flags were known respectively as the Avancierfahne and the Retirierfahne, in effect the 1st and 2nd colours of the battalions. The 1st colour of the I Battalion of a regiment was also known as the regiment’s Leib-fahne. Generally speaking, the Retirierfahne of a I Battalion was of the same design and colouring as both colours of the II Battalion, whilst the Leib-fahne was in reversed colours from the other three, this being especially true with regard to flags issued after 1808. During the campaigns of 1813-15, only the Avancierfahne of each battalion was carried in the field.” (Nash – “The Prussian Army 1808-15” p 92)
Examples of flags (from Warflag)
Uniform Description: This NCO (Feldwebel/Sergeant) wears the typical infantry uniform which has long faded during his service in the army. His distinctions lay in the presence of knee length boots, cane (not seen here), and gold tape or ‘galoon’ on his shako, collar, and cuffs. He bears a scabbard for his soldier on his waist belt and a cup for his flag on a shoulder belt.
~The Grenadiers~
The Grenadiers were tall and strong men whose original task was throwing grenades, however during the 18th century the use of grenades was no longer relevant and the practice was abandoned.
During the Napoleonic Wars the Grenadiers would lead assaults and break the enemy line. However, It’s important to note that during that period there were hardly any separate Grenadier regiments (with some exceptions, like for example different Guard regiments and the organisation of the Russian army which featured separate Grenadier regiments) but instead, these men would serve as a part of a regiment either as a separate company in a battalion (France, Great Britain, French satellite states like Italy, Duchy of Warsaw, members of the Rheinbund, etc.) or as a battalion of it’s own (Prussia, Russia). Overall, these were often detached from their parent regiments or battalions to serve their own specific role (The French for example, detached their Grenadier companies to create whole battalions of converged Grenadiers)
In some countries, depending on the type of the unit, the Grenadier companies would receive a different name. Notably in French Light Infantry regiments where they would be called Carabiniers.
3e régiment d’infanterie (Grenadier Company)
History:
It fought in many battles of the Revolutionary Wars and was attached to the Army of the North and later to the Army of Italy. During the Napoleonic wars it also took part in many important engagements such as Austerlitz, Friedland and Wagram. The regiment also participated in the Peninsular war. After the Napoleonic wars the regiment still existed and fought in Conquest of Algeria and in the F ranco-Prussian war, most importantly at Sedan. After both World Wars the 3rd Infantry Regiment was considered one of the four oldest French regiments and it was finnaly dissolved in 1999.
Uniform Description:The coat and the vest of the Grenadier are white as introduced with the experimental white uniform in 1807, the 3rd being one of the trial regiments. The uniform itself was introduced because of the growing lack of indigo, a natural blue dye, also used for the production of uniforms that France was not able to import for a brief period of time because of the British blockade in 1804. However, those uniforms were not practical and dispised by the soldiers because of the friendly fire it caused and the fact of it being hard to keep in good and clean shape. He has ‘Imperial Green’ lapels on his pre-bardin habit-veste with white piping, cuffs and a closed collar. He has red epaulletes and a shoulder belt. On his head he wears a black shako with a brass grenadier badge and red cords. On his legs, we can see white breeches and black gaiters.
41st (Welch) Regiment of Foot (Grenadier Company)
History:
Originally, the regiment was made out of invalids and for much of its history the men undertook only garrison duties. During the 18th century the name of the regiment changed many times but when it ceased to be for invalids only and became a line regiment it gained the name 41st Regiment of Foot. The regiment only fought in the West Indies (caribbean isles) during the French Revolutionary Wars and didn’t take part in any didn’t engagements or wars in Europe at that time (such as the napoleonic wars which makes the fact that they appear in the game pretty odd). It also fought in many battles in Canada during the War of 1812. During the Victorian Era the 41st took part in a number of wars such as the Crimean War or the First Anglo-Burmese war. In the end it was amalgated with the 69th Regiment of foot to form the Welch Regiment.
Uniform Description:The man wears a stovepipe shako with a large brass badge and a white plume. He wears a red coatee with scarlet collar (with white piping) and cuffs. He has two shoulder belts and blue-grey campaign trousers which were worn on campaign during winter with the exception of the waterloo campaign (I guess the sunny summer-like background doesn’t fit too well).
29th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion (Grenadier Company)
History:
Uniform Description:The Grenadiers of the 29th were supposed to wear the newly regulated blue coatees with pink facings and light blue shoulder straps sewn into the collar, but since those were not supplied at the time so the regiment fought with their old white Berg coatees with red cuffs, collar (with white piping) and blue lapels. Many of those old uniforms still had the ‘N’ badges which had to be removed. They wore their Berg French 1806 pattern shakos (until 1815/16) with grenadier badges ,red Pompons and white cords. The Grenadiers of the regiment wore dark blue trousers while others wore grey ones, though a number of men continued to wear their old white trousers.
~The Guard~
The Guard units were the crème de la crème of every early 19th century army. These were the elite units composed of veterans or those who performed extraordinary deeds at the battlefield. The Guardsmen were very loyal to their Emperor or King and received much better equipment, rations ,payment and had more priviliges then the standard infantrymen did. They were respected but were also subjects of many jokes of mostly cynical character, for example the French members of the old guard who received a nickname Les Grognards (the Grumblers) because of their complaints. Their appearance on the battlefield could often decide the outcome of the battle and because of their value most of them were not commited in most of the occasions (for example: at Borodino).
2e Régiment de la Garde Imperiale (changed to 3e in 1811, also known as the Dutch Grenadiers)
After the annexation of the Kingdom of Holland by the French Empire in 1810. It became a part of Napoleon’s army and the regiment was incorporated into the Imperial Guard. They first marched to Paris where they served for over one and a half years as palace guard. They were inspected on the same day and it was said that they were superior in bearing even to the Old Guard , ‘being much younger with better figures’. One interesting fact about the 2e that is worth to mention is that during that year (1810) their colonel Ralph Dundas Tindal, was a Scot born in the Netherlands! During the Russian Campaign where they first fought at Smolensk. They were also present at Borodino accompanied by other units of the Imperial Guard. During the final and most important moments of the battle Napoleon was advised by his Generals to commit the Guard, the Emperor refused and asked them ‘If there is another battle tomorrow, where is my army?’. This controversial decision criticised by the Dutch Grenadiers made them and the rest of the Guard survive the battle intact. During the Napoleon’s infamous retreat from Russia the Dutch Grenadiers fought at Krasny where they were decimated, the companies were reduced to 20 men apiece. The Dutch regiment was finally dissolved in February 1813.
Uniform Description:The Dutch Grenadiers were one of the only French regiments to wear white uniforms. They retained the uniform of the Royal Guard of Holland with some adjustments. Their old bowl buttons with the Dutch Lion were replaced into flat ones with an Imperial Eagle. The coat of the Dutch Grenadier is white with crimson collar, cuffs, turnbacks, lining and pocket piping and white cuff flaps. The most distinctive feature of the Dutch Grenadiers’ uniform was their 45cm (17 inches) tall bearskin cap, which had no copper plate but a crimson rear patch bearing a white grenade (gold for officers), white cords, red plume and uniquely, brass chinscales.
1st Foot Guards (St. James Palace)
This British Guard Regiment was raised by Charles II in 1658. It was created in the Spanish Netherlands when the king was in exile
They first saw action in the battle of Dunes near Dunkirk on the 24th of May 1658. The regiment later took part in many major wars of XVIIth century. At that time they received a grenadier company. During the revolutionary wars they fought in the Netherlands. In 1793 they engaged Lincelles- a fortified village located on a hill and guarded by a force of 5000 revolutionaries. Despite the enemy having the upperhand in numbers the guards took the village and received a battle honour for their bravery. At the time of the Napoleonic Wars the 1st Foot Guards were stationed in Britain. Only after the Battle of Trafalgar they were sent into Sicily to occupy the island but in 1808 they were moved into the iberian peninsula to reinforce Wellesleys army. They joined up with Sir John Moore’s force and moved north to fight Soult’s army,
When in 1813 the French retreated into France the British followed them. Napoleon abdicated on 5th April 1814 and was banished to Elba. But the news did not reach Wellington, or Soult in Toulouse, until a week later. So the Battle of Toulouse was fought unnecessarily. The Guards were not in that fight but they suffered very badly when the French made a night-time sortie from Bayonne and attacked the British with 6,000 men. The two Guards Brigades fought very hard in a confused battle in the dark and sustained 506 casualties. The irony was that the French commander, Thourenot, had heard of Napoleon’s departure but refused to accept it. There is still a Guards cemetery at Bayonne. Two light companies of the 1st Foot Guards took part in the battle of Waterloo where they defended Hougoumont. At the climactic moment of the battle Napoleon decided to make his final move and commit the Imperial Guard. One column was heading towards the 1st Guards who numbered 1,000, the hidden Brits could hear the sound of thousands of marching feet and roars ‘Vive La Empereur!’. When they were 40 paces away Wellington suddenly shouted ‘Now Maitland ! Now’s your time!’ the guards stood up and formed into four ranks, the front rank opened fire killing 300 Frenchmen, the other ranks repeated this, combined with the grapeshots of the artillery. The once great Imperial Guard wavered and had to fall back.
After the Napoleonic Wars they Guarded the royal family in their residences at Buckingham House, St James Palace (with the uniform we can see on the picture) and Windsor Castle, However, they still quelled rebellions and took part in the Crimean War. In 1881 they were oficially redesignated as Grenadier Guards, the regiment exists to this day.
Uniform Description:The man we see on the picture wears a Parade uniform worn in St James Palace. On his head he wears a bearskin with brass signatures and a white plume. He wears a red coatee with dark blue cuffs and collar (with white piping), andhas two crossbelts. This uniform wouldn’t have been worn on campaign, existing only for ceremonial purpose. The campaign uniform would have looked like this: Stovepipe/Belgic (only at waterloo) shako on his head, black gaiters and white/grey blue trousers (on waterloo campaign).
1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß
This Prussian guard regiment was raised in 1806 in Potsdam after the Prussians were defeated by Napoleon at Jena from the earlier guard units and was from the beginning the personal regiment/guard of the kings of Prussia.
Their precursors were the 6th and 15th infantry regiments which date back to 1675 and 1688. At Jena both of those regiments have perished. The Guard regiment participated in some heavy fighting in 1813 in Saxony and at Leipzig. In 1814 they entered Paris accompanied by the other forces of the Coalition. In the later years of the XIX century the Garde-Regiment zu Fuß remained being a ceremonial personal guard but that doesn’t mean they didn’t took part in any engagements.
in 1848 they fought against the revolutionaries in Berlin ,in 1866 against the Austrians at the Battle of Königgrätz, and in 1870 against the French at Sedan, Le Bourget, Paris and St. Privat.
During the 1st World War the Guards fought at the western front from 1914 all the way to 1918. After the war and the humiliating defeat of the German Empire they marched back to Potsdam where they were demobilised on December 12 1918.
~The Guard Pt. II~
“Splendid old General Horn was at the head of the
famous Leib Regiment; he raised his sword on high,
gave a loud Hurrah ! … Forward ! …
These were scenes that inspired each good, Prussian
heart … there was a splendid spirit in our Prussian
troops, be they line or Landwehr.”
– Mjr Ernst Moritz Arndt, Leipzig 1813
Uniform Description: 
~The Sapper and Engineers~
Description
Napoleonic era armies relied a great deal on the technical experts in the engineer corps to conduct campaigns, sieges, bridge crossings, fortification, etc. Most armies attached sappers to line/light infantry and artillery regiments. Miners, Sappers, and Pontooners were crucial to the mobility and sophistication of mobile warfare, and in many armies to this day, retain special roles, privileges and distinctions. Without them, armies would largely be unable to conduct in any sort of force projection over distance whether continentally or intercontinentally.
85e Régiment D’Infanterie
(Sapper)
History: Each battalion had 1 corporal sapper and 4 privates sappers. These strong men with facial hair marched together with regimental band and near the Eagle/flag. Sappers were picked men from grenadier or (carabinier) company. They were equipped with an axe, saber briquet, and carbine. Sappers wore a grenadier uniform with crossed axes and grenade badges on the sleeves. Their fur cap was without front plate. Facial hair including beards were mandatory on paper (but not necessarily always present).
During combat they broke in gates, chopped gaps in palisades, built small bridges or destroyed them, broke garden walls or loopholed them to provide protected firing positions for the infantry. Before Waterloo Napoleon have ordered the sapper companies of I Army Corps (d’Erlon’s) to be ready to construct barricades around the conquered buildings of La Haye Sainte and prevent the enemy from reoccupying them.
Uniform Description: Each regiment had it’s own distinct sapper uniform which, much like that of the musicians deviated from the official regulation and was according to the tastes of the Colonel. In-game he wears a small bearskin cap, light blue habit-longe with white piping, brass buttons, red grenadier epaulettes, and an apron to protect his uniform while he performs his duties in the field. He carries two crossbelts bearing brass accoutrements, an bayonet and sword scabbard, and a box for ammo and for his axe.
23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers (Sapper)
History:
Uniform Description: The British Sapper wears a brown apron with crossbelts bearing his ammunition, bayonet frog, with a regimental plate in center, on his waist he carries a small belt suspending a pouch for a small curved knife, also over his shoulder he carries a small brown canvas satchel. His uniform is otherwise the same as the line infantry, albeit very worn and torn and he has tucked his pants into his gaiters.
~The Sappers and Engineers Pt.II~
Engineer Corps
(Pioneer)
History: The engineers formed an independent corps or (Ingenieur-Korps) and were commanded by General-Major von Scharnhorst (between 1813 and 1815 by General-Major von Rauch).
The were three companies of pioneers for fortresses (Festungs-Pionier-Kompanien). In 1812 a fourth company was formed. In wartime from these companies were to be formed field companies. Each field company consisted of:
. . . . . . . . . . 2 officers, 1 surgeon
. . . . . . . . . . 1 sergeant-major
. . . . . . . . . . 1 armourer
. . . . . . . . . . 6 NCOs
. . . . . . . . . . 12 privates first class
. . . . . . . . . . 1 bugler
. . . . . . . . . . 40 sappers and 20 miners.
These men were replaced in the fortress companies by recruits or reservists.
By August 1813 there were 7 field and 6 fortress companies of pioneers, this changed by early 1815 to 9 field and 8 fortress companies of pioneers.
The pioneers carried Faschinemesser with a saw blade (basically a machete with a sword grip), only the sergeant-major and ensign had ordinary sabers. Smoothbore carbines with bayonets, and small cartridge pouches for 15 cartridges. In addition they carried hatchets, pickaxes, axes, compass, saws and spades.
NOTE: the regimental pioneers belonged to their respective (infantry) regiments and had nothing to do with the pioneers mentioned here.
In October 1813 in the Elbe province from 800 miners was formed the Mansfelder Pionier Batallion (4 field companies). The companies acted independently and were assigned to different army corps. There were no senior engineer or pioneer officers at army headquarters, only one engineer, Kapitan Vigny, serving as a staff officer plus a small topographical section. All the engineer-officers (Ingenieur-Offiziere) were on the same rank list, but organised in 3 “brigades”. These officers were attached either to the field or fortress pioneer companies, these men wore a black uniform with blue facings.
Uniform Description: The Prussian ‘Sapper’ carries a regulation shako with a black and white cockade held by a white clasp (silver for officers), a blue coatee with black facings piped in red with silver buttons and swedish cuffs. He is burdened by 3! shoulder belts (no knapsacks in-game) which carry his spade, small cartridge box, and sword scabbard.
~The Light Infantry~
Description
By the mid 1700s, many armies had recognised the need for more flexible and independent formations of lightly equipped troops that both excelled in markmanship and could move quickly both at the tactical and strategic level, as well generally having camouflaged and more subdued uniforms and equipment. Nations such as Britain, France, and Prussia would extensively develop doctrines and manuals for training and using light infantry as the 1700s wore on based on lessons in north america for example, or even in continental war at the time such as the Seven Year’s War. By the Napoleonic era, the lines between line and light infantry would become increasingly blurred, as more nations started to employ line infantry as skirmishers, but they were still two distinct formations of troops, differentiated by their mission (but not always), weaponry, uniforms, organisation, and methods of deployment on the battlefield.
93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot
History: 
Meanwhile, the 1st battalion embarked for North America in September 1814 for service in the War of 1812, which would lead to their most notable actions before the Crimean War. The regiment saw action at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815. British troops overran and captured the American position on the right bank of river while, on the left bank where the main assault occurred, a detachment of light infantry companies including that of the 93rd Regiment of Foot, captured the advance redoubt on the American right beside the river. However, the British assault on the left bank faltered and General John Keane led the main body of the 93rd Regiment of Foot diagonally across the field to support the faltering British right flank attack near the swamp. Following the death of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Dale, the regiment’s commanding officer, no orders were issued either to advance or to withdraw so the regiment stood fast and was mown down. General John Lambert having taken command upon the death of General Edward Pakenham finally sent orders to withdraw and after a futile attempt to advance the regiment withdrew from the field. The “immense bravery” shown by the 93rd in this advance was noted by the American Paul Wellman, General Andrew Jackson’s biographer:
To the very edge of the canal before the rampart the few that were left of the kilted regiment marched, then halted there. The men who had been detailed to bring scaling ladders and fascines had failed to come up. Unable to go forward, too proud to retreat, although the regiment behind them had all fallen back. At length a mere handful of what had been the magnificent regiment slowly retired, still in unbroken order, still turning to face the foe. From the ramparts the Americans cheered them wildly. All rifle fire ceased.
The 1st Battalion embarked for home and disembarked at Cork in Ireland in May 1815. They would later see action in Crimea and in India. Since the Childers Reforms, it amalgamated with the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot to form the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Battle honours won by the regiment were:
Cape of Good Hope 1806
Crimean War: Alma, Balaklava, Sevastopol
Indian Mutiny: Lucknow
Uniform: The regiment wears the uniform it was issued by the time they were in North America, many highlander regiments at the time were de-kilted and wore trousers for many reasons, one being to attract more recruits from other areas. The ranker wears a ‘Hummel’ bonnet in-game that’s lost some of it’s shape with a pom pom colored green indicating, that he is from a light company. He wears a red coatee with yellow facings and white piping, as well as yellow striped pointed? or bastion? loops. He jacket bears wings appropriate for his company and he wears tartan trousers more suited to his duties as skirmisher in the American wilderness and black gaiters over his laced marching shoes.
10e Regiment D’Infanterie Legere
History: 
On January 12, 1798 (23 nivôse year 6), a Decree of the Executive Directory in Paris, fixes the composition of the Army of England:
” THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY,
Considering that it is instant to join together on the coasts all the forces which must be employed in the army of England,
STOP the following:
ARTICLE 1
The various troop corps hereafter designated will be set in motion to go without delay to the coasts which border the English Channel, or other designated places of assembly by the Minister of War, namely:
… LIGHT INFANTRY.
The … 10th demi-brigades … “(La Jonquière C. de:” The expedition from Egypt, 1798-1801 “, t. 1 P. 97).
The unit served with distinction in Switzerland in 1799 in the passage of Limath and in Zurich, then in the German Army of Moreau, in 1800, and fought in Engen and Hohenlinden. (Continues on next page…
Battle Honors: 1805 – Ulm and Austerlitz, 1806 – Jena, 1807 – Eylau, 1809 – Eckmuhl, Essling and Wagram.
~The Light Infantry Pt. II~
Extracts from the inspection of the 10th Light Demi-brigade by General Schauenbourg on 30 Nivôse, year 10 (January 20, 1802)
Supervision: Chief of the Grandeau Brigade, Chiefs of Deslon, Laplente, Maransin and Devillers Battalions, noted as excellent Officers.
Staff: 2,696 men, NCOs and officers, 3 Battalions.
Out of service: 656 clothes, 549 jackets, 94 breeches, 2742 hats, 334 rifles and their bayonets, 224 sabers.
Esprit de corps: leaves nothing to be desired with zeal, flexibility and dedication to government.
Training of the soldier quite started, discipline well established, very well looked after clothing, very new equipment except the knapsacks which are bad.
The battalion which is in Mainz is barracks in an unhealthy barracks. The store is established in Worms.
Orders left to the Corps:
For the dress, the officers will be provided with collar-raisers. Consistent uniforms will be provided. The chef will not suffer from it being of another color.
The corporal foragers will carry the stripes of wool of the other corporals.
For the clothing of the troop: the clothes must have more chest and larger sleeves to be able to use the vests with sleeves. The collars should be higher. The gaiters should go up to the kneecap. Have police caps made from new uniform size scraps or old uniforms.
Distribute the rifles according to the size of the soldiers.
The chief will establish a writing school and oversee regular military training.
There is too much to list here but the 10th Legere, particularly distinguished itself at the head of the Heilsberg fight on June 10. Then the Regiment fought at Friedland on June 14. The Russians are beaten. The two Emperors will meet on the Niemen.[i/] They also performed particularly well in the German campaign of 1809, Colonel Berthezène, who was wounded at Eckmühl, was made Commander of the Legion of Honor. They also took part in the fierce fighting in the campaign of 1812 in Russia. During the 1814 Campaign in France, the elements of the 10th Light fought at Vauchamps, Bar-sur-Aube (Battalion Chief Pavy will be killed and Colonel Luneau wounded) and Arcis-sur-Aube with the Leval Division. Even the Depot participated in the defense of Schelestadt in March. After the Emperor went into exile on the island of Elba and the Regiment swore an oath to the new royal power.
Uniform: The Regiment in-game has the uniform it would’ve likely carried in 1809, it is very much like the typical french light infantry uniform. Since a voltiguer was chosen, he has such distinctions as yellow shako bands (one here), yellow collar with red trim, and epaulettes and tassets on the gaiters. His all dark blue uniform aids in concealment, with a coat that is cut shorter than the line infantry, and he is wearing a pom pom with an accompanying plume as in tenue de bataille, he is perhaps walking into one of the biggest battles of the war.
Schlesisches Landwehr (Silesian Landwehr)
History: 
“Theoretically the Landwehr were to be used only for home defence purposes within the frontiers of Prussia, but in practice they were used exactly as if they were regulars. Initially only 20,000 were raised, armed with French muskets gathered up by the Russians as they pursued the disintegrating Grande Armee out of Russia.” (Digby-Smith, – p 36)
The Silesian Landwehr performed above-average for what they wore and in some ways elevated their status in the Prussian Army. Many silesian units from the province also became incorporated into the regular army, for their bravery in holding the fortresses and province as a whole from the French.
Loraine Petre writes: “A decree of the king established the landwehr, based on the model of that of Austria of 1809. … As the impoverished state of Prussian finances precluded much assistance from the State, the expense of equipment had to fall on the men themselves, or their villages. … At first, the front rank was often armed with pikes or scythes, and it was only as French muskets were taken from the battlefields that the men were armed with yet another pattern of firearm. There was a great dearth of officers, as most of the half-pay officers still fit for service were required for the reserve battalions. All sorts of officials, many of them very unsuitable as military officers, joined, and it was only later on that men of some experience were got from the ‘volunteer-jagers, etc. Naturally, the landwehr, as a whole, was at first of no great military value, though their initial worth was in some corps (Yorck’s and Bulow’s especially) enhanced by long marches and still more by early successes.” (Petre – “Napoleon at War” p 114)
Uniform: The Prussian light in-game wears the typical outfit of a militia-man, he wears a stiffened but loose cloth cap based on contemporary civilian headgear with a peak and visor, black and white prussian cockade, colored band with facings, some stichings as well as in the facing color, and an iron cross or ‘The Landwehr Cross’ bearing the inscription: Gott Mitt Uns. He wears a dark blue Litewka which is double breasted, his greatcoat is rolled alongside his right shoulder oddly enough instead of the left, and he bears a single belt for his catridge box. He wears white trousers and white gaiters, presenting a somewhat smart appearance.
~The Cavalry~
Description:
“Without Cavalry, battles are without result”
Napoleon Bonaparte
During the Napoleonic wars, the Cavalry was despite being a minority in early 19th century armies had a truly important role during an engagement. When used correctly in a right moment, it could turn the tide of the battle and crush the routed enemy forces. At the time of the Napoleonic period the cavalry was divided into three basic types:
–The Heavy Cavalry (Cuirassiers, Carabiniers, sometimes Dragoons)
–The Medium Cavalry (Dragoons, Chevaux-legers,Lancers/Uhlans, Mounted Gandarmerie)
–The Light Cavalry (Hussars, Chasseurs a cheval, Cossacks)
Although in Holdfast only the Hussars and Cuirassiers/Dragoons are present. All forms of cavalry carried anything from rifles to carbines, to pistols but most only used them for dismounted duties or patrols.
1st (Royal) Regiment of Dragoons
History: The regiment was first raised as a single troop of veterans of the Parliamentary Army in 1661, shortly thereafter expanded to four troops as the Tangier Horse, taking the name from their service in Tangier. For the next few years, the regiment defended Tangier, which had been acquired by the English Crown through the marriage of King Charles II to Catherine of Braganza in April 1662, from Moorish cavalry.
The regiment consisted of four troops, three of which were originally troops in the English Regiment of Light Horse in France attached to the French army of Louis XIV and under the command of Sir Henry Jones. They were constituted in 1672 and, after Jones was killed during the siege of Maastricht in 1673 while serving with the Duke of Monmouth, command passed to the Duke. The regiment was ranked as the 1st Dragoons, the oldest cavalry regiment of the line, in 1674. The regiment was recalled to England in 1678 (it was disbanded in France and reformed in England with most of the same officers) with the expectation of fighting in a war against France. In early 1679, it was disbanded and then reformed in June of that year as Gerard’s Regiment of Horse (its colonel being Charles Gerard), with most of the same officers and men, to police the Covenanters in Scotland. The regiment was disbanded in late 1679 and three of its captains, John Coy, Thomas Langston and Charles Nedby, along with their troopers, went out to Tangier in 1680 as reinforcements. When they returned in 1683, they joined what became a new permanent regiment of the Royal Dragoons.
During the Napoleonic Wars, The regiment fought at the Battle of Beaumont in April 1794 and the Battle of Willems in May 1794 during the disastorous Flanders Campaign. It served under Viscount Wellesley, as the rearguard during the retreat to the Lines of Torres Vedras in September 1810, and charged the enemy at the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in May 1811 during the Peninsular War.[3] The regiment also took part in the charge of the Union Brigade under the command of Major-General William Ponsonby at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815 during the Hundred Days Campaign.[3] Captain Alexander Kennedy Clark, an officer in the regiment, captured the French Imperial Eagle of the 105th Line Infantry Regiment during the battle. In 1816 a detachment of the regiment was involved with suppressing the Littleport riots.
The regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Yorke, also took part in the charge of the heavy brigade at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854 during the Crimean War. Having been re-titled the 1st (Royal) Dragoons in 1877, the regiment also saw action at the Battle of Abu Klea in January 1885 during the Mahdist War. Since then, it has served in numerous global conflicts and has since amalgamated with the The Blues (Royal Horse Guards) since 1969.
Uniform: In 1812, the British Heavy and Light dragoons adopted a rather unpopular uniform that imitated French Heavy Cavalry and Hussars, initally this even led to friendly fire from their Spanish comrades in Spain. Although the new uniform served to add confusion, it was more practical and less ornate than the previous uniforms, the Heavies trialed two different prototype helmets, one had a caterpillar comb like that of French Carabiniers but proved unsatisfactory for unknown reasons for the Heavy Dragoons, instead going to the House Cavalry. Instead the Heavy Dragoons adopted a similar helmet to the French Cuirassiers, arguably their counterpart unit in strength. The trooper in-game wears a very short tailcoat with ladders of stripes and piping in yellow and blue down the gigline of his coat from the collar. He wears his campaign trousers instead of white breeches, these have red stripes running down the outer seams, presenting a striking appearance on or off horseback! He wears a dragoon helmet with horse hair protruding from the rear, and his helmet bears a regimental plate, lastly, his boots are covered by his trousers which have been reinforced with leather on the sides.
~The Cavalry Pt. II~
4e Régiment de Cuirassiers
History: The 4th regiment of Cuirassiers was part of the French until it’s dissolution in 1997, the unit was created in 1643 under the name of La Reine-Mère. Later, they became the “Régiment de La Reine”, the 4th Cavalry Regiment, later reverting to their current name. They had served in nearly every war the modern French army had taken part in, including WW1 and WW2 (armor unit). Their facings were aurore like those of the 5th and 6th Cuirassiers. In 1812, all of the cuirassier regiments recieved An XI carbines, although many refused to carry the belts and the carbines themselves, saving only some pistol rounds in their pockets!
Uniform: He wears an 1806 habit-veste piped in regimental facing colors and grenade ornaments on the turnbacks, in this case aurore. He wear sheep or deer-hide breeches of which were replaced with overalls on campaign and tall riding boots. Red epaulettes were worn on the shoulders, but often went missing on campaign. His helmet is of the standard later pattern, with clear greco-roman influence being both practical, and smart looking, his cuirass is either a mk.II or mk. III. In the game, he is armed with a light cavalry sabre of the AN IX/XI pattern which is incorrect. Cuirassiers and dragoons were instead armed with a AN XI Pallasch- a long, about 98cm long heavy sword with a straight blade used purely for stabbing. This is why it was much deadlier than it’s light cavalry counterpart- while a sabre could knock out the opponent or harm him with swift cuts, a tough stab with a pallasch would often kill him right away.
Brandenburg Kurassier-Regiment Nr. 3
History: Within the Prussian cavalry the cuirassiers enjoyed higher prestige than dragoons and uhlans. The men and horses in cuirassier regiments were bigger and stronger, a factor important not only on parades. They were the battle-cavalry who on battlefield charged en masse crushing the enemy with sheer force.
In 1806 Prussia had 13 cuirassier regiments, incl. the Garde du Corps Regiment. Then Napoleon defeated and downsized the Prussian army. In 1812 the numebr of cuirassier regiments was 4, including the Garde du Corps.
For the campaign in 1815 Prussia had 5 regiments, one Garde du Corps and 4 cuirassier regiments. In the 4th Regiment served many Saxons. Several cavalry regiments, incl. cuirassiers, had also squadron of volunteer-jagers.
On campaign the cuirassiers wore either dark blue Litewka or grey greatcoats. But often during battle the rank and file wore the white, double-breasted Kollet. The shoulder straps were white with piping in the facing color. When off duty the officers could wear the single-breasted blue tunic known as Leibrock. Cuirasses had been withdrawn sine 1790 and weren’t worn again until late 1813-1814, most likely captured French examples. The cuirassiers were armed with the pallash, a straight-bladed sword. The scabbard was iron. Additionally they carried 2 pistols each, and designated “flankers” in the formation carried carbines by 1813.
Uniform: The Prussian Cuirassier wears his campaign frock coat: “Litewka”, and a helmet derived from those of the Russian Cuirassiers, albeit of smaller dimensions with a horsehair comb. His legwar consists of cavalry overalls with leather reinforcement and piped buttons. He also carries a belt for his cartridge box, and a sword scabbard for his saber. The Brandenberg regiment wore blue facings on the kollet and red on the litewka.
~The Coast Guard~
Description
Many nations in addition to establishing naval artillery, also created corps and units of coastal forces to help guard their own shores or colonies. These gunners would find themselves becoming irrelevant by the mid 20th century, but during their existence, they were part of a then formidable deterrent against naval invasion by other great powers. France, the Kingdom Of Italy, and Denmark-Norway are some of the powers that included these very forces into various departments within their respective borders.
Garde-côtes
History: Before and during the Revolution these forces had existed as a sort of miltia along the coastal areas of France, comprised of volunteers and veteran gunners. Napoleon had abolished this ‘coast guard in 1802, only to revive upon the continuation of hostilities with England thereafter (war). He extended it to the coasts of Northern Italy and Holland as the French Empire grew, having 145 active companies and 33 sedentary for part time minor port service by 1812. Very little has been published on their organisation, they were prescribed a white uniform with light to dark blue facings and lapels, white, blue, or red cuff flaps, and the standard army shako with naval brass plates. Later on this uniform would be made blue with green facings like the rest of the French army however, this would not come to be in reality, the gunners wore red pom poms and grenadier epaulettes, otherwise having a uniform not unlike that of the french foot artillery.
~Customs~
To help enforce his continental system, Napoleon formed several forms of police organisations throughout his empire, one of these included the Douanes Imperiales or the Imperial customs. They acted as customs agents, policemen, and even served in his armies on campaign as light infantry and scouts.
~The Riflemen~
Riflemen were a relatively new aspect of many armies in the 18th century, by the Napoleonic Era, a demand for crack units of sharpshooters would lead to the proliferation of military-grade rifles in Europe. These men were often hunters, well versed in handling firearms and operating ‘in country’. They would be distinguished from the rank and file by their often drab and inconspicious uniforms, although they would have their own distinctive insignia and lore.
Corsican Tiralleurs
History: The Tirailleurs Corses was a single battalion unit composed of six field companies (a carabinier company, a voltigeur company, and four chasseur companies). The 7th Company was the depot company and was located in Corsica. On 10 August 1811, the battalion was disbanded and incorporated into the 11th Legere Regiment. At this time its strength was 18 officers and 679 enlisted men. Further evidence that this was a single battalion unit can be found on Page 469 of A. Marinien’s Tableaux par Corps et par Batailles des Officiers Tues et Blesses pendent les Guerres de l’Empire. The unit is listed as the Bataillon de Tirailleurs Corses.
Most sources have the Tirailleurs Corses wearing intially blue (but more commonly) brown legere uniforms with green facings, cuffs, turnbacks, and collar. There was no piping on the collar or cuffs. Uniform cut, buttons, and equipment was the same for regular French light infantry regiments except for the cartridge box. It was worn on a waist belt in the front, instead of on the side. Two sources (Bucquoy and Knotel) show the belts and straps for the voltigeurs as white in 1809, but buff for the chasseurs in 1808 and 1810.
Contrary to popular belief Napoleon did not hate rifles!. Versailles at one point, outproduced the British arms industry in producing rifles in europe, making the rifle and carbine of same name, which were distributed to officers and NCOs of the light and line infantry in the French Army. French cavalry could be found employing such weapons as well. No wholesale unit was equipped entirely with rifles however.
Uniform: The French ‘Rifleman’ in-game wears his aforementioned regimental uniform, like that of the light infantry but with further drab colors to aid in camouflage and concealment. He carries a single belt for a bayonet and saber briquet over his right shoulder buffed in white, and a belly pouch on his waist to aid in loading his musket on the move and in awkward positions such as the prone and supine, kneeling, etc. Uniquely he carries yellow epaulettes and yellow colored shako cords.