"Napoleonic French White Uniform" Topic
6 Posts
All members in good standing are free to post here. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page.
Please do not use bad language on the forums.
For more information, see the TMP FAQ.
Back to the Napoleonic Discussion Message Board
Areas of InterestNapoleonic
Featured Hobby News Article
Featured Link
Top-Rated Ruleset
Featured Showcase Article
Featured Profile ArticleThe Editor heads for Vicksburg...
Featured Book Review
|
Alan M | 03 Oct 2016 1:20 p.m. PST |
I'm painting the 15th Line in the white uniform, but I have become a little confused. Did the Eagle escort exist at the time of the white uniform? Another question, the 15th line was in Spain in 1808, but had been in action at Friedland in 1807. Would any replacements for casualties have had the white or blue uniform? I am tempted to include a mix of white and blue uniforms for 1808, would this be a fair representation? Thanks for any help anyone can give me. |
Artilleryman | 03 Oct 2016 2:26 p.m. PST |
The common view is that the white and blue uniforms were mixed until the end of 1808. It was only in 1809 that the French infantry were finally all in the classic blue coat and shako and there is a well known quote from a French general about that. The formal escort to the Eagle (1st, 2nd and 3rd Porte Aigles) was introduced in 1808 so there is a sound argument that in that year there could have been some white uniformed Eagle guards. |
Alan M | 03 Oct 2016 10:10 p.m. PST |
|
Zippee | 04 Oct 2016 7:36 a.m. PST |
The quote is from Suchet in 1809 and refers to the army in general I don't think it says anything about regimental or battalion mixture. Stocks would be used up first – so as one of the regiments issued the white uniform, the real question is how much white stock was issued. A lot depends on how mixed you think uniforms would be – do you think a Chef would allow his battalion to present itself with some in greatcoats, some in habits, some in waistcoats, some in white, some in blue. This is an era where uniformity was viewed as 'good' and a sign of discipline. I doubt any self-respecting Chef would be happy to field a rag tag unit unless it was unavoidable. So if it was me I'd at least maintain a level of uniformity within each battalion. |
Mserafin | 04 Oct 2016 8:16 a.m. PST |
IIRC, the 15th was famous for keeping the white uniform longer then other regiments. I think they even collected uniforms from other regiments and had their tailors change the facings. I have no idea how long they were able to keep this up, but I'm planning on putting them in white. |
Alan M | 04 Oct 2016 9:12 a.m. PST |
More helpful views, thanks chaps. I think I'll do more or less all white, maybe the eagle guard in blue and one other. |
|