Napoleon's Dragoons of the Imperial Guard (Men-at-arms)

The Dragoons of Napoleon's Imperial Guard were a legendary regiment that fought with the Emperor in many famous battles across Europe. Dressed in distinctive green uniforms and classically inspired copper helmets, the Dragoons of the Imperial Guard were raised in 1806 by the same criteria as other Guard units – by selection of picked, literate veterans from Line regiments who had six to ten years of service, and citations for bravery in at least two campaigns. The following year they were named Dragons de l'Impératrice in a unique compliment to the Empress Josephine. As a ceremonial regiment it enjoyed many privileges, but it also saw combat on a number of occasions, including the battles of Essling and Wagram (1809), the Russian campaign (1812, when it suffered severe losses), at Bautzen, Wachau and Leipzig (1813), in the 1814 Campaign of France, and at Ligny and Waterloo (1815). Lavishly illustrated and based on a wealth of archival sources, this study by noted authority Ronald Pawly celebrates the colourful history and appearance of this regiment.