Sergeant, Company Drummer, 3rd Regiment of Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, 1812
Soon after the incorporation of Holland into the French Empire on September 13, 1810, by decree of Napoleon, the 3rd (Dutch) Regiment of Foot Grenadiers was formed from the former Grenadier Regiment of the Dutch Royal Guard. The regiment consisted of two battalions of four companies each. Its total strength was 1,632 men. The regiment's commander was Major of the Guard Tindal.
During the 1812 campaign, the regiment was part of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Imperial Guard. The regiment fought with distinction at Smolensk, Borodino, and Krasnoye, but suffered heavy losses during the retreat. By the time the remnants of the Grand Army crossed the Berezina River, the regiment had only 24 officers and 17 soldiers remaining.
The drummers' dress uniform included a white tunic (in keeping with the traditions of the Dutch Guard) with a crimson collar, lapels, cuffs, and tail folds. The cuff flaps were white. The collar and cuffs were trimmed with gold braid. The epaulettes were red with gold thread. On the left sleeve was a gold braid patch for 10 years of service. Headgear consisted of a bearskin cap without a brass forehead plaque, with a red crown and a white embroidered grenade in the center. A cockade with a red plume was attached to the left side of the cap. The etichette was white. Under the tunic, the drummer wore a white vest and white culottes (short trousers), with white or black leggings protecting his legs. Footwear included black brogues.
A drum strap was worn over the right shoulder, at the front. The belt has a center pad for carrying drumsticks. Under the drum are two white straps for carrying on the back while on the march. A white sword belt with a saber is worn over the right shoulder (under the drum strap). The saber hilt is brass. The lanyard is white with a red tassel.
Scale: 1/32 (54 mm)
Materials: tin alloy, tempera and acrylic paints
Text updated 01.03.2026
