Mars 1/32 French Napoleonic Old Guard 1805 - 1815 # 32022

The French Napoleonic Old Guard (1805–1815) represented the elite core of the Grande Armée and stood as the most respected and feared formation in Europe during the Napoleonic Wars.

Personally loyal to Napoleon Bonaparte, the Old Guard formed the veteran heart of the Imperial Guard, serving as both battlefield shock troops and the Emperor’s ultimate reserve.

Elite of the Elite
Drawn from the most experienced soldiers in the French army, entry into the Old Guard required years of proven service, exemplary conduct, and often multiple campaign medals.

These men had fought in the great victories of Austerlitz, Jena, Wagram, and beyond.

Their towering bearskin caps and immaculate dark blue uniforms made them instantly recognisable—and psychologically intimidating.

The Old Guard primarily consisted of:

- Grenadiers à Pied – Tall, heavily built infantrymen known for their discipline and iron resolve.
- Chasseurs à Pied – Slightly more agile but equally battle-hardened veterans.
- Supporting cavalry, artillery, and specialist units that maintained the Guard’s reputation for excellence.

Battlefield Role
Napoleon rarely committed the Old Guard early in battle.

They were held in reserve, a final decisive force intended to deliver the crushing blow at the critical moment.

Their very presence often boosted French morale while discouraging enemy troops.

They were famously undefeated in major combat until the closing stages of the Napoleonic Wars. At the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, elements of the Old Guard made one last advance against Allied lines—an assault that ultimately failed, symbolising the fall of Napoleon’s empire.

Even in defeat, their discipline was legendary; the phrase attributed to them—“La Garde meurt mais ne se rend pas” (“The Guard dies but does not surrender”)—cemented their place in military history.

Legacy
Between 1805 and 1815, the Old Guard became a symbol of loyalty, professionalism, and battlefield excellence.

They were more than soldiers—they were an institution within the army, embodying the prestige and power of Napoleonic France.

Today, they remain one of the most iconic military formations of the early 19th century and a popular subject for historians, artists, and scale modellers alike.