"Guard Cavalry Revisions at Cent Jours web site" Topic

This very good web site updates its info as information becomes available. I don't speak French well enough to ask questions, but a recent revision has me scratching my head.

Previously, the Guard Dragoons and Horse Grenadiers had been shown wearing surtouts. Expecially in the case of the grenadiers, the surtout has been explained as being part of the Royalist change to put these horsemen in cuirasses. Makes sense to me, HOWEVER . . .

Now the site shows both regiments wearing their more traditional habite veste uniforms, with white lapels.

What gives? Does anybody know what new info has come to light that would inspire this change to the web site?

Thanks goodness I have not yet built these units!

Sorry about the multi-posting with bad spelling. Some days the fingers just do NOT cooperate.

Hi,
I'm the MSJ's author. The changes from a book : it shows things in a different way during 100 Days. Especially from the control panels (April, May and June 1815) and dismissal of the Guard (At the end of the year 1815).

References : "De l'Île d'Elbe à Waterloo – La Garde Impériale pendant les Cent-Jours (1815)" – Pierre JUHEL
illustrations : Kieth ROCCO – inforgraphie : Peter BUNDE

cosaque,

Great site. I don't know what we'd do without it.

However, how can you be sure that the new info is correct? Are these more reliable sources than you already used? I ask because other sources verify the Horse Grenadiers wearing the surtout. So either they are wrong or your new sources are wrong. How do we make the determiniation?

Best regards,

Bill

Cosaque,

May I just add my heartfelt appreciation for all the information contained within your great website. I'm certain it has been of great help to many researchers over the years, I have certainly gained a lot from it.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Sparker

link?

WS,

According to both Lachouque and Col Elting, the uniforms for all of the Guard were ordered near the beginning of the Hundred Days. Either one of two things happened: first, they came in and were worn north into Belgium, or, second, the units were reuniformed after returning to France. The Guard wasn't disbanded by the Bourbons until late in the year and they could have reuniformed themselves before being disbanded.

I'd like a link to the website too so that I can see the material.

Sincerely,
K

Probably:

mont-saint-jean.com

Ed

Ed,

Thanks very much.

Sincerely,
K

Perhaps the site should show all options with sources that go with one or the other, unless you have eye witness testimony, either could be correct.

>>>>>> Widowson

With this book many new informations.

For example, to "Grenadiers à Cheval".

- Habits (no "surtout") in service when "Cuirassiers de France" are created in 1814 : 449.
- Produced in 2nd, 3th trimester in 1814 and 1st trimester in 1815 (under "Bourbons") ; habits "cuirassier type" : 3 + 100 "surtouts" modified in "cuirassier type" = 103. (Certainly to outfit only one squadron)
- Produced during 100 Days up the end of 1815 : 428 habits (no "surtout) + the 100 modified "surtouts" remodified in correct "surtout".

Total : 980 habits (3 "cuirassier type" + 100 "surtout" + 877 "habits").

In june 1815, strength of the regiment : 44 officers + 752 enlisted men = 796.

Conclusion : the whole regiment has been equipped with the uniform without surtout.

------------------
Same for "Dragons de la Garde" with one variance : trumpets, trumpet major and NCO were equipped with "surtout" but trooper with "habit".

Yes a great book – demolishing some established views – see also the bearskin caps for the Old Guard Infantry units.

I am very impressed that cosaque did change his informations on his website to include recent research, compliments

Sounds very worthwhile getting, and that is a great website, keep up the good work monsieur cosaque.

cosaque,

Wonderful information – so detailed! Very well, then. Dragoons and Horse Grenadiers in habit. Check.

I see that the dragoon trumpeter is wearing the surtout, as you mention. But it seems to be the same color of the troop, without any distinctions. My monitor is old, so maybe I just cannot see it properly. I would have expected a sky blue surtout.

Thanks for all your good work.

Best,

Bill

What is the title of the book?

Sincerely,
K

From cosaques post

De l'Île d'Elbe à Waterloo – La Garde Impériale pendant les Cent-Jours (1815)" – Pierre JUHEL
illustrations : Kieth ROCCO – inforgraphie : Peter BUNDE

link

scroll down for a picture

another link

link

cosaque,

This is incredible information. Do we have anything this detailed on any other period? I wish we had this kind of info on Oudinot's grenadier division!

This book is about "La Garde Impériale pendant les Cent-Jours (1815)".
No idea about Oudinot's grenadier division (1805) -> I don't know a book like that.

cosaque,

If you own the book, can you check the bibliography and find out where the info came from? Perhaps the same source has more information on other periods.

Thanks,

Bill