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Napoleon's Swiss Infantry

 
 

 
 
The Grand Army
 
The Swiss Regiments 'Red Division'
 
The Swiss Regiments in French service were among the best troops in Europe. The Swiss were long associated with France, from the Swiss Guard of the old Royalist regime.Napoleon created his first Swiss unit in July 1805, followed by three more infantry regiments in October 1806. The Swiss regiments of the Grand Army served in the 'Red Division' where all four regiments won great distinction in Russia; at the Berezina they had to hold the line to enable the crossing to be made, repeatedly charging with the bayonet when their ammunition ran out. They held the line and saved their Eagles but casualties were extreme, 80% of their number were left on the field of battle. The 3rd Regt arrived at Vilna with only sixty men. They had held together right to the end.
 
The Swiss Corps wore French uniform of the traditional red colour. Company distinctions were the same as the French line infantry with the exception of the Grenadier companies whose epauletttes were white.
 
These Front Rank figures represent the 3rd Swiss Regiment with their Black piped white facing colour. I really enjoy painting the swiss regiments the red is so inspiring compared to the normal french blue uniform. I will be painting all of the French Swiss regiments of the Grand Army. The figures are based on 50mm x 50mm 3mm wooden bases. The flags are by GMB Designs.
 




1st Swiss Regiment
 
 
The figures are by Front Rank and based on 50mm x 50mm x 3mm, the flag is by GMB Designs.
 



 
2nd Swiss Regiment
 
 
The figures are by Front Rank and based on 50mm x 50mm x 3mm, the flag is by GMB Designs.
 

 



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