The Uniforms of the French Army under Napoleon I (1800 - 1815) - The Imperial Guard - The Pupils

Right: Pupil of the Imperial Guard. Original lithograph from the 19th century.

When the Dutch troops were incorporated into the imperial army, a decision also had to be made regarding a cadet corps (existing since 1808), whose members were exclusively orphans.

Adjutant of the Pupils of the Imperial Guard. Original watercolor sketch by Henri Boisselier (1881 - 1959).

Formation history

At first they were to be assigned to the navy, but eventually Napoleon formed from them in 1811 the so-called Pupils of the Imperial Guard.

Already in French service since 01. 09.1810, they were from 11.02.1811 assigned to the Dutch grenadiers of the Imperial Guard.

The swearing-in took place on 30.03.1811. The formation - also known under the designation: Garde des Königs von Rom - initially numbered two battalions of 6 companies each).

After the decree of 30.08. - the unit comprised nine battalions including a depot battalion. The first eight battalions were each divided into four companies of 200 men. The depot battalion, however, comprised eight companies of 200 men each. Accordingly, the Pupils together comprised 8000 men.

Thereafter they were recruited from sons and nephews of fallen soldiers, who were allowed to be between 10 and 16 years old at most.

The officers and non-commissioned officers, i.e. instructors, came from other units; however some 18-year-old pupils were also promoted¹.

Pupils of the Imperial Guard and a Dutch grenadier from the 3rd Grenadier Regiment on foot. Taken from: Tours, La Vielle Garde Impériale, Illustrations de Job, Paris 1900.

Basically it was a precursor to military service, but the unit took part in the campaigns of the Grand Army. In 1813, however, the pupils who were already 17 were incorporated into the Young Imperial Guard. In the same year the 7th Tirailleurs were formed from the pupils, which greatly reduced their numbers.

In the further course the unit partially dissolved, mainly because the Dutch, Italian, etc. pupils returned to their home countries.

Other members of the Pupils of the Imperial Guard. Original watercolor sketch by Henri Boisselier (1881 - 1959). From left to right: drummer, musician and fourier.

Uniforms and Equipment

The Pupils were dressed similarly to light infantry, but the base color was green with yellow. The yellow-faced lapels were rectangular and ran straight down the front. The yellow-faced skirt flaps were adorned with yellow eagles.

They wore the shako typical of the Young Imperial Guard.

The trousers were white, as was the leather equipment. Green trousers were also worn.

The buttoned gaiters were black.

The greatcoat is said to have been beige - similar to the infantry greatcoats. White greatcoats are also mentioned in some instances.