Gatinois Grenadiers

Grenadiers were the elite troops of any 18th Century army.  Originally trained in the use of grenades, by the American Revolution, they were elite troops.  Sometimes, grenadiers were even brigaded into separate units to increase their impact on the battlefield.

The distinguishing feature of 18th Century grenadiers was the tall cap.  Both British and French units wore caps made of bearskin.  Grenadiers also carried swords after line companies officially abandoned theirs.

It is uncertain whether the Gatinois Regiment's grenadiers continued to wear the bearskin grenadier cap.  It was a popular style for French grenadiers in the late 1750s and beyond, but was outlawed in the 1779 Regulations, which required grenadiers to wear the same cocked hat as the line companies.  Case closed?

Despite the ban, some French units (like Regiment Bourbonnais) smuggled caps across the Atlantic.  Rene Chartrand suggests (in his book Ticonderoga 1758) that, because of the availability of bearskin, these caps may have been more popular in North America.  It is also well known that units sent on campaign felt freer to modify their uniforms.  Lastly, and most importantly, bearskin caps look impressive, imposing, fearsome--all qualities that a good grenadier wishes to accentuate!  Thus Gatinois' grenadiers will continue to sport this distinctive headgear.  The Colonel (me) encourages it!

Figures from BMC.  Despite being cast in red plastic as British grenadiers, these figures are a better fit for French grenadiers.  Unfortunately they lack swords, but that is not difficult to remedy with Milliput.  A few other slight modifications were made to the original figures, including adding a plume to the grenadier cap and some work on the musket.

Figures by BMC, painted with acrylic paints.