Napoleon's Swiss Regiments

In 1805 Napoleon raised four regiments of Swiss soldiers to fight with his Grande Armée. Coming from a long tradition of serving the French monarchy that dated back to the 15th century, Napoleon's Swiss regiments would over the next 10 years consolidate their reputation as some of the bravest soldiers in Europe.

Swiss units fought Napoleon's enemies in both the little known Calabrian campaign in Italy and in the Peninsular War; later in Russia all four regiments were engaged in major battles to safeguard the retreat from Moscow. This is the story of how the Swiss became caught up in those campaigns and their experiences of them.

The book also addresses the origins of Swiss service and tackles the popular conception of them as mercenaries. In putting their tactical achievements into a larger strategic context their loyalty, their bravery, and their unique value to Napoleon can now be fully understood.