Historical notes Sources Line Infantry Line regiments Light Infantry Light infantry regiments Corsican legion Royal Guard infantry Foot Grenadiers Voltigeurs (1st formation) Velites-chasseurs Foot Velites Voltigeurs (2nd formation) Guard Marines Line cavalry Chasseurs à cheval Light horses Royal Guard Cavalry Guard Cuirassiers Guard Light horses Guards of Honour - Life Guards Elite Gendarmes Guard lancers Horse Velites, Hussars Line artillery Foot artillery Artillery train Engineers

Royal Guard artillery Horse artillery Artillery train Gendarmerie Royal gendarmes Auxiliary gendarmes Staff Generals Aides de camps King's aides de camps Flags 1806-1810 1810-1814

The French army crosses the Neapolitan border on February 6 1806 and total control of the continental part of the Kingdom is achieved on march 15. The imperial decree of April 13 promotes JOSEPH BONAPARTE king of the two Sicily.
Following the terms of the Bayonne treaty (July 15 1808) JOSEPH becomes king of Spain and transmits the crown of Naples to his brother in law JOACHIM MURAT, up to then grand duke of Berg and Cleve. The new king makes his entrance in Naples on September 6 1806.
Raising an army in the new kingdom reveals to be a difficult task at first due to financial troubles (Neapolitan treasure also has to pay the French troops assigned to his territory) but also to the lack of proper recruiting. The establishment of a national conscription on March 29 1807 will eventually solve this problem.
Besides defending south Italy against British and Sicilian, Neapolitan army sends in 1808 troops to Spain. These troops serve in Catalonia along with those of the kingdom of Italy.
For Austrian campaign Neapolitan forces are assigned to the rear guard of prince EUGENE's army.
During Russian campaign, the Neapolitan infantry division and cavalry brigade are still assigned to garrison duty in Germany.

Order of  battle of the Neapolitan division   of the Grande Armée XI Corps Marschal Augereau – chief of staff : Général de Brigade Menard

33th Division - General  Destrees - chief of staff General Pepe 1st Brigade - General  Rossarol 5th line regiment (2 battalions : 49 officers and 1859 men) 6th line regiment (2 battalions : 47 officers and 1791 men) Guard Marines  (2 companies : 8 officers and 203 men) 2nd Brigade - General D'Ambrosio 7th line regiment (2 battalions : 44 officers and 1700 men) Foot Velites of the Guard (2 battalions : 49 officers and 1479 men) Cavalry Brigade - General Franceschi Horse  Velites of the Guard (2 squadrons : 22 officers and 320 men) Guards of Honour (3 squadrons : 31 officers and 395 men) Horse artillery Battery (6 officers and 75 men, 4 x 6lb guns and 2 howitzers)

During 1813 part of the Neapolitan division is included in the Danzig garrison.
In 1814 the kingdom turns over to the allied side and enters campaign against the Franco-Italian army of Prince EUGENE. His operations are limited to manoeuvres avoiding direct contact with Franco Italian troops nevertheless preventing them to link with French army for the campaign in France
In 1815 the king takes up arms again beside Napoleon, but a premature offensive against the Austrians costs him a decisive defeat at Tolentino.
Organisation and equipment follow the French system for corresponding units. Ranks and rank insignia are also based on French system but for general officers whose name is changed from 1811 to:

• lieutenant-général for division general
• maréchal de camp pour brigade general
• adjudant-général pour adjudant-commandant.

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Line Infantry

The first two line infantry regiments of the kingdom are raised by decree of June 13 1806 with two battalions strength.
The African pioneers battalion is assigned to king of Naples service by imperial decree of August 14 1806 and reorganised on November 10 as a line infantry regiment with two battalions strength named Real Africano.
As conscription gains grow new regiments are raised in 1809: 3rd on March 10, 4th and 5th on September 15 and 6th on September 26. Finally on December 17th the weak battalions of Real Africano are used as base for a new 7th regiment.
On October 14 1811 the remnants of 1st and 2nd regiments on duty in Spain are reorganised on the spot in a new 8th regiment, 1st and 2nd being raised again in Naples.
9th regiment is raised by decree of June 28 1813, followed by 10th on March 8 1814 and 11th on May 2 1814 ("to receive deserters, prisoners of war and voluntary enlistments of Italian origin").
The 12th regiment is raised on June 29 1814 with veterans of the 1812 and 1813 campaigns freed by the allies however this regiment is transferred to the Guard on September 29.
The decree that transfers the 12th regiment to the Guard also raises a new 12th and 13th line regiment the last seemingly never really raised.
The decree of April 2 1813 creates in each regiment a regimental artillery company equipped with two 4lb guns.

Fusiliers

• Long tailed french-cut coat of white cloth for 1st and 2nd regiments and of dark blue cloth for 3rd, 4th and 5th. Facing coloured collar with white piping. Facing coloured squared lapels with white piping. White or blue shoulder straps with facing coloured piping. Facing coloured cuffs with white piping and facing coloured flaps (rectangular with 3 or 4 buttons) piped white. Facing coloured turnbacks piped white. Horizontal (1st and 2nd regiments) or vertical (3rd, 4th and 5th regiments) pockets simulated by facing coloured piping. Brass buttons.
  Beginning in 1809, short tailed coat with lapels closed to the waist. Facing coloured collar with white piping. Facing coloured lapels with white piping. White shoulder straps with facing coloured piping. Facing coloured cuffs with white piping and facing coloured flaps (trident shaped with 3 buttons) piped white. Facing coloured turnbacks piped white. Vertical pockets simulated by facing coloured piping. Brass buttons.
  From 1814, same dress with facing coloured pointed cuffs piped white for older regiments (1st through 8th). For the new regiments, same dress with white collar and cuffs with facing coloured piping. These regiments keep their round cuffs with flaps and bear on collar a facing coloured patch.
• White waistcoat and breeches. High gaiters white in full dress and black in other dresses. From 1809, short black gaiters in all dresses. Black shoes.
• Black felt bicorn hat with company coloured carrot-shaped pompon and french cockade.
  From 1808, black felt french shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V. Brass lozenge plate stamped with royal cipher. Company coloured pompon. French cockade with yellow strap. In full dress white cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chin scales.
  From 1811 the french cockade is replaced by the neapolitan cockade (white with light crimson centre) and the lozenge plate by a shield shape plate stamped with the regimental number.
• French equipment. White leatherwork and black cartridge pouch. Before 1808 infantry sabre with single bar brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings.

Grenadiers

Fusilier’s dress with scarlet or light crimson fringed epaulettes. Turnbacks decorated with scarlet (before 1808) then white grenade patch. In full dress black bearskin (white for Real Africano) with brass plate stamped with a grenade. Scarlet or light crimson plume, cords and flounders. In everyday dress black bicorn hat with scarlet carrot shaped pompon (before 1808) then shako with scarlet or light crimson plume, cords and flounders. Scarlet or light crimson sabre strap.

Voltigeurs

Fusilier's dress with yellow collar piped white and green fringed epaulettes with yellow crescent. Turnbacks decorated with green (before 1808) then white bugle-horn patch. Before 1808, black bicorn hat with green carrot shaped pompon then shako with green carrot shaped pompon with yellow tip. Green sabre strap (sometimes with yellow tassel).

NCOs

Other ranks' dress. Yellow or gold rank laces piped with regimental colour. For sergeants of elite companies and all sergeant-major company epaulettes (red or light crimson for fusilier sergeant-major) with crescent and fringes entwined with gold thread. Light crimson sabre strap entwined with gold.

Officers

Long tailed coat with gold rank insignias (epaulettes, gorget and shako upper edge). Shako with gilded plate, cords and peak trim. White, scarlet or green plume. White (in full dress) or black (in everyday dress) belt and sword (or curved sabre for light companies officers) with gilded hilt and black leather scabbard.

Drummers and hornists

Other ranks' dress (sometimes in reversed colours). Collar, lapels and cuffs decorated with white/red/blue lace. Regimental coloured swallow nests with the same lace on the lower edge. This lace is replaced in 1811 by a white and light crimson chequered one added at the same time on the sleeves in inverted chevrons. In 1811 drums have copper shell with counterhoops painted in white and light crimson triangles.

Sappers

Troopers' dress in reversed colours with sapper badge (crossed axes surmounted by a grenade) in scarlet cloth on both upper sleeves and in brass on pouch belt. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Black fur colback with scarlet plume. Whitened leather apron.

Musicians

Single breasted short tailed coat of regimental colour cloth. White collar and cuffs trimmed with silver lace. Regimental coloured epaulettes with white crescent and fringes. White turnbacks. White breeches with black hessian boots. Shako without cords. White plume with regimental colour tip or base.

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The 1st light infantry regiment is the first unit raised in the new kingdom by decree of February 18 1806. The decree of May 27 1806 raises the second one.
The Corsican Legion is transferred in the neapolitan army after his assignment in the Naples campaign by imperial decree of June 30 1806. Its five battalions are reduced to three on November 7 and the unit is reorganised as a light infantry regiment named Real Corso.
A provisional regiment is raised on February 20 1812 and on February 16 1813 all light infantry is reorganised, Real Corso becoming the 1st light infantry regiment, the former 1st becoming 2nd, the former 2nd becoming 3rd and the provisional regiment becoming 4th.
On March 12 1814, all Corsican of the 1st regiment are relieved from their duties in Neapolitan army and strength is reduced to a single battalion.
The decree of April 2 1813 creates in each regiment a regimental artillery company equipped with two 4lb guns.

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Chasseurs

• Long tailed french-cut coat of dark blue cloth. Facings colour collar piped blue. Blue shoulder straps piped with facings colour. Blue pointed lapels piped with facings colour. Blue cuffs piped with facings colour with facing colour flaps (trident shaped, 3 buttons) piped blue. Blue turnbacks piped with facings colour. Vertical pockets simulated by facings colour piping. White metal buttons.
  From 1811, short tailed coat with lapels closed to the waist of dark sky blue cloth. Facings colour collar piped blue. Blue shoulder straps piped with facings colour. Blue lapels piped with facings colour. Blue cuffs piped with facings colour with facing colour flaps (trident shaped, 3 buttons) piped blue. Blue turnbacks piped with facings colour. Vertical pockets simulated by facings colour piping. White metal buttons.
• White or blue waistcoat. Dark sky blue breeches with short black gaiters. Black shoes.
• Black felt bicorn hat with company coloured carrot-shaped pompon and french cockade.
  From 1809, black felt french shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V. White metal lozenge plate stamped with royal cipher or regimental number within a bugle-horn. Company coloured pompon. French cockade with white strap. Black leather peak and white metal chin scales.
  From 1811 the french cockade is replaced by the neapolitan cockade (white with light crimson centre) and rhomboid plate by a shield shape plate stamped with the regimental number.
• French infantry equipment. White leatherwork and black cartridge pouch. Infantry sabre with single bar brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. White sabre strap.

 

Carabiniers

Troopers' dress with scarlet or light crimson fringed epaulettes. Turnbacks bearing white (before 1809) then yellow or red grenade patch. In full dress black bearskin with scarlet or light crimson top patch embroidered with a white grenade and without plate. Scarlet or light crimson plume, cords and flounders. In everyday dress black bicorn hat with scarlet carrot shaped pompon (before 1809) then shako with scarlet or light crimson plume, cords and top band. Scarlet or light crimson sabre strap.

Voltigeurs

Troopers' dress with yellow collar piped blue. Green fringed epaulettes with yellow crescent. Turnbacks bearing white (before 1809) then yellow or red bugle horn patch. Before 1809 black bicorn hat with green carrot shaped pompon then shako with green plume (sometimes with yellow tip) and yellow or green cords. Green sabre strap.

NCOs

Troopers' dress with white or silver piped with facings colour rank laces on sleeves. For sergeants of elite companies and all sergeant-major company epaulettes (red or light crimson for chasseurs sergeant-major) with crescent and fringes entwined with silver thread. Light crimson sabre strap entwined with silver.

Officers

Long tailed coat with silver rank insignias (epaulettes, gorget and shako upper edge). Shako with silvered plate, cords and peak trim. Black hessian boots with silver trim and tassel.

Drummers and hornists

Troopers' dress. Collar, lapels and cuffs decorated with white/red/blue lace. Facings coloured swallow nests with the same lace on lower edge. This lace is replaced in 1811 by a white and light crimson chequered one added at the same time on the sleeves in inverted chevrons. In 1811 drums have copper shell with counterhoops painted in white and light crimson or azure triangles.

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Corsican legion

Long tailed imperial blue french coat. Scarlet collar piped white. Epaulettes with green straps piped scarlet, scarlet crescent and green fringes. Blue pointed lapels piped white. Blue cuffs piped white with scarlet flaps (trident shaped 3 buttons) piped white. Blue turnbacks piped white. White metal buttons.
After 1809, standard light infantry uniform with black facings.

Royal Guard infantry

Decree of September 30 1806 defines the initial strength of the Guard. As far as infantry is concerned, the following units are raised:

• A foot grenadier regiment with two battalions each of eight companies
• A Voltigeurs battalion with eight companies

Strength mainly comes from elite companies of French regiments of the Armée de Naples.
On May 13 1806 the city of Naples elite chasseurs company is transferred to the Guard as foot velites company belonging to the Voltigeurs. On September 22 1808 the velites part from the Voltigeurs corps to become velites-chasseurs regiment of the Guard.
On July 15 1811, the velites-chasseurs regiment is renamed 1st regiment of foot velites and a 2nd regiment is raised by splitting the Voltigeurs, which disappear as such.
By decree of September 29 1814 the 12th regiment of line infantry, built with repatriated veterans of 1812 and 1813 campaigns, is transferred in the Guard as regiment of Voltigeurs of the Guard.
A guard sailors company is raised by decree of October 25 1806. A second company is raised on July 28 1809.

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Foot grenadiers

Grenadiers

• Long tailed coat of dark blue cloth. Scarlet collar piped white. Scarlet fringed epaulettes. White squared lapels piped scarlet. Scarlet cuffs and blue cuff flaps (trident shaped 3 buttons) piped scarlet. Scarlet turnbacks bearing a yellow grenade patch. Vertical pockets simulated by scarlet piping. Brass buttons.
  From 1811, long tailed coat of dark blue cloth. Light crimson collar piped blue with two yellow tasselled button laces. Light crimson fringed epaulettes. Light crimson lapels with yellow tasselled button laces. Light crimson cuffs with light crimson cuff flaps (trident shaped 3 buttons) adorned with three yellow tasselled button laces. Light crimson turnbacks decorated with yellow grenade patch. Vertical pockets simulated by light crimson piping with yellow tasselled button laces. Brass buttons.
  From 1814, as line infantry regiments, light crimson pointed cuffs with two yellow tasselled buttonholes laces.
• White waistcoat and breeches. High then short gaiters white in summer and black in winter. Black shoes.
• Black bearskin without plate with scarlet top patch embroidered with a white grenade. Scarlet plume over french tricolours cockade. White cords and flounders. Brass chinscales.
  From 1811 light crimson top patch with yellow grenade. Light crimson plume over neapolitan cockade (white with light crimson centre). Light crimson cords and flounders.
• French infantry equipment. White leatherwork and black cartridge pouch. Infantry sabre with single bar brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. White sabre strap.
  From 1809 ochre yellow leatherwork trimmed white. Cartridge pouch bearing a central large brass grenade and four small ones in the corners. Light crimson sabre strap.
  

NCOs

Troopers' dress with yellow or gold rank laces piped light crimson on sleeves. For sergeants and sergeant-major epaulettes with gold crescent and fringes entwined with gold thread. Bearskin cords entwined with gold thread.

Officers

Other ranks' dress with all yellow fittings changed to gold ones. Gold rank insignias (epaulettes, gorget and bearskin cords). Light crimson plume for junior officers and white for field officers. Black english or hessian boots the latter with gold trim and tassel. For mounted officers blue french saddle with gold lace.

Drummers

After 1811, troopers' dress, collar, lapels, cuffs, cuff flaps, turnbacks and pockets trimmed by a livery lace, white and light crimson chequered. Drum with copper shell and counterhoops painted with white and light crimson stripes.

Sappers

Troopers' dress in reversed colours (light crimson with blue collar lapels and cuffs). Black fur colback with light crimson bag laced yellow. Sappers' badge (crossed axes over a grenade) in yellow cloth on both upper sleeves. Ochre apron.

Musicians

Troopers' dress in reversed colours (light crimson with blue collar lapels and cuffs). Collar and lapels decorated by a large gold lace. Black felt bicorn hat with gold lace, cockade strap and tassels, edged by white and light crimson short feathers. White plume. White breeches, black boots with fawn turned top.

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Voltigeurs (1st formation) - Velites-chasseurs - Foot Velites

Voltigeurs

• Long tailed french cut coat of dark blue cloth. Yellow collar piped scarlet. Green fringed epaulettes with yellow crescent. White squared lapels piped scarlet. Scarlet cuffs piped white and white cuff flaps (trident shaped 3 buttons). Scarlet turnbacks bearing a yellow horn patch. Vertical pockets simulated by scarlet piping. Brass buttons.
• White waistcoat and breeches. High white gaiters in summer and black ones in winter. Black shoes.
• Black felt shako with yellow upper and lower band side V. Brass crowned eagle plate. Yellow plume and pompon over french cockade with yellow strap. Yellow cords and flounders. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales.

Velites-chasseurs

• Scarlet collar piped white. Yellow epaulettes with scarlet crescent and green fringes.
• Shako with white upper and lower band side V. Green plume with scarlet top and green pompon over french cockade with yellow strap. White cords and flounders.
• All others details as voltigeurs.

Velites of 1st regiment

• Short tailed coat of white cloth. Scarlet collar piped white with two yellow tasselled button laces. Yellow epaulettes with yellow crescent and green fringes. Scarlet lapels piped white with yellow tasselled button laces. Scarlet pointed cuffs piped white bearing three vertical yellow tasselled button laces. Scarlet turnbacks piped white bearing yellow grenade over horn patch. Vertical pockets simulated by scarlet piping with yellow tasselled button laces. Brass buttons.
  From 1814, all green epaulettes and two horizontal buttonholes laces on cuffs.
• White breeches. Short black gaiters. Black shoes.
• Black fur bearskin without plate with scarlet top patch embroidered with a yellow grenade. Green plume with white top over neapolitan cockade. Green cords and flounders. Brass chinscales.
  In fatigue dress, black felt shako with black leather upper and lower bands. Brass oval plate stamped with sicilian order star over laurels. Same plume cords and flounders as bearskin. Black peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales.
• Ochre yellow leatherwork trimmed white. Cartridge pouch bearing a central large brass grenade and four smaller ones in the corners. Green sabre strap.
  

Velite of 2nd regiment

• Light crimson piped white facings. Green fringes epaulets with scarlet crescent. Yellow horn patch on turnbacks.
• All green plume on bearskin and shako.
• All others details as 1st regiment.
  

Officers

Other ranks' dress with gold rank insignias (epaulettes, gorget and bearskin cords). Green plume with white tip for junior officers and white for field officers. Black hessian boots with gold trim and tassel. For mounted officers french saddle in regimental colour with gold lace.

Drummers

After 1811, troopers' dress, collar, lapels, cuffs, cuff flaps, turnbacks and pockets trimmed by a livery lace, white and light crimson chequered. Drum with copper shell and counterhoops painted with white and light crimson stripes.

Sappers

Troopers' dress in reversed colours (scarlet or light crimson with white collar lapels and cuffs). Black fur colback with scarlet or light crimson bag laced yellow. Sappers' badge (crossed axes over a grenade) in white cloth on both upper sleeves. Ochre apron.

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Troopers' dress in reversed colours, scarlet with white collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks.

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• Long tailed coat with closed lapels of dark blue cloth. Light crimson collar embroidered with two yellow anchor button laces. Scarlet fringed epaulettes. Light crimson lapels embroidered with yellow anchor button laces. Light crimson pointed cuffs with three vertical yellow embroidered anchor button laces. Light crimson turnbacks decorated with yellow grenade patch. Vertical pockets simulated by scarlet piping embroidered with yellow anchor button laces. Brass buttons
• White breeches or blue overalls. Short black gaiters. Black shoes.
• Black felt shako with black leather upper and lower bands bearing a brass shield plate stamped with a grenade over an anchor. Scarlet plume and pompon over Neapolitan cockade with yellow strap. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chin scales.

Line cavalry

The 1st regiment of mounted chasseurs is raised by decree of February 18 1806, followed by the 2nd one on May 27 1806.
The 1st regiment of light horses is by decree of December 25 1810.
By decree of April 2 1813, both regiments of mounted chasseurs are renamed light horses taking the 1st and 2nd rank of the branch as the former 1st light horses takes the 3rd rank. By the same decree, all regiments are equipped with lances.
In 1814 a 4th regiment is raised.

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Chasseurs a cheval

 

Facings in 1813	facing	buttons
1st	scarlet	white
2nd	yellow	"

 

Ordinary companies

• Initially hussar style uniform, green dolman with white braid and laces. Scarlet collar trimmed white. Green wool sash with scarlet barrels, which seems to have been seldom used. Scarlet pointed cuffs trimmed white. White buttons.
  From 1808, long tailed french cut coat of dark green cloth. Facings coloured collar piped green. Green shoulder strap with facings coloured piping. Green pointed lapels facings coloured piping. Facing colour pointed cuffs piped green. Facing colour turnbacks piped green bearing white horn patch. Soubise style tail pockets simulated by a facing colour piping. White metal buttons.
  From 1811, short tailed coat with closed lapels of same cloth with the same distinctions.
• With the first coat, scarlet waistcoat with white braid and laces. Green breeches with white Hungarian knot and side bands. In campaign dress green overalls with black leather inserts and facing colour side band. Black Hessian boots with white trim and tassel.
  From 1811, polish trousers in green cloth with facing colour side bands or in facing colour cloth with green side bands.
• Black felt shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V strengthening. Lozenge shaped brass plate stamped with regimental number. Green plume with facing colour top and company coloured ball pompon over French tricolour cockade. Black peak and brass chin scales.
  From 1809, white plate, cockade strap and chinscales.
  From 1811, green carrot shaped pompon with facing colour top over Neapolitan cockade. White metal shield plate stamped with regimental number. No cords. White metal chinscales.
• White leatherwork and black cartridge pouch bearing a brass then white metal horn plate. Hussar style belt with S shaped buckle. Light cavalry sabre with 3 bars brass hilt and iron scabbard.
• Hungarian saddle covered by white sheepskin schabraque with facings colour wolf teeth. Round portmanteau of green cloth with regimental colour lace and number.

Elite companies

Troopers' dress with scarlet fringed epaulettes. Black fur colback with green bag trimmed with facings colour bearing a brass or white metal grenade plate. Scarlet plume.

NCOs

Troopers' dress with white or silver rank chevrons with facings colour piping. In elite companies epaulettes with crescent and fringes entwined with silver thread. Light crimson (scarlet in elite companies) cords entwined with silver thread.

Officers

Other ranks' dress with long tails and silver rank insignias (epaulettes, shako cords and top trim and often V laces an both sides). Gilded or silvered shako plate and peak strengthening. In elite companies colback with silver bag's trim. Black leatherwork trimmed silver in full dress.
Green cloth shabraque with silver lace and regimental colour outer piping embroidered in left back corner with a silver bugle-horn patch and in right back corner with regimental number.

Trumpeters

Other ranks' dress in reversed colours (regimental colour with green collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks). Regimental colour plume with green tip. Brass trumpet with light crimson cord entwined with white thread.
After 1809, collar, lapels, and cuffs trimmed by a livery lace, at first white/blue/red then white and light crimson chequered.

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Ordinary companies

• Short tailed coat with closed lapels of deep azure blue cloth. Blue collar piped light crimson. Blue shoulder straps trimmed light crimson. Blue pointed lapels piped light crimson. Light crimson pointed cuffs piped blue. Light crimson turnbacks blue piped blue. White metal buttons.
  From 1811, short tailed coat with lapels closed to the waist with same ornaments. Brass buttons.
  From 1813, same dress with collar, lapels, cuffs and turnbacks of facing colour piped white. White metal buttons.
• In first dress, light crimson waistcoat with white braid and laces and blue hungarian breeches with white side bands. Black hessian boots with white trim and tassel.
  From 1811, deep azure blue overalls with two facing colour side bands and black light boots. In campaign dress, grey or blue overalls with leather inserts or white trousers.
• Black felt French shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V strengthening. Lozenge shaped brass plate stamped with regimental number. White cords and flounders. Black plume with light crimson top and company coloured pompon over french cockade. Black leather peak and white metal chinscales.
  From 1811, brass plate, cords are suppressed, white plume with light crimson top over neapolitan cockade.
  From 1811, white metal plate, plume is replaced by a pompon.
• White leatherwork. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing regimental number plate in white metal. Hussar style belt with S shaped buckle, french light cavalry sabre with three bars hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings.
  Black wood lance with light crimson over white pennon.
• Hungarian saddle covered by a white sheepskin schabraque with azure blue wolf teeth. Round portmanteau of blue cloth with facing colour lace and number.
  

 

Elite companies

Troopers' dress with light crimson fringed epaulettes.
Polish czapka with light crimson cloth top laced white and black leather crown bearing a sun plate with white metal centre stamped with roman I and brass rays Light crimson plume and pompon over neapolitan cockade. Black leather peak with brass strengthening and brass chinscales.
From 1813, black fur colback with blue bag laced white bearing a brass or white metal grenade plate. Light crimson pompon.

NCOs

Troopers' dress with white or silver rank chevrons with regimental colour piping. In elite companies epaulettes with crescent and fringes entwined with silver thread. White cords entwined with light crimson (scarlet in elite companies) thread.

Officers

Other ranks' dress with long tails and silver rank insignias (epaulettes and shako top trim) silver or gold (1811-1813). Black leatherwork trimmed in full dress with silver lace. Officer are often shown wearing a black leather sabretache with white metal regimental number or neapolitan heraldic reared horse.

Trumpeters

Troopers' dress in reversed colours, facing coloured cloth with blue facongs. Collar, cuffs and lapels trimmed with white and light crimson chequered livery lace.

Sappers

Troopers' dress in reversed colours, facing colour cloth faced blue. Light crimson (white for 2nd regiment) fringed epaulets. Black fur bearskin with facing colour cloth top bearing a white grenade badge. Sapper badge, usually white, on both upper sleeves.

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Royal Guard Cavalry

Decree of September 30 1806 defines the initial strength of the Guard. As far as cavalry is concerned, the following units are raised:

• A light horses regiment with two squadrons
• An elite gendarmes squadron

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Guard Cuirassiers

The cuirassiers regiment wears the second dress of the Elite gendarmes company from which it was raised.

Cuirassiers

• Single breasted short tailed coat of imperial blue cloth closed by one row of nine buttons. Light crimson collar piped white bearing a white tasselled buttonhole lace. White epaulettes and shoulder cord on right shoulder. On front of coat, light crimson piping and nine white tasselled buttonhole laces. Light crimson rounded cuffs with two white tasselled buttonhole laces. Light crimson turnbacks decorated with white grenade patches. Vertical pocket simulated by light crimson piping. White metal buttons.
  In campaign dress, same coat without breast laces.
• White waistcoat. Deerskin breeches. Black high cuffed boots.
• Black bearskin without plate, light crimson top patch embroidered with white grenade. White plume over Neapolitan cockade. White cords and flounders.
  Cuirassier equipment was planned with helmet with iron crown covered by a black fur turban, brass comb with black horsehair. Black leather peak with brass strengthening. Brass chinscales. Iron breast- and back plates with brass rivets and shoulder scales. Breastplate decorated with a brass sun with silvered rays stamped with the royal cipher. Light crimson pad piped white. Ochre belt.
• Ochre leatherwork trimmed white. Black leather cartridge pouch decorated with a brass grenade plate. Ochre sword belt trimmed white with brass rectangular buckle stamped with a grenade. Heavy cavalry straight bladed sabre with brass three bars hilt and iron scabbard. Ochre sword knot.
• French saddle in blue cloth with white laces embroidered with a white grenade in rear corners. Rectangular portmanteau of blue cloth with white laces.
  

Officers

Other's ranks dress. All white ornaments become silver and brass ones become gold or gilded. In campaign dress, breastplate decorated with a gilded sun with silvered rays, centre decorated with enamelled royal arms.

Trumpeters

Troopers' dress of white cloth. Collar and cuffs trimmed by a livery lace white and light crimson chequered. Epaulettes' straps embroidered with a gold grenade, fringes and shoulder cord white entwined with light crimson thread.
White bearskin cap with white cords entwined with light crimson thread, light crimson plume with white tip. In campaign dress, helmet with white horsehair and fur turban, light crimson plume with white tip. Brass trumpet with white cord entwined with light crimson thread. Light crimson cloth schabraque and portmanteau with silver laces.

Sappers

Others' rank dress in reversed colours, light crimson with blue facings. Sappers badge in white cloth on both upper arms. Light crimson plume with white tip.

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1806-1809 period

The uniform for this period is not known. Rene Forthoffer shows a green coat faced pink with a black leather helmet. Paintings seems to show a white dress faced light crimson similar to the one described in the following text.

1810-1813 period

• Short tailed coat of white cloth with light crimson seams braids and lapels hooked down to the waist. Light crimson collar piped white bearing a white tasselled buttonhole lace. White fringed epaulettes with white shoulder cord on right shoulder. Light crimson closed lapels piped with white tasselled buttonhole laces. Light crimson pointed cuffs piped white bearing a vertical white tasselled buttonhole lace. Light crimson turnbacks. Vertical pockets simulated by light crimson piping. White metal buttons.
• Light crimson polish trousers with two white side bands, replaced in campaign dress by grey overalls with black leather inserts with light crimson side bands.
• Polish czapka in light crimson cloth piped white with black leather crown bearing a sun plate with brass centre stamped with royal cipher and silver rays. White plume over Neapolitan cockade. White cords and flounders. Black leather peak with white metal strengthening and white metal chin scales.
• Ochre leather work trimmed white. Black cartridge pouch decorated with a white metal royal cipher plate. Black hussar style sword belt with S shaped buckle. Light cavalry curved bladed sabre with 3 bars brass hilt and iron scabbard. White sword knot with light crimson tassel.
  After 1812 black wood lance with light crimson over white pennon.
• Hungarian saddle covered with light crimson cloth schabraque with white laces embroidered with white royal cipher in rear corners.
  In parade dress, white cloth schabraque with light crimson lace and fittings.

1813-1815 period

Decree of November 16 1813 suppresses the white dress, and everyday dress becomes the new full dress.

• Short tailed single breasted coat of dark green cloth closed down by nine white buttons. Light crimson collar bearing a white tasselled buttonhole lace. White fringed epaulettes with white shoulder cord on right shoulder. On front of coat, light crimson piping and nine white tasselled buttonhole laces. Light crimson pointed cuffs bearing a vertical white tasselled buttonhole lace. Light crimson turnbacks.
• All other details as preceding period. White schabraque is suppressed too.

Officers

Other's ranks dress, all white ornaments becoming silver and brass ones becoming gold or gilded.

Trumpeters

1810-1813 period : Troopers' dress in reversed colour, light crimson faced white. Light crimson and white chequered lace on collar and cuffs. Epaulettes with white and crimson fringes. Crimson plume with white top. Cords and flounders in white and crimson thread.
1813-1815 period : Troopers' dress in white cloth faced crimson. Light crimson buttonhole laces and collar and cuffs trimmed with livery light crimson and white chequered lace.

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Guards of Honour 1809-1813

Short tailed single breasted coat of scarlet cloth closed down by nine white metal buttons. Pale yellow collar with a white buttonhole lace. White fringed epaulettes with white shoulder cord on right shoulder. On front of coat, yellow piping and nine white tasselled buttonhole laces. Yellow pointed cuffs bearing a white vertical tasselled buttonhole lace. Yellow turnbacks.
· Dark azure blue overalls with two broad yellow side bands.

Polish czapka in pale yellow cloth piped scarlet with black leather crown bearing a sun plate with brass centre stamped with royal cipher and silver rays. Green plume with yellow tip. Black leather peak with white metal strengthening and white metal chin scales.

Ochre leatherwork trimmed white. Black leather cartridge pouch trimmed with brass and decorated with a brass royal cipher plate. Ochre hussar style sword belt trimmed white with S shaped buckle. Light cavalry curved bladed sabre with brass three bars hilt and iron scabbard. White sword knot.

Hungarian saddle covered with light crimson cloth schabraque laced white embroidered with white royal cipher in rear corners. Round portmanteau of blue cloth with white laces.

Life guards 1813-1815

Long tailed single breasted coat of scarlet cloth closed down by nine white metal buttons. Pale yellow collar with a silver buttonhole lace. White trefoil epaulettes with white shoulder cord on right shoulder. On front of coat, yellow piping and nine white tasselled buttonhole laces. Yellow rounded cuffs bearing two white horizontal tasselled buttonhole laces. Yellow turnbacks decorated with silver grenade patches.

White breeches and black high cuffed boots.

Black felt cocked hat with white lace and strengthening. White plume over neapolitan cockade with white strap.

Ochre leatherwork trimmed white. White cartridge pouch trimmed with brass bearing a brass royal cipher plate. Pouch belt covered with blue or yellow (following company) velvet trimmed with white lace. Ochre sword belt trimmed white with brass plate buckle stamped with royal cypher. Heavy cavalry straight bladed sabre with brass battle hilt and iron scabbard with brass fittings. White sword knot with blue or yellow tassel.

French saddle covered with dark azure blue cloth schabraque with white laces and scarlet outer piping embroidered with white royal cipher in rear corners. Square portmanteau of blue cloth with white laces and scarlet piping.

Trumpeters

Other ranks' dress in reversed colours, yellow faced scarlet with collar and cuffs trimmed by a livery lace, white and light crimson chequered.

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• French cut long tailed coat of imperial blue cloth. Light crimson collar. White fringed epaulettes and shoulder cord on right shoulder. Light crimson squared lapels. Light crimson cuffs and cuff flaps. Light crimson turnbacks. White metal buttons.
  From 1811, same coat with lapels closed down to the waist. White buttonhole laces on collar, lapels and cuffs.
• White waistcoat. White breeches. Black high cuffed boots.
• Black bearskin without plate, light crimson top patch embroidered with white grenade. In service dress, black felt bicorn hat with white trim and neapolitan cockade with white strap.
• Ochre leather work trimmed white. Ochre sabre belt with white trim and white buckle plate with brass grenade. Straight bladed heavy cavalry sabre with brass basket hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings, light crimson sabre strap.
• Black leather harness. French saddle in blue cloth with white laces embroidered with a white grenade in rear corners. Rectangular portmanteau of blue cloth with white laces.

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The lancers wear the second dress of the honour guards squadrons disbanded on preceding year.

Lancers

Single breasted short tailed coat of dark azure blue cloth closed down by a single row of nine buttons. Light yellow collar with one white tasselled buttonhole lace. White fringed epaulettes and shoulder cord on right shoulder. Front of coat piped yellow and decorated with eight white tasselled buttonhole laces. Light yellow pointed cuffs with one white tasselled buttonhole lace. Light yellow turnbacks. White metal buttons.

Blue polish trousers with two yellow side bands. Black light boots.

Tall cylindrical shako covered with blue cloth. White metal sun ray palte with brass center stamped with royal cipher. Black falling plume over white lenticular pompon with blue center over a large neapolitan cockade with white strap. Black leather peak with white metal strengthening and black leather chinstrap.

Ochre leatherwork trimmed white. Hussar style sabre belt and light cavalry sabre with brass three bars hilt and iron scabbard, white sabre strap. Black wood lance, white pennon with yellow inner triangle.

Hungarian saddle covered with light crimson cloth schabraque laced white embroidered with white royal cipher in rear corners. Round portmanteau of blue cloth with white laces.

Life guards 1813-1815

Other's ranks dress, all white ornaments becoming silver and brass ones becoming gold or gilded. Silver rank insignias (epaulets, laces and rings piping on top of shako).

Trumpeters

Other ranks' dress in reversed colours, yellow faced azure blue. White and light crimson chequered lace on collar and cuffs and on buttonhole laces. Epaulets with crescent and fringes in white and light crimson threads. White falling plume with light crimson top.

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Velites

• Short tailed closed lapel coat of dark blue cloth. Collar, closed lapels, pointed cuffs and turnbacks yellow. Scarlet fringed epaulettes with brass scaled straps. Vertical pockets simulated by yellow piping. Brass buttons.
  From 1809, hussar style dress. White dolman with yellow braids and laces. Light crimson collar and cuffs piped yellow. Yellow wool sash with light crimson barrels and cords. Brass buttons. Light crimson pelisse with yellow braid and laces and black fur trim.
• Dark blue breeches with yellow bastion loop and side bands replaced in 1809 by light crimson breeches with same ornaments. Black leather hessian boots with yellow trim and tassels.
• Yellow cloth polish czapska with blue piping and black leather crown. Sun plate with silvered centre decorated with gold royal cipher and silvered rays. White plume, yellow cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chin scales.
  From 1809, french shako covered with light crimson cloth, yellow upper and lower bands. Brass shield plate stamped with royal cipher. White plume over light crimson pompon over neapolitan cockade. Yellow cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chin scales.
• Black leather work and black cartridge pouch decorated with brass crowned N plate. Black hussar style sword belt with S shaped buckle. Light cavalry curved sabre with three bars hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Black leather sword knot.
  From 1809, ochre leather work trimmed white. Light crimson sabretache with yellow laces embroidered with a yellow crowned J.
• Hungarian saddle covered with a blue (light crimson in 1809) cloth shabraque with yellow laces embroidered with yellow royal cipher in rear corners.
  

Hussars

Decree of november 16 1813 supresses the white dolman and the second dress green dolman becomes the one of firts dress for the hussars regiment.

• Hussar style dress. Green dolman with yellow braids and laces. Green collar piped yellow. Light crimson cuffs piped yellow. Yellow wool sash with light crimson barrels and cords. Brass buttons. Light crimson pelisse with yellow braid and laces and black fur trim.
• Light crimson breeches with yellow bastion loop and side bands. Black leather hessian boots with yellow trim and tassels.
• Black fur colback with green bag piped yellow. Yellow plume over light crimson pompon. Brass chin scales.
• All others equipment as Velites.
  

NCOs

Other ranks' dress with yellow or gold rank chevrons on sleeves. For sergeants, scarlet czapska cords and epaulettes entwined with gold thread and after 1809 gold shako top band and light crimson cords entwined with gold thread. Yellow sword knot with gold tassel before 1809, Light crimson entwined with gold thread after 1809.

Officers

Other's ranks dress. All ornaments become gold or gilded. Gold rank epaulettes with gold shoulder cord on right shoulder, lapels decorated with gold buttonholes laces.
After 1809, gold rank chevrons on sleeves and breeches. Brown fur colback with light crimson bag piped gold. White plume inserted in a gold tulip shaped base. White leather work trimmed gold.

Trumpeters

Other ranks' dress in reversed colours (yellow with blue facings). Collar, lapels, and cuffs trimmed by a white/blue/red livery lace. Blue swallow nests trimmed yellow with livery lace lower band. Yellow plume tipped scarlet. Brass trumpet with yellow cord.
After 1809, light crimson dolman with white facings. Light crimson breeches. White pelisse with white fur. All braids and laces yellow entwined with light crimson. Sky blue wool sash with light crimson barrels and cord. White cloth shabraque with light crimson laces. Yellow trumpet cord entwined with light crimson.
After 1813, same dress with green dolman. Other's rank colback.

Line artillery

The artillery corps of the new kingdom is raised on february 14 1806 when four gunners and one workers companies are created. These companies become a regiment of tewenty one companies on july 21 1806, augmented to twenty seven companies on april 2 1813.
A second regiment is raised on january 5 1814, both regiments established at twenty companies.
Decree of february 5 1807 creates a horse artillery companies but this will never be raised, never to appear on any order of battle.
Decree of october 7 1806 creates two artillery train companies, to be raised to battalion strength on june 25 1807 and augmented by four service train companies on april 11 1813. A secod battalion is raised on december 2 1813.
Decree of july 25 1806 raises an engineers battalion comprised of two miners companies and four sappers companies. A second battalion is raised on april 2 1814.

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Foot Artillery

Gunners

• Long tailed french-cut coat of blue cloth. Scarlet collar piped blue. Blue shoulder straps piped red for second class gunners, scarlet epaulets for first class gunners. Blue squared lapels piped red. Scarlet cuffs piped blue with blue flaps piped scarlet. Scarlet turnbacks decorated with blue grenade patches. Horizontal pockets simulated by scarlet piping. Brass buttons.
  From 1811, same dress with lapels closed to the waist and vertical pockets.
  From 1813, all scarlet ornaments become light crimson.
• Blue waistcoat and breeches. High black gaiters. Black shoes.
• Black felt bicorn hat with scarlet carrot-shaped pompon over french cockade.
  From 1808, black felt french shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V. Brass lozenge plate stamped with battery number over crossed guns. Scarlet pompon over french cockade with yellow strap. In full dress scarlet plume, cords and flounders. Black leather peak and brass chin scales.
  From 1811 the french cockade is replaced by the neapolitan cockade (white with light crimson centre).
• White leather work and black cartridge pouch decorated with brass grenade or crossed guns plate. Infantry sabre with single bar brass hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings. Scarlet sword knot.
  

NCOs

Other ranks' dress. Yellow or gold rank laces piped scarlet on sleeves. For sergeants with crescent and fringes entwined with gold thread.

Officers

Long tailed coat with gold rank insignias (epaulettes, gorget and shako upper edge). Shako with gilded plate, cords and peak trim. For mounted officers blue french saddle with gold lace.

Drummers

Other ranks' dress in reversed colours (scarlet with blue piped scarlet facings)). Collar, lapels and cuffs decorated with white/red/blue livery lace. Scarlet swallow nests with the same lace on the lower edge. This lace is replaced in 1811 by a white and light crimson chequered one added at the same time on the sleeves in inverted chevrons. In 1811 drums have copper shell with counterhoops painted in white and light crimson triangles.

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• Short tailed closed lapels coat in iron grey cloth. Grey collar piped black. Black lapels piped grey. Grey cuffs piped black with black flaps. Black turnbacks decorated with white grenade patches. White metal buttons.
• Grey breeches and black high cuffed boots.
• Shako covered with grey close bearing the artillery plate. Grey ball pompon over neapolitan cockade with white strap. Black leather peak and brass chinscales.
• White leatherwork. Black cartridge pouch. Infantry sabre with brass single bar hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings.
• Black leather harness. French saddle in iron grey cloth with white laces embroidered with a white grenade in rear corners. Rectangular portmanteau of grey cloth with white laces.

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• Artllery dress with black piped scarlet (later light crimson) worn on collar, lapels cuffs and cuff flaps. Yellow fringed epaulets for fist class sappers, without fringes for second class ones. Scarlet (later light crimson)epaulets for miners.
• Shako plate stamped with a greande.
• All others details as foot artillery..

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Decree of September 30 1806 defines the initial strength of the Guard. As far as artillery is concerned, one foot and one horse artillery companies are created:
The low strength of these companies leads to join them in a single horse artillery company on september 22 1808.

Gunners

• Hussar style dress. Dark blue dolman with light crimson braids and laces. Blue collar trimmed light crimson. Blue cuffs trimmed light crimson. Light crimson wool sash with blue barrels and blue/light crimson cords. Brass buttons.
• Dark blue breeches with light crimson hungarian knot and side bands. Black leather hessian boots with light crimson trim and tassels.
• Black fur colback with light crimson bag piped blue. Light crimson plume.
• Ochre leather work trimmed white and black cartridge pouch decorated with brass crown over crossed guns plate. Hussar style sword belt with S shaped buckle. Hussar curved sabre with single bar hilt and iron scabbard, light crimson sword knot. Light crimson sabretache trimmed with four blue piping.
• Black leather harness. Hungarian saddle covered with a blue cloth shabraque trimmed with light crimson lace embroidered with light crimson grenade in rear corners. Round portmanteau in blue cloth with light crimson lace and grenade patch.
  

NCOs

Other ranks' dress with yellow or gold rank chevrons on sleeves. Light crimson sword knot entwined with gold thread after 1809.

Officers

Other's ranks dress. All ornaments become gold or gilded. Gold rank chevrons on sleeves and breeches. On sabretache, gilded plate stamped with crossed guns.

Trumpeters

Other ranks' dress in reversed colours. Light crimson dolman with blue facings and braids. Collar and cuffs trimmed with white and light crimson chequered livery lace. White colback cord entwined with light crimson, light crimson plume tipped white. Light crimson breeches with blue braids and laces. Light crimson shabraque with blue laces. Brass trumpet with blue cord entwined with light crimson.

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• Short tailed closed lapels coat in iron grey cloth. Light crimson collar decorated with two yellow tasselled buttonholes laces. Light crimson fringed epaulettes and shoulder cord on right shoulder. Light crimson lapels decorated with yellow tasselled buttonholes laces. Light crimson pointed cuffs decorated with three white vertical tasselled buttonholes laces. Light crimson turnbacks. Brass buttons.
  Decree of december 16 1813 suppress this dress and the second dress becomes first dress. Short tailed single breasted coat of iron grey cloth closed down by a single row of nine buttons. Collar decorated by a single yellow lace. Front of coat piped light crimson beraing a yellow tasseled buttonhole lace at each button. Cuffs decorated by a single yellow lace. Other details as in first dress.
• Iron grey breeches. High black cuffed boots
• Black felt french shako with black leather upper and lower bands and V. Brass grenade plate. Light crimson plume over neapolitan cockade with white strap. Black leather peak and brass chinscales.
• Ochre leather work trimmed white. Black leather cartridge pouch bearing crossed guns brass plate. Infantry sabre with single bar hilt and black leather scabbard with brass fittings, light crimson sword knot.
• Black leather harness. French saddle in iron grey cloth with light crimson lace embroidered with a light crimson grenade in rear corners. Rectangular portmanteau of grey cloth with light crimson lace.

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Gendarmes

Royal Gendarmes

Mounted gendarmes

• Long tailed french-cut coat of dark blue cloth. Light crimson collar, pointed lapels, pointed cuffs and turnbacks. White trefoiled epaulettes with white shoulder cord on right shoulder. Turnbacks decorated with white grenade patches. White metal buttons.
• White waistcoat and breeches. Black high cuffed boots.
• Black felt bicorn hat with silver laces. Light crimson over silver laced cockade.
• White leather work and black cartridge pouch decorated with brass crossed guns plate. White sword belt and heavy cavalry straight sabre with three bars brass hilt and iron scabbard.
• French saddle covered with a blue cloth shabraque and squared portmanteau with white laces and light crimson outer piping.

Foot gendarmes

• Mounted troops dress with light crimson fringed epaulettes.
• High black gaiters.
• Infantry equipment.
• other equipments as mounted gendarmes

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Auxiliary Gendarmes

• Short tailed coat of light grey cloth closed down by a single row of nine buttons. Grey collar piped green. Green fringed epaulets. Front of coat piped green. Grey pointed cuffs piped green. Green turnbacks. White metal buttons.
• Grey breeches and short black gaiters.
• Black felt cocked with green carrot-shaped pompon over neapolitan cockade with white strap.
• Infantry equipment.
  

Generals

• Long tailed single breasted coat of dark blue cloth closed by nine gilded buttons. Scarlet then light crimson collar and swedish cuffs trimmed with an embroidered oak leafs wreath. Gold epaulettes with heavy bullions fringes. Coat trimmed with an embroidered oak leafs wreath. Tails without turnbacks trimmed with an embroidered oak leafs wreath. Gold silk sash with scarlet then light crimson stripes for division generals and blue stripes for brigade generals, heavy knot on left hip.
• White breeches and black high cuffed boots replaced in campaign dress with blue breeches and black hessian boots with gold trim and tassels.
• Black bicorn hat with broad embroidered gold laces. White plume.
• Black hussar type sword belt trimmed with gold. Officer curved sabre with gilded scabbard. Embroidered gold sword knot.
• French saddle covered by a blue cloth shabraque with gold laces.

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• Long tailed single breasted coat of dark blue cloth closed