Uniforms:    

(Clic on pictures) We recreate this 2nd Regiment of Dragons as it could be seen in the years 1804-1815 during the Napoleonic wars. Our uniforms are exact replicas of those worn during that period (1804 Pattern). All items are individually made according to the specifications of the time. As the horses are not our own but always different, one of the difficulties is to reconstitute exercises with sword and at full charge.

We are represented in following English magazine:MILITARY ILLUSTRATED Nr 134 (July 1999),  NAPOLEON'S LINE CAVALRY Recreated in colour photographs (EMS Nr10) & THE NAPOLEON'S SOLDIERS by Stephen Maughan: Photo: Uniform description.  Copyright. Published by Window & Greene Ltd, 5 Gerrard Street London W1V 7LJ: All rights reserved No reproduction or transmission in any form without the prior  written permission of authors  or publishers.
Photos: © Stephen Maughan (34 North Lodge Terrace Darlington DL3 6LY England), Thierry Blyckaerts,  David Atlan 

OUR WEAPONS: The dragoons of the 1st empire are equipped with musket, sword, pistol and a shovel or axe.
THE MUSKET :  The dragoon musket also has a bayonet, as the dragoon may sometimes be required to fight on foot as well as on horseback. This is sometimes necessary due to a lack of horses which can only be remedied when remounts are captured from the enemy as in 1806. The other occasion is when the horses are held behind the firing line, in a type of dismounted skirmish.

The musket is 1,417cm long, approximately 10cm shorter than the infantry one and slightly longer than the light cavalry version. It has a larger iron ring enclosing the barrel and stock to ensure stability. Some pieces are made of brass to resist humidity from by the horse. Manufacture Impériale de St Etienne 1813 Photo: (c) St.Maughan

The FUSIL on horse. It was carried along the right side of the horse. Bottom in a kind of boot. One leather maintain the boot , another the fusil. It can also be transported on the back of the men.(Cliquer on picture to enlarge)At our request Pedersoli manufactures a replica of this gun as used in the Napoleonic wars. The gun is represented in their catalogue with an English description. The weapon has gone through the proofing procedure at their test site at Gardone Val Trompia. It is therefore capable of firing a full load ball.

  CAVALERY Pistols : Différents models were used.
The first one issued from the french revolution was the 1777 model, also exported to the USA (Most of those were manufactured at Charleville)

L.: 350 mm (gun 189 mm) Caliber 16.9 1,450 kg

Made to replace the old 1763-66, the 1777 is  caractérised by simplification. Wood is replaced as more as possible by metal and the number of pieces is limited.  75.000 pistols were produced between 1779 and 1787.  (St Etienne: 28.908  Charleville: 30.684  Maubeuge: 15.000) Dragoons were oft equiped with this one. (An IX et XIII ) could'nt replace all old type. It is actually the only reproduction on the market. It is this model that equipped our group.

Other pistols:  The cavalry model Year XIII  was manufactured for the French during the period 1806-1819.  300.000 were produced. 66.000  AN IX  were produced from 1801 until 1807.

  Function of the flint lock pistol:  The cartridge made of paper filled with gunpowder and a lead ball is taken from the pouch. 

The cock is placed in the half cock position and the frizzen opened. The cartridge is then bitten tearing off the end, a small quantity of the powder is placed in the pan, the frizzen is then closed. The ball, along with the rest of the powder is placed in the barrel, followed by the paper. This whole is rammed firmly down the barrel. The rammer is then placed back in its receiver. The cock is pulled into the full cock position and the weapon is ready to fire. On pulling the trigger the cock holding the flint is flung forward striking the frizzen and exposing the powder in the pan. At the same time the flint strikes the metal of the frizzen a spark is caused setting off the powder in the pan which in turn sets off the powder in the barrel causing an explosion which forces the ball and paper wad from the barrel.

THE SWORD:  The dragoons carried various models.

The model of year IV. Model year IX flat right blade of 98cm and filigree on the guard. Model year XI has four flutes on the blade, the guard being the same as Year IX. The length of the blade is 97.5cm. It is represented here. These swords had leather scabbards (instead of the steel ones which  equipped the cuirassier). Note: The sword is secured to the wrist by a leather sword knot so that in the shock following a violent hit the sword will not be lost but rather hang suspended by the knot. Photo:© Stephen Maughan

THE TOOL: Given the comando actions to be undertaken, the dragons share an axe or a shovel that permit sapper's work to clear a road, demolish barricades, etc..

In summary, the equipped dragon is a complete soldier capable of executing all missions; he only lacks a cannon. !

OUR  AIGLE : 

In June 2001 had we the honor of receiving our eagle from the hands of Colonel Laporte-Many, Chief of the actual 2nd Rgt of Dragoons in France. He declared that he considers us his sixth squadron, a squadron which next to his other five perpetuates the memory of the Regiment as it was under Napoleon, and which we aim to reconstitute .

September 2002 at the Rgt in Saumur.  (Clic to enlarge)

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