Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard

The most senior unit of the Imperial Guard infantry (along with the Foot Chasseurs), the Foot Grenadiers are undoubtedly one of the most iconic contingents of the First French Empire. They were so renowned even at the time that pretty much any French soldier wearing a bearskin could be easily mistaken for one of Napoleon's awesome Grognards (Grumblers)!

The Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard were the direct successors of the Foot Grenadiers of the Consular Guard, Bonaparte's bodyguard before he became emperor. The Foot Grenadiers and their colleagues of the Horse Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard are possibly the units most often pictured guarding Napoleon, although any unit of the Guard or indeed the regular army could be asked to perform sentry or escort duties around the emperor. 

The conditions were strict to join the Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard: to have served in the army for at least five years and taken part in a minimum of two campaigns, be at least 5 feet 5 inches tall, be able to read and write, and have an irreproachable character and behavior.

A second regiment of Foot Grenadiers was later added to the Guard as well as, for a time, a regiment of Dutch Grenadiers.

A number of ancillary regiments were attached to the Foot Grenadiers (at least from an administrative standpoint) such as the Fusiliers Grenadiers, the Tirailleurs or even for a short time the Foot Dragoons.