A Sharpe question

[ClausewitzRulesOk]

Good Evening,

I have just finished Sharpe's Rifles (Galicia Jan 1809), but in the final assault Cornwell mentions Cuirassiers present in Santiago on a number of occasions (even wearing the cuirass!).

I'm sure I have heard that there were no Cuirassiers present in the peninsula, barring the experimental regiment (who, if I remember correctly did not wear the cuirass?).

Just thought I would check! I always presumed Cornwell was well researched.

[Cubster]

No, I think there were cuirassiers in the Peninsular. Did the carabineers have breastplates by then too? Dunno.

But in any case, Cornwell does moderate research I think, but he also makes no secret of the fact that he will change stuff for the purposes of the narrative. In short, the story comes first!

I also suspect there were fewer captivating females scuttling about, heaving their bosoms (and maybe buttocks) at infantry officers.

[Correus]

Here are three battles from the Peninsular that had Cuirassiers.

Battle of Vimiero - 21st August 1808:

The French cavalry comprised Cuirassiers wearing heavy burnished metal breastplate and crested helmet, Dragoons largely in green, Hussars in the conventional uniform worn by this arm across Europe and Chasseurs à Cheval also dressed as hussars.


Battle of La Coruna or Corunna - 16th January 1809

The French cavalry comprised Cuirassiers wearing heavy burnished metal breastplate and crested helmet, Dragoons largely in green, Hussars in the conventional uniform worn by this arm across Europe and Chasseurs à Cheval also dressed as hussars.


Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro - 3rd to 5th May 1811:

Immediately before the battle, Marshal Bessières brought up a force of 1,700 Guard Cavalry. There was consequently a wide range of cavalry in the French army, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Hussars, Chasseurs à Cheval and Lancers. The Cuirassiers wore heavy breastplates. The Cuirassiers and Dragoons wore blue uniforms and brass helmets with a long horse hair crest.

[Greenjacket]

The only cuirassiers sent to Spain were a few provisional squadrons, part of Suchet's Army of Aragon in the eastern theatre. They were combined to form the 13th Cuirassiers in 1809. They never fought Wellington's army. Cornwall is a novelist, so I'd be careful about treating it as history!

[ClausewitzRulesOk]

Thanks for your help gents, I just wanted to make sure I had my facts straight. I love the Sharpe books, but I want to make sure I don't learn anything as fact that is actually creative licence.

And perhaps I want an excuse to add some Cuirassiers to my Peninsular French force at some point! There is always 'what if...' I suppose.

[Invisible officer]

Greenjacket is right, no Cuirassiers fought against the British in Spain and the Sharpe novels include a lot of fantasy stories. Some well invented, some not.

For the the 1808 campaign three provisional heavy cavalry Regiments (PvR de Grosse Cavalerie) and an Escadrons de marche are formed. Two disbanded in 1808, one formed into a regular unit, the 13th.

The 13th was formed from the 1st PvR de gross Cavalerie in 1808. (Some write from 3rd) It comprised men from the 1er, 2e, 3e Regiment and some from both Carabiniers regiments.
1808 in Catalonia, 23.11. Tudela 1809-10 small actions against Spanish forces. 12.4.1811 Oldeconna. 1812 small war in Catalonia, 1813 to German theatre of war.
The detachements that formed the 13th wore for some time the colours of the parent units on the blue coats. They had to replace worn out dress with Spanish cloth in diverse shades of brown. The helmets lost the hairs and they rarely got replacements from France.
So they kept the old Cuirass and did not change to the slightly different M 1809. (Shorter and different breast plate)

No Cuirassiers at Corunna, Fuentes or Vimiero. At Vimiero PvR fought but these are Dragoon units. (No 3, 4 and 5)

[Cubster]

Here are three battles from the Peninsular that had Cuirassiers.

I do like that 'British Battles' site, but it is a little iffy with the facts sometimes. Have a look at the Isandlwana entry - apparently Dabulamanzi was the Zulu commander who massacred the British Army that day!

[Correus]

Well then...I guess I've been put in my place by the forum's Mr. Know-it-all. Guess you better contact Napier, Burnham, and Nafziger and let them know how wrong they are as well.

I guess this will also be my last post on this forum.

[ady2650]

Well then...I guess I've been put in my place by the forum's Mr. Know-it-all. Guess you better contact Napier, Burnham, and Nafziger and let them know how wrong they are as well.

I guess this will also be my last post on this forum.

Dude, forums messages sometimes dont come across as they are intended, count to ten, deep breath and post

[Cubster]

I guess this will also be my last post on this forum.

What the ... ?