"regimental colonel in the french army" Topic

Did the regiment have a colonel with staff or did it go staight from leutenant colonel of battalion to brigader general?

If regiments did have a colonel did he have any comand over whole regiments in the field or did he just do the adminirastrive part

Now that is a good question! French regiments had 2 – 6 field battalions and a depot battalion – I always assumed the colonel went with the senior battalion, but I don't know that for sure – I am away from home so don't have my reference books – I do know, though, that the depot battalion was commanded by a senior captain while the depot itself was commanded by a major

The actual regimental staff consisted of a colonel, his adjudant, the regimental paymaster, the Eagle bearer, the drum major and their escorts – plus some non-combatants – as I recall, there was a Chef de Battalion for each battalion – but, to the original question, when the drums begin to roll, I am not sure where the Colonel is – as noted, I always assumed with his troops

You would think after gaming Napoleonics for 30+ years, I'd have a clue. I don't. Often I've read of colonels in command during battle, but on retrospect, is it in fact the 'real' colonel or someone assuming a generic title as he's the lead guy? No idea. Sort of like the 'captain of a ship.' Interesting question so I'll have to start digging in my library at home.

From a wargaming perspective, I staff my 1st battalions with a mounted colonel, and all my single battalion regiments (British, etc.). But that's just a visual thing. Its easy to look down and see the French colonel, knowihg that's the 1st battalion. No relation at all to history.

At one point in my gaming life I had roles for mounted colonels and based them separately. Added complexity and I eventually blew it off.

Paulie

I did not find a quick answer, except that the Colonel was apparently one of the few members of the regiment to have a horse – will keep looking

Yes, it did. Remember that pre 1812, most brigades had 2 regiments.

The French regimental staff during the period consisted of the colonel, a major, an adjutant-major (usually a captain), five adjutants-sous-officiers, quartermaster-treasurer, paymaster, lieutenant porte-aigle and two assistants, drum major, drum corporal, sergeant wagon master, bandmaster and seven bandsmen, four master artificers, surgeon major, one to three assistant surgeons, and between two to five sous-aides surgeons.

Battalions were commanded by chefs de bataillon.

Regiments were organized with three battalions before 1808, one of the battalions serving as the depot battalion. With the 1808 reorganization, regiments were given four war battalions and one depot battalion, the depot battalion consisting of only four companies (no elite companies). The major was in command of the regimental depot. In 1811 majors in second would be assigned to all infantry regiments. This second-in-command would be with the regiment in the field if all the battalions were together. If the regiment was split, he would command the other battalions as a provisional regiment. There was no rank of lieutenant colonel during the period.

Sincerely,
K

Here is the breakdown (as Kevin has described above) in this chart
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Regards
James

Or not! <:^{

Steve you aren't telling me this one is not working either are you?

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Now

James

I hate to be agreeable but, James – This one is not working either.

Ok Steve we will do it the hard way it is half way down the page titled "Regiment of line Infantry". You've probably seen this one anyway Steve.

link

Regards
James

Bingo!