Napoleons Swiss Troops

Product Description

Ever since the 15th century Switzerland had been exporting professional soldiers to serve as mercenaries for foreign monarchies. Napoleon therefore was not the first to make full use of the martial qualities of the Swiss & obtained Swiss agreement to expand the recruitment of regiments for service in the French Army. Napoleon would use Swiss troops on the battlefields of Italy & Spain & in 1812 re-organize the four original regiments into a single division for the invasion of Russia with each regiment having three full-strength battalions. In all theatres where they were engaged Swiss contingents would often be relied upon to act as rearguards so other forces caught in a tight situation could escape. Time & again they would be asked to save the day for the French soldiers with whom they fought in Italy & Spain & most famously for Napoleon himself in Russia. In November of 1812 meeting up with Napoleons main force retreating from Moscow at the Berezina River the Swiss on the west bank guarded the approaches to the pontoon bridges from the Russian attack to the south. 1 200 Swiss out of Approx. 8 000 that entered Russia were left to face along with 8 000 men from other units the 30 000-strong Russian army. The Swiss held their ground & when their ammunition ran out they charged the Russians with bayonets. This book reveals the proud combat history of the Swiss troops of Napoleons army as well as the colourful uniforms they wore.