#8169 Napoleonic Bavarian Fusiliers

Dated: September 24, 2008

The Bavarian Army was one of the most important German contingents to fight alongside Napoleon. Bavaria allied itself with France in 1805, was elevated from an electorate to a kingdom the following year, and supplied substantial forces for Napoleon's campaigns against Austria, Prussia and Russia. Its soldiers retained a strongly distinctive national appearance even while serving within the wider Grande Armee.

Box art

Bavarian infantry regiments were divided into fusilier and grenadier companies, with the fusiliers forming the main body of each battalion. Like other Napoleonic line infantry, they fought in close-order formations, delivered volleys with the musket and bayonet, and manoeuvred in columns and lines under the direction of officers and non-commissioned officers.

Line drawing

The most recognizable feature of the Bavarian infantry uniform was the Raupenhelm, a tall leather helmet topped by a thick woollen crest. Fusiliers normally wore the helmet without the plume associated with grenadiers, giving them a slightly plainer appearance. The uniform itself consisted of the characteristic Bavarian light blue coat with contrasting facings, white breeches and black gaiters, although campaign trousers became increasingly common during active service.

Test sprue

Bavaria's alliance with Napoleon brought its troops into some of the largest campaigns of the period. Bavarian infantry fought against Austria in 1805 and again in 1809, taking part in actions such as Abensberg, Landshut, Eckmuhl and Wagram. Bavarian formations also served in the Tyrol, where they faced a determined popular uprising led by Andreas Hofer.

The greatest disaster came during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. Bavaria contributed a large contingent to the Grande Armee, but combat, disease, exhaustion and the winter retreat virtually destroyed it. The army was rebuilt during 1813 and initially continued to fight alongside France.

After Napoleon's position deteriorated following the campaign in Germany, Bavaria changed sides in October 1813 and joined the Coalition. Bavarian troops then fought against their former French allies, including at the Battle of Hanau, where they attempted to block Napoleon's retreat toward France. This change of allegiance reflected Bavaria's effort to preserve the kingdom and the territorial gains it had made during the Napoleonic era.

This set contains 48 figures in eight poses. The fusiliers are shown marching, advancing, firing and handling their muskets, together with a drummer and a non-commissioned officer. Their equipment includes knapsacks worn on two shoulder straps, a feature introduced in the Bavarian Army from 1808, making the figures particularly suitable for the middle and later years of Bavaria's alliance with France.

The figures wear the Raupenhelm without grenadier plumes and carry the standard musket and infantry equipment of Bavarian fusiliers. The variety of poses allows them to form firing lines, advancing battalions or troops moving across the battlefield, while the drummer and NCO add useful command elements to the formation.

This set can be combined with our other Bavarian infantry, artillery and cavalry sets to create a broader army for the campaigns of 1809, Russia in 1812 and Germany in 1813. Together, the figures can represent Bavaria both as one of Napoleon's principal German allies and, in the final years of the wars, as a member of the Coalition fighting against him.