La formation de deux bataillons de ‘Vélites un pied’ de la Garde AN14
Formation of two battalions of ‘Velites a pied’ of the Guard
1809
On January 21, 1804, an imperial decree was made creating the two bodies that
were to form the Imperial Guard and on November 1, 1805, while on campaign against
Austria, Napoleon issued a second decree establishing two new battalions of ‘Velites
a Pied’ to form part of the Imperial Guard. This ‘Affiche’ or broadsheet date 26
Frimaire an 14 (17 December 1805) was issued in the French department of Calvados
and lists the requirements to join the unit. Six conscripts, from the years 9 to
year 14, per department were allowed to join and they had to be between 1.67 and
1.73 meters and justify an income of 200 francs per year.
The use of the term 'velite' is from ancient Rome when it was used for young, lightly
armed foot soldier in the days of the Roman republic who served in the legions as
a light infantryman. They were too young and physically immature to stand in line
of battle with the Roman heavy infantry of the legions. The French used the term
to indicate what today would be called an officer candidate, a young man reasonably
well educated, physically fit who desired to become an officer and had enough affluence
to pay for the chance. Beginning in 1804 velites were admitted to the Imperial Guard
infanty, cavalry, and artillery and were generally on three years probation. At
the end of the three year training period, the velites were tested on how well they
could maneuver a company. Sometimes Napoleon showed up to do the testing. If you
passed, and the NCOs and officers in charge of you recommended you, you were given
a commission as a sous-
