**Soldier Of Napoleon Imperial Guard: From The Italian Campaign To Waterloo**

Napoleon Bonaparte's Imperial Guard was an elite fighting force that played a pivotal role in his military campaigns. The Guard was composed of handpicked soldiers from across the French Empire and was known for its unwavering loyalty, discipline, and combat prowess.

Captain Coignet: A Soldier of Napoleon's Imperial Guard from the Italian Campaign to Waterloo

by Jean-Roch Coignet

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1746 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages

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One such soldier was Jean-Roch Coignet, a young man from Burgundy who joined the Guard in 1806. Coignet's memoirs, published in 1852, provide a firsthand account of the Guard's experiences during the Italian Campaign, the Peninsular War, and the final campaigns of 1814 and 1815.

The Italian Campaign

Coignet joined the Imperial Guard in time to participate in the Italian Campaign of 1805-1807. The campaign was a series of decisive victories for Napoleon, who defeated the Austrian and Russian armies and established French control over much of Italy.

Coignet's account of the campaign provides a vivid glimpse of the day-to-day life of a soldier in the Imperial Guard. He describes the long marches, the harsh conditions, and the fierce fighting. He also recounts the camaraderie and esprit de corps that existed among the Guard's soldiers.

The Peninsular War

After the Italian Campaign, Coignet and the Imperial Guard were sent to Spain to fight in the Peninsular War. The war was a bloody and protracted conflict that lasted from 1808 to 1814.

Coignet's memoirs provide a harrowing account of the fighting in Spain. He describes the guerrilla warfare waged by the Spanish, the brutal reprisals carried out by the French, and the devastating effects of the war on the civilian population.

The Final Campaigns

In 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate after his defeat at the Battle of Leipzig. The Imperial Guard was disbanded, and Coignet returned to his home in Burgundy.

However, Napoleon returned to power in 1815 and rallied his former Guard to his cause. Coignet rejoined the Guard and fought in the final campaign of Napoleon's career, which culminated in the Battle of Waterloo.

Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo was a decisive defeat for Napoleon and the end of his reign. The Imperial Guard fought bravely, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. Coignet was wounded in the battle and taken prisoner.

Legacy

Jean-Roch Coignet's memoirs provide a valuable firsthand account of the Napoleonic Wars. His writings offer a unique glimpse into the life of a soldier in the Imperial Guard and the hardships and horrors of war.

Coignet's legacy is one of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. He was a true soldier of Napoleon, and his memoirs are a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Imperial Guard.

Soldier Of Napoleon Imperial Guard: From The Italian Campaign To Waterloo is a must-read for anyone interested in the Napoleonic Wars. Coignet's memoirs provide a vivid and unforgettable account of one of the most tumultuous periods in European history.

Captain Coignet: A Soldier of Napoleon's Imperial Guard from the Italian Campaign to Waterloo

by Jean-Roch Coignet

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1746 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages

FREE