Osprey Publishing Home
Napoleon’s Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard
Napoleon’s Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard
- Delivery and returns info
-
Free CA delivery on orders $40 or over
Description
Napoleon's Polish Lancers of the Guard were unique in their appearance and in their loyalty. This book reveals their varied and colorful uniforms as well as their long and loyal service for the Bonaparte cause during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). The Poles were the only foreign contingent never to defect from Napoleon's cause, staying faithful to the end - a squadron even accompanied Napoleon into exile on Elba, and the Guard reformed in 1815 to charge at Waterloo. In 1808, when Napoleon was smashing his way through the Spanish armies to get at British forces in the Peninsular, the Poles astounded observers with their extreme acts of courage and military daring. In one memorable instance the Poles captured a defended mountain pass at Somosierra, overrunning four batteries of cannons in the process. It was they who introduced the use of the lance to the French army, adding a new tactical dimension to the use of the cavalry on the battlefield and demonstrated its deadly effects in all of Napoleon's most famous victories - particularly Wagram in 1809. Brave and ruthless in equal measures, this is a fascinating insight into the fighting lives of the legendary Polish Lancers.
Table of Contents
Formation as Light Horse 1807
Spain 1808
Complete conversion to Lancers 1809 – Wagram – organization and uniforms
1812 – the vain hope of a restored Polish kingdom – the Russian campaign – enlargement to two regiments
The 1813–14 campaigns – Leipzig, and the death of Prince Poniatowski
Elba – the squadron of honour · 1815
Product details
| Published | Aug 21 2007 |
|---|---|
| Format | Paperback |
| Edition | 1st |
| Extent | 48 |
| ISBN | 9781846032561 |
| Imprint | Osprey Publishing |
| Illustrations | 40 b/w; 8 col |
| Dimensions | 248 x 184 mm |
| Series | Men-at-Arms |
| Short code | MAA 440 |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Reviews
Resources
Discover More
Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.
Resources
Book Vote
Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!
Related Titles
