 4th Cuirassier  | 13 Mar 2007 9:51 a.m. PST |
Anyone have any info on what Bernadotte's troops looked like in 1813 – 14? |
| FairDinkum | 13 Mar 2007 12:11 p.m. PST |
According to a source I have the Swedish troops sent down to the continent were considered to be "poorly equipped" in the sense that they were seen as wearing old fashioned uniforms. The still wore the round hats introduced in 1806 (I think) instead of the shako and their uniforms were considered a bit gaudy for the fashion of the day. Their high rigid collars were also commented upon. The Shako was introduced during the stay on the continent and some regiments adopted it during the campaign. So, if this information is anything to go by, look at uniforms before 1813 and opt for round hats instead of shakos for most of the troops. Here is a resource on the internet you might find useful: link |
| Travellera | 13 Mar 2007 1:43 p.m. PST |
The Swedish War Archive have published a book called "Between the Imperial eagles" link it is a great book and includes all you need to know, including colour illustrations |
| rmaker | 13 Mar 2007 2:23 p.m. PST |
Actually, most of the units involved in the German Campaign wore the Russian-style Kiwer – in part as an economy measure. The Swedish hat was a very expensive item. They were deliberately left behind in depot. The Guards, Grenadiers, and Feltjagare did continue to wear their distinctive helmet with the diagonal chenille. I second Travellera's recommendation of "Between the Imperial Eagles". |
Patrice Vittesse  | 14 Mar 2007 4:58 a.m. PST |
from what i heard they wore anything they could get in the field. i have bought a load of 6mm in tricorne that will do for the russo-swedish war of 1808. really by 1813-14 they had russian kiwers or prussian/french shakos without the plate. occasionally they war the tarleton style hat that was ceremonial but that was usually left in the depot. the round hat was introduced and taken out of service in a very short space of time, as was numerous other styles of helmet/headwear. anything goes really. |
| Camcleod | 14 Mar 2007 8:43 a.m. PST |
There are only a few good English sources I know of. 1) Tradition magazine – the English version – had a two part article in issues 59 & 60, on the uniforms and organization of the Swedish grd., inf. and artillery. Some info is given on the 1813 uniform modifications.
Issue 59 is available at:
link
in the files section under Napoleonic / Swed. Nap. Uniforms 2) Courier magazine had a very good article on Swedish cavalry. Can't remember the issue, but was quite a while ago. Should be available at Magweb. Cliff |
| rmaker | 14 Mar 2007 9:06 a.m. PST |
The round hat was in service from 1785 to 1815. Thirty years is hardly a "short space in time". |
| Camcleod | 14 Mar 2007 7:34 p.m. PST |
I dug thru my magazine collection for some more sources on the Swedes.
Courier V.II #3 Nov/Dec,80 has the article on Swedish cavalry.
Courier V.II #6 has a short article on the Swedish Pomeranian Legion that was attached to the HQ.
Napoleon magazine #8 has an article on the Swedish Artillery at Leipzig.
Napoleon magazine #11 has an article on the swedish Mornerska Hussars after Leipzig. Cliff |
| Roustan | 15 Mar 2007 2:40 p.m. PST |
I too have been searching for Swedish uniform information regarding the Battle of Leipzig. The best thing I have found to date is a plate by Knotel depicting Swedish infantry of 1813. You may find this plate by going to:
web2.airmail.net/napoleon.index Click "Enter", go to the bottom of the page to the Allied Battle of Order for Leipzig and click on "2". Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will find this remarkable plate. Russ |
