"Armband colour for an ADC to the Emperor?" Topic

I am wondering what colour would the ADC armband have for an ADC to the Emperor (Napoleon)? Would it be white like a Marcheals ADC or was there a seperate colour? Ifound info for all other levels, but not for the Emperor.

Thanks,

Burkhard

Interesting question!

Let's just check we are on the same page.

Firstly, all of Napoleons actual ADC's were Generals in their own right, so I would think an armband would not be worn by them.

Secondly, the lower rank of ACD's – the Imperial Orderly Officers, had their own distinctive uniform so again I'd wonder about the need for an armband for them – no one else wore that outfit but who knows?

Finally, the ADC Generals had a small number of ADCs each. If you have a colour for armbands of ADCs to Generals of Brigade or Division I'd go with that.

Sorry, I was refering to the lower level officers used to carry messages (orderlies).

Thanks,

Burkhard

I agree with Trajanus,

Napoleon's ADCs were Generals. They were used for special missions.

On the battlefield and on campaign Napoleon's orders and messages were carried by "Orderlies." They wore a very distinctive sky or light blue uniform and were readily identifiable on the battlefield. They spoke for the Emperor and any order they carried had the force of Napoleon.

Orderlies were not in the army. They were young men from 15 to 25 or so from well to-do families. They were educated, spoke multiple languages and wealthy enough to outfit theirselves including the required 6 horses. Prior to being taken-on Napoleon often interviewed these individuals.

The work in peace and war was very hard, the hours long and on campaign dangerous. In return they worked for one of the great soldiers and had access to the court and familiarity with the senior officers as well as a prestige that few in the army could dream about.

Many left for poor health, some left because they were not smart enough, slothful or simply couldn't cut it and not a few died of wounds or disease. Of those who survived a good number were commissioned, some in the Guard.

Bob Coggins

Berthier ADC's would be around though if the need to paint one in an arm band.

John

I also agree with Trajanus.

The major-général Berthier also gave a distinctive uniform to his aides de camp. Very distinctive, indeed.

For the record, I am a card Carrying ADC-o-phile. Just love the whole dashing concept of Elan +1.

I too agree with Trajanus about no Brassards (arm sashes).

That Sky blue uniform orderly uniform is one of my favorites- adding a few of those would be a great and colorful distinction to your force.

Seroga- that ADC uniform is awesome too- worth of one of Murat's designs!

Cheers
Thomas

OK… Lets put the question the other way round. I have a mini of a Hussar wirh a mesangers armband. I already have him painted up as a Guard Chasseur and my plan was to put him on the same base as Napoleon.
Any way I can pull this off, or would it be historically incorrect no matter what? (I am in a bit of a grey zone anyway, since the Perrys gave him a jacket that does not match any light cavalry unit during the hundred days anyway. So I am already working on the assumption that this officer is wearing a non regulation uniform in the first place.)

Thanks,

Burkhard

He could be an ADC of his brigade or divisional commander, sent to Napoleon with a message.

I think he's Harry Flashman

I'd go with the Murat Clause, and dress him the way you want!
Other wise a brassard from a Gen du Division line Colinjallen says makes good sense to me.

I was reading over a Historex instruction sheet on 'Personnel Of The General Staffs' and noticed it had the following description of the ADC armbands:

'and wore on their left arms a brassard which indicated the staff to which they were assigned. The brassard was white and gold for the General Staff, red and gold for the Divisional Staff and sky blue and gold for a Brigade Staff.'