Middle Guard (Napoleonic)

The Middle Guard () was a formation of the French Imperial Army's Imperial Guard. It was an intermediate force between the elite Old Guard and the less experienced Young Guard. It played a role in Napoleon's military campaigns, offering a balance of experience and infantry flexibility.

History

The Middle Guard, established between 1806-1809, composed mainly of veteran soldiers with at least three military campaigns of experience. The Middle Guard served as a seasoned reserve force, bridging the gap between the elite Old Guard and the less experienced Young Guard. Its units were often deployed in combat situations. These units, composed of veteran soldiers, were essential for maintaining the flexibility and effectiveness of Napoleon's army in key campaigns, including the later stages of the Napoleonic Wars.

The Middle Guard, although less prestigious than the Old Guard, enjoyed significant privileges such as better pay, rations, and living conditions. Their dual role as a battlefield reserve and a symbol of Napoleon’s power reflected their strategic and political importance during the Napoleonic Wars.

Formation

Between 1806 and 1808, the Imperial Guard significantly expanded, eventually forming two regiments each of grenadiers and chasseurs. The service requirements for soldiers in the second regiments were reduced to eight years, allowing for a broader pool of experienced recruits.

Artillery also saw growth and development during this period. In 1806, a regiment of horse artillery (consisting of six companies) and a battalion of train troops were added. By 1808, the artillery arm had been further expanded, although the horse artillery was reduced to 32 guns. At the same time, three companies of foot artillery and three companies of conscript cannon were established, with the latter eventually evolving into the Young Guard artillery.

The classification of the Old Guard, Middle Guard, and Young Guard often caused confusion, as it primarily depended on the length of service and the soldiers' experience levels within the Guard hierarchy.

Regiment

''The Middle Guard often acted as a stabilizing force during combat, and also provided reinforcements .''

* Fusiliers Chasseurs
The Fusiliers-Chasseurs were formed later, on 19 October 1806, from the 1st battalions of the Grenadiers and Chasseurs of the Guard. The regiment began with 1,200 men and was eventually reinforced by men from the Compagnies de Reserve, expanding it to four battalions, each with four companies of 120 men. In 1813, the regiment's strength increased as each battalion gained two additional companies. However, like the Fusiliers-Grenadiers, the Fusiliers-Chasseurs were also disbanded on 12 May 1814.

* Fusiliers Grenadiers
The Fusiliers-Grenadiers were the second regiment of Fusiliers, established on 15 December 1806 by combining the 1st battalions of the Grenadier and Chasseur Vélites. Initially, the regiment was meant to have a strength of 1,800 men. After conscripts and soldiers from the Compagnies de Reserve joined, it grew to four battalions, each consisting of four companies with 120 men per company. However, the Fusiliers-Grenadiers were disbanded on 12 May 1814.

Legacy

Peninsular War

During the Peninsular War from 1808 until 1814, the Middle Guard positioned between the Old Guard and the Young Guard, saw action during key moments of the war, particularly in France's battles against British and Portuguese forces. However, as the war dragged on, the Middle Guard faced increasingly difficult circumstances. Despite their past experience and reputation, they were often deployed in the later stages of battles, when the French army was already stretched to its limits, and also faced retreat. At battles like Vimeiro (1808), Talavera (1809), and Busaco (1810), their role was overshadowed by the eventual dominance of British forces under Arthur Wellesley, who would later be known as the Duke of Wellington.

By the end of the Peninsular War in 1814, the Imperial Guard, including the Middle Guard, had suffered considerable losses. The continuous defeats and harsh campaigns against the coordinated Allied forces led to the weakening of Napoleon's forces as a whole.

Russia Campaign

In 1812, Napoleon's Imperial Guard reached its peak strength, with approximately 56,000 men, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery units. This period marked the height of the Guard's power and influence, as it was heavily relied upon during the French invasion of Russia. The Guard played a crucial role in major battles, such as the Battle of Borodino, where its soldiers provided critical support in breaking Russian resistance.

The Imperial Guard's artillery was significantly expanded during this time. This included a selection of various elements, from horse artillery to companies of foot artillery and conscript cannons. These components enhanced the Guard's overall firepower and mobility, making it a formidable force during combat.

However, the Middle Guard, along with the rest of Napoleon's forces, faced issues during the Russian campaign. The retreat from Moscow, coupled with extreme weather, attrition, and constant Russian harassment, led to the near-destruction of many Guard units, including the Middle Guard. Despite the veterans' experience, the Guard's survival was hampered by overwhelming circumstances, marking a significant decline in its ranks. By the end of the campaign, the Imperial Guard’s numbers had been reduced.

Hundred Days Campaign

In 1814, after Napoleon’s abdication, the remnants of the Middle Guard were among the forces that attempted to defend Paris against the advancing Coalition forces. However, the Guard was undermanned and exhausted, making it unable to withstand the opposition. Napoleon’s forces were no match for the well-equipped and numerically superior Allied armies, leading to the eventual ''fall of Paris'' and Napoleon’s abdication.

Despite the eventual disbandment of the Middle Guard in 1814, the unit still played a role in key battles like the Borodino and the Leipzig. The Middle Guard’s reputation, veteran force and participation in campaigns earned a place in French military history, even though it was effectively dissolved after Napoleon’s first exile.

During the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Middle Guard’s final combat begun when Napoleon ordered them to be deployed in an assault against the Allied forces, commanded by Wellington. However, this attack failed, which led to the end of Napoleon's ambitions. Despite their elite status, the Middle Guard, like the rest of the Guard, could not overcome the strong defensive positions and reinforcements of the Allies.

See also

* Imperial Guard (Napoleon I)
* Peninsular War
* Old Guard (France)

Reference

{{Imperial Guard of Napoleon I
French military units and formations of the Napoleonic Wars
Military units and formations disestablished in 1815
Military units and formations established in 1804
Regiments of Napoleon I's Imperial Guard