RED LANCERS, Waterloo 1815

Although relative late-comers to the French army, the Red Lancers have left one of the most dramatic images of any of the Napoleonic regiments.

The performance of the Polish Lancers justified the decision to incorporate another regiment of this type into his guard in 1810.

Originally a Dutch regiment the Red Lancers were expanded in preparation for the Russian campaign in 1812 but returned from it sadly depleted. They lost a great deal of their national character when they were brought back up to strength in 1813.
On his return from Elba they rallied to Napoleon under the title Régiment de Chevau-Légers Lanciers de la Garde Impériale and fought with great gallantry at Waterloo. ( source- wikipedia)

Illustration by David Higham