The introduction of gunpowder did much to change the way war was fought. This was particularly true in the match of armies where pikemen were eventually replaced by men with guns and those throwing hand grenades. These latter men were the grenadiers and were chosen especially for their height, ability to throw a goodly distance and their bravery. These men were required to be in the front lines armed with nothing but their grenades. Eventually, they became a sort of elite amongst troops. They were first mixed in with the standard troops and later grouped together.

While the gun replaced the pikemen, the slow reloading of these weapons meant that cavalry was still an effective force. These 'shock riders' were able to rush in after the initial volley and cause their usual havoc amongst the forces while the guns were being reloaded and new fuses lit for the grenades. It was seen that combining the grenadiers with cavalry to produce mounted grenadiers would be an advantage and so this rather elite group became even more so.

Along with their abilities, came different uniforms from the rest of the troops. These men could not have the same hats as others as the normal wear would get in the way of their throwing arm. So different head gear became the norm for these men, eventually progressing to the most impressive bear-skin hats with the plume of the grenadier attached.

Napoleonic uniforms are some of the most colorful and complex of any period. Authro Ronald Pawley has done a fine job of covering the units and their use during the time of Napoleon. The book starts with the Consular Guard, then describes the Imperial Guard and their deployments in the time frame of 1807 to 1811. Russia in 1812 has its own section followed by the rebuilding of the regiment and its use in the later defensive campaigns. Finally, there is a section on Napoleon's abdication and the time known as 'The Hundred Days'. All this is superbly illustrated by Patrice Courcelle as well as a goodly number of period illustrations an photos of extant uniforms and equipment.

It all makes for a book that is both interesting and informative. Like all of Osprey's titles, it is one that you can buy with confidence in knowing you are getting the best.

December 2009

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