144 Carabiners, 1st Empire

Throughout the wars Napoleon’s two regiments of carabiners always served together, and along with the regiments of cuirassiers made up the heavy cavalry of the ‘grande armee’.

Though not a part of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard they were still considered elite regiments within the army with a reputation for courage and horsemanship. They fought at the battles of Austerlitz, Eckmuhl, Essling, Wagram, Borodino and Winkovo.

At Waterloo they were held back as the French cavalry charged the British squares, until led by Marshal Ney they went forward only to be repulsed by the British light cavalry.