138/1 French Line Infantry Head of Column, 1st Empire

The main feature of a French Line Infantry regiment’s ‘head of column’ was eagle bearer and his escort of two men each armed with a halberd with pennon.  This set depicts the eagle with the regulation 1815 pattern standard of the 8th Line Infantry Regiment attached.

In the ‘line of battle’ the eagle bearer and escort would be placed in the middle of the regiment both as a guide or as a rallying point, and to keep it safe from capture.

Drum majors were selected for their height, bravery and martial swagger, and wore uniforms unique to their regiment.  Depicted in this set is the drum major of the 8th Line Infantry Regiment.