The Old Guard was an elite regiment of grenadiers that had served under the French emperor Napoleon in most of his campaigns. Recruited out of tall and old soldiers, they were disbanded after Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia, as they were the last loyal soldiers to him and there was little support left at home. They were briefly revived in 1815 when Napoleom came back from power.
History[]
These highly trained and experienced troops were handpicked by Napoleon and acted as part of his personal guard. Taken from the ranks of the Imperial Guard, the Old Guard was made up of the most intimidating soldiers the French army has to offer. Chosen specifically for their physical attributes and notably above average height, these men struck fear into the hearts of Napoleon’s enemies. Their prowess as soldiers was world-renowned and the mere presence of these men on the battlefield could inspire even war weary fellow Frenchmen to fight on.
After his dramatic defeat in Russia, Napoleon bid farewell to the Old Guard. These men were his few remaining loyal soldiers but, with no support in Paris, Napoleon was forced to disband them. However, following Napoleon’s return from exile in 1815, they were recalled and marched triumphantly back to Paris with their leader. The end of the Old Guard came at the Battle of Waterloo where they were routed for the first and only time. For many of the French soldiers fighting that day, the retreat of the Old Guard was the end of the battle and the end of Napoleon himself.
Gallery[]
