Nappy Time

[Jeremy]

So a couple of questions for the Brains Trust.

I’m basing my French forces on some of those at Leipzig. The 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division comprises two line regiments, the 37th and the 56th. Each one has 3 battalions. With regards to the individual Line Regiments, would each of the three battalions have a flag and an Eagle? Or just the first battalion? If that is the case, what would the second and third battalions have?

Secondly, Light Infrantry Regiments: do they follow the same format per battalion as the line regiments above?

TIA.

[RMD]

All line infantry and cavalry regiments were initially awarded with one Eagle per Battalion or Squadron. However, in 1809 all regiments were ordered to take only one Eagle into the field (carried by the 1st Battalion/Squadron) and to return all other Eagles to Paris. After this date, the 2nd and subsequent battalions of infantry regiments frequently carried a 'fanion' or marker-flag, on a pole with a spearpoint finial. The designs for these varied widely and most were not recorded.

Line and Light regiments were the same as regards Eagles & flags.

Note that the Middle and Young Guard did not receive Eagles and instead carried fanions from the outset. Quite a few of these are recorded.

[RMD]

Note also that those small marker-flags carried by sergeants to mark the right/left flanks of a line (and usually inserted into their musket-barrel) were also called fanions.

[RMD]

There's a useful page on the subject here: tmg110.tripod.com/frarmy3.htm

[Jeremy]

Thanks RMD, that’s really helpful!

[Buff Orpington]

Fanion?
What very appropriate French contraction.

[grizzlymc]

One fanion per battalion. Cozy.

[Purple]

-50 cress points for using the term ‘Nappy’
And -5 points for each poster that’s not made a disgusting pun out of the word ‘Fanion’

[Essex Boy]

-50 cress points for using the term ‘Nappy’
And -5 points for each poster that’s not made a disgusting pun out of the word ‘Fanion’

And minus a g'zillion for encouraging punning.
Grrr.

[grizzlymc]

Just keep yer fanion in yer nappy.