This set represents Napoleon's Old Guard Grenadiers as they would have looked on many of their campaigns from 1804 to 1815 and full of grizzled, veteran character.The Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard were formed on May 18th 1804. They were soldiers of exceptional loyalty and ...This set represents Napoleon's Old Guard Grenadiers as they would have looked on many of their campaigns from 1804 to 1815 and full of grizzled, veteran character.The Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard were formed on May 18th 1804. They were soldiers of exceptional loyalty and experienced, and operated as Napoleons bodyguard and tactical reserve under the Emperors direct control.
Napoleon expanded the Imperial Guard in 1810, adding a second regiment of Grenadiers. In 1811 a third regiment was added with the incorporation of his brother Louis Bonapartes Dutch Grenadiers. All three regiments went on the campaign against Russia in 1812.
The 3rd Grenadiers were all but killed or captured during the ill-fated venture but the rest of the Old Guard was able to act as a rock of stability to the remnants of the shattered Grand Armee during its retreat through the freezing wastes of Russia. The Grenadiers fought hard during the 1813 campaign against the allied armies of Europe and the subsequent 1814 campaign in the defence of France. They were victorious in every action but they were too few.
Not even les Grognards as they were known could prevent the collapse of France and Napoleon's abdication.Contains:4x Officers4x Standard Bearers4x Drummers16x Firing Line, Firing, Priming and Loading Miniatures16x March Attack with Arms Fully Attached Miniatures16x March Attack or Advancing at Porte/Charge MiniaturesPlease note: Models are supplied unpainted and some assembly will be required.