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N163 - Bataillon of sailors of the imperial Guard, Officer - France, 1809-12

ref. EK Castings - N163

N163 - Bataillon of sailors of the imperial Guard, Officer - France, 1809-12
Among all the military units belonging to the Imperial Guard of the First Empire led by Napoleon Bonaparte, there was a single marine battalion that was created during the Napoleonic era. That battalion was the Battalion des Marins de la Garde Impériale. Created from a small staff of specifically adept soldiers within the army, the 737 men that made up the Marins de la Garde accompanied Napoleon throughout every single campaign during Napoleon’s era. Through both victory and defeat, during the victories and losses, the Battalion des Marins de la Garde Imperiale was seen, participating in the construction of bridges, transportation vessels, and various engineering necessities Napoleon needed throughout each campaign. The Marins not only did engineering work, but would also act (and excel in) any position required of them by Napoleon during battle, as well as other essential and supportive roles needed to supply the unstoppable force that was Napoleon’s Grand Army. The Marins would act as supply transportation (including ammunition, arms, artillery, and living assets) for the army, and on occasion would aid the supply convoys with limited movement due to water. Only when their intervention was an absolute necessity (either due to setbacks or tactical advantage) the Marins de la Garde Impériale would arrive frequently on the battlefield to show their bravery in the face of the enemy. Their performance during these times (most specifically during the Spanish Civil War of 1808, but seen through all campaigns as well) was so exceptional; they gained admiration by not only their fellow soldiers, but their enemies as well. When ordered, the Marins would abandon the tools needed to build the bridges and raise arms against the enemy, always in cooperation with sappers, and would readily operate as foot artillery if the need arose. These individuals, who were mostly comprised of Grenadiers and Chasseurs Guard, were nothing less of their title, Sailors. This is why the Marins, in order to have a brilliant military career on the sea, their natural element, became one of the most elite marine infantry battalions during this era. This is the battalion in which Napoleon boasted to sailors “We found them, if necessary, sailors, soldiers, artillery, pontoon, everything!” The battalion was formed on September 17th, 1803, and was comprised of a multitude of infantry and artillery detachments. The Battalion was formed into five equipages (a ship’s company), each with five squads, bringing the total strength of the battalion to 737 men. During the Spanish Campaign of 1808, the battalion was almost completely destroyed in the Battle of Baylen. Even with this inevitable fate, the Marins fought with honor and devoted passion for the Grand Army, and had unbreakable morale in even the worst of battles. While the Marins almost fell during this campaign, their reputation and renown throughout the French army was almost equal to Napoleon’s. The battalion was (after their fall) rebuilt, adding three more equipages to the battalion, totaling in 1,136 men.
sailors battalion was part of the Consular Guard from September 17, 1803 After the loss in Spain in 1808 was rebuilt in the number of crew (company) in 1809. Decree of September 16, 1810 was reformed and included staff and 8 crew members. At the beginning of 1811 crews renamed company and their number is determined at 6, but up to 1815, only the first 5 companies existed. During the Hundred Days Guard sailors have been restored by a decree of May 6, 1815 as part of one company.
Battalion commanded: 10/28/1803 with -Skipper d'Auge rank 1; with 11.04.1809 - 1 Bast master rank; from 01.08.1811 - Vice-Admiral Gant; to 06.05.1815 - 2 Teyyad captain rank.
Participated in the battles of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the siege of Danzig, Bailen, the siege of Cadiz, Borodino, Beresina, Vilnius, Dresden, Leipzig, Arcis-sur-Aube, the capture of the bridge over r.Sambra in Charleroi, Linyi and Waterloo.
Battalion officers wore uniforms in the style of light cavalry. Dark blue coat with the same color as the collar, cuffs, lapels and cuffs Fuld was embroidered with gold in the form of anchor entwined with oak leaves and ropes. Dark blue breeches had gold braid rasshivku a "peak" according to the rank. Shilsya vest of red cloth with gold lacing in the "Hussar style." The commander of the battalion at the Sultan hat was white, the other officers in red. Saber facile-cavalry sample steel sheath with gold accessories. The waist belt made of black patent leather with gold buckle and trim. Uniform complement white gloves.