White Uniform Regulations (French)

[mtn324]

Following Napoleans' second decree of 25 April 1806 that the basic uniform colour was to be white of which there were twenty designated regiments only 13 recieved the new uniforms. Given the short life of the White Uniform (discontinued in May 1807) is anyone aware if any units were still wearing them in 1809?

Thanks in advance
Ray

[Rob Herrick]

Following Napoleans' second decree of 25 April 1806 that the basic uniform colour was to be white of which there were twenty designated regiments only 13 recieved the new uniforms. Given the short life of the White Uniform (discontinued in May 1807) is anyone aware if any units were still wearing them in 1809?

Thanks in advance
Ray

It depends. Suchet is often quoted about "the medley is over - no more hats, no more white coats" in November of 1809.

It makes sense that, for the units actually given white uniforms, they would issue them as the old uniforms wore out to veterans and at arrival to new recruits, and not replace the white uniforms until necessary. IIRC, French uniform issues were on two year cycles, so it's plausible to have a mixed unit with some in white and some in blue, some in hats and some in shakos, in 1809. But it very much depends on the unit and how heavy their losses were. If they were badly bled and/or saw hard service between 1807 and 1809, it's much less likely they'd still have the old bits of uniform in 1809. It is highly unlikely that a unit would be fully in white in 1809 still.

[mtn324]

Thanks for the reply. I had come to the same conclusion. I was thinking in terms of the Austrian campaign 1809 April to July. As you said it seems likely that the white uniforms were still worn. Just need to check if any of the regiments issued with the white uniform took part in the Austrian campaign.

Ray

[mtn324]

It has taken a while but I found a small mention in the excellent Napoleons Army 1790-1815 by Lucien Rousselot (published by Casement).

From Pg30 of the above book "The white coats already issued were worn until they were no longer serviceable and examples of them were seen, especially in Spain for many years afterwards."