'Aussie Rick'’s Comments (group member since Jun 13, 2009)

'Aussie Rick'’s comments from the THE NAPOLEONIC WARS group.

The next battle covered by the author in; "The Anatomy of Glory" was the battle of Montmirail which took place on the 11th February, 1814:

http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/...

https://warandsecurity.com/2014/02/12...

I think "The Anatomy of Glory" would be the perfect first book to read on Napoleon's Guard as it traces its development, structure & organisation, personalities and its employment quite well however it just hasn't been an inspiring read for me at this stage.

The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard by Henry Lachouque

The next battle covered in the book; "The Anatomy of Glory", is the Battle of Brienne, which took place on the 29th January, 1814:

http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/...

Glad you found the book of interest Betsy. My book on the Imperial Guard is OK but it hasn't grabbed me as much as I was expecting. The colour plates included in the book are a great highlight though.

The book; "The Anatomy of Glory" is now covering the various battles and skirmishes that occurred in France during the 1814 campaign where Napoleon had flashes of his old inspirational leadership and command. The first battle covered was at Bar-sur-Aube on 27th February 1814.

Battle of Bar-sur-Aube:
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/...

"The Anatomy of Glory" - From the chapter covering Bautzen, just to give you a taste of the author's writing style:

"After Smolensk, the Berezina, and Vilna, the Guard had a score to settle with Miloradovitch's Russians who now had the misfortune to guard the rear. It was settled with cold steel. Terrified and screaming, the Russians fled barefoot and in rags, taking along their double-headed eagle colors in black cases. Pursued day and night, they were slaughtered without mercy."

The Battle of Bautzen 1813:
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/...

https://www.frenchempire.net/battles/...

"The Anatomy of Glory" - An account from the crossing of the Berezina:

"While leading his 5th Tirailleurs, Colonel Hennequin's horse was suddenly decapitated. Officers and soldiers rushed to his aid as he went down in the snow with the bloody carcass; but he was already on his feet. 'I am at my post, messieurs', he said. 'Let others remain at theirs.' Hennequin, of whom it was said that he 'would laugh only if he were burning', was very rude, but also rather pathetic. As his servant was saddling another horse a piece of bread fell out of one of his holsters. 'If one of you needs this more than I', he said to the soldiers, 'you are welcome to it'."

The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard by Henry Lachouque

I'm enjoying my theme book on the Imperial Guard although its not very detailed. Each chapter is only a few pages in length and if it covers a battle there is a basic map with a brief description on the battle. What makes the book special is the numerous colour and B&W illustrations throughout the book. Most of the colour plates cover the various uniforms of the Guard units.

The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard by Henry Lachouque

Betsy wrote: "Have just finished what is probably the best chapter in the book so far. It takes place on October 14,1813, which is the anniversary of Jena-Auerstadt. Since the Prussians and French are at it agai..."

Sounds like you are also enjoying your book Betsy!

Scott wrote: "
A good choice to read this little adventure book to brighten up COVID lockdown. Our young 16 year-old English protagonist (Ralph) has inherit..."

Sounds like a fun book Scott and a ripping yarn!

I just finished the short chapter on the famous cavalry action by the Poles at Somosierra in the book; "The Anatomy of Glory":

Battle of Somosierra:
http://www.napolun.com/mirror/napoleo...

https://www.napoleon-series.org/milit...

Betsy wrote: "Have made it through several chapters in my book. The best description of cavalry action so far has been Eylau and Austerlitz.. There are some maps, but it could use more. As might be expected the ..."

I found this very interesting link in regards to the French cavalry at Eylau:
https://battlefieldanomalies.com/eylau/

"The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard" - From the chapter on Eylau:

"The Emperor was due in Warsaw with the Guard on New Year's Day 1807. He was hesitant about re-creating the Kingdom of Poland. In spite of the ovation given him by the Poles, he wrote: 'Only God can arbitrate this vast political problem ... It would mean blood, more blood, and still more blood ...' "

Battle of Eylau:
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/201...

https://www.frenchempire.net/battles/...

Two great cavalry charges to read about Betsy. Are the chapters detailed enough on the specific cavalry actions?

I quite liked it as well Scott.

"The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard" - After the Battle of Marengo, members of the guard received numerous awards:

"On 6 July the Guard received its reward. Soules and Marin won swords of honor; Sergeants Mirabel and Castanie and several corporals and gunners, gold grenades; Trumpet Major Krettly, a trumpet of honor. Barbanegre was promoted to major, Digeon to captain, Daumesnil to lieutenant. Aune, the bravest grenadier in the Army of Italy, a legendary hero as full of holes as a colander who possessed a sword of honor and was ensign of the grenadiers, felt the breeze of a ball which cut off the tails of his coat. His hat was perforated by bullets as well, yet he 'did not suffer the slightest scratch.' It was the first time he had been in battle without being wounded. As a reward, he was married to the beautiful Mademoiselle de Montmorency. On the day of the wedding Beauharnais opened the ball and several officers came to wish him happiness, a wish not to be realized since he died of consumption in 1803. Later Bonaparte granted a pension of 500 francs to his widow and - a unique occurrence - published the name of Lieutenant Aune, promoted posthumously, on the roster of officers of the Legion of Honor on 14 June 1804."

The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard by Henry Lachouque

Yikes, I'm sure I've got books hidden away that have been in my library unread much longer :)

Mastersonmcvoidson wrote: "https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I decided to read something light and pick up the Osprey books on th..."

Should be a nice, quick but interesting read, keep us all posted.

In the Introduction to the book, Colonel John R. Elting, USA, Ret. quotes the poem "The Two Grenadiers by Heinrich Heine (1799-1856):

To France there wandered two grenadiers,
In Russia once captives made.
To German quarters they came after years,
And bowed their heads, dismayed.

And there they were sorrowful tidings told
That France was lost—and repelled,
Destroyed and defeated the army bold—
And the emperor captive held.

The grenadiers wept grievously
When told this mournful lore.
Then said the one: “Ah, woe is me,
How my old wound is sore!”

“The song is sung” the other said,
“I too would die with thee;
But wife and child, if I were dead,
Would perish utterly.”

“For wife and child what do I care!
Far better longings I know:
As hungry beggars let them fare—
My emperor, emperor—woe!

“But grant me, brother, one only prayer:
Now when I here shall die,
My body take to France and there
In French earth let me lie!

“My cross of honour with scarlet band
Upon my heart be placed;
And put my gun into my hand,
My sword gird round my waist!

“Then quietly I’ll lie and hark,
A sentry in my tomb,
Till I the horses’ prancing mark,
And hear the cannon’s boom.

“Then my emperor rides across my grave,
And swords will be clashing hard:
And armed I’ll rise up from my grave,
My emperor to guard!”


https://www.poetsandprinces.com/heinr...

I didn't realise that my edition of "The Anatomy of Glory: Napoleon and His Guard" is the 4th edition and that it is an abridged account from Henry Lachouque's 1956 book; "Napoléon et la Garde Impériale" which was over 1100 pages. My edition is 564 pages and packed with heaps of colour plates from the collection Anne S. K. Brown.

Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library:
https://www.watercolourworld.org/coll...

https://library.brown.edu/info/collec...