Gentlemen,
You won't be sorry.
Every time I open this book I am impressed. I am looking at a chart showing the relative (individual) positions of Marechal Davout and everyone on his staff. We're talking names and ranks here guys.
The translations of the combat reports are enlightening as well. Here is a short one:
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<font color="orange">"<b>33rd Line Infantry Regiment, 25 December 1806</b>
[Report of Combat on the 24th.]
<i>Report on the action carried out by the 33rd Line Regiment on 24 December 1806, by Chef de Bataillon Thoulouze, temporarily commanding the regiment, to General Friant.</i>
I have the honor of informing you about the action on the 24th, when the regiment having been ordered to go to the enemy's right, which occupied the hills above the village of Nasielsk <b>(sic)</b>, went there as quickly as possible, with the grenadiers, <i>voltigeurs</i> and the 1st Company of Fusiliers, according to General Lochet's order, in <i>tirailleur</i> order into the woods to drive out the enemy. These four companies were under the orders of the commander of the 1st Battalion. At the same time, the regiment contined to march to the right of the enemy and managed to cut off its retreat by going through an entire wood in battle order and with bayonets forward. The enemy only found safety in the darkness of the night and in the woods. The four companies <i>en tirailleurs, </i> mentioned above, made the most of the enemy's retreat, as they charged them, taking three pieces of artillery, killing the gunners and the train drivers, taking some prisoners, and then continued to chase them until eight o'clock. The regiment came back, took position in battle order in front of that village and remained in position.
I have to inform you, General, that during this day the regiment distinguished itself, Major Pouchelon was wounded, as well as Captains Noirtier and Vanier, eight <i>voltigeurs</i> and grenadiers were killed, and 66 <i>sous-officers</i> and soldiers were wounded. Included is another report about those who distinguished themselves the most.
<b>33rd[Line] Infantry Regiment</b>
Sate of the military personnel from the above stated regiment who distinguished themselves during the action on 24 December 1806 (combat at Nasielsk).
Nortier, Captain. Showed great bravery during the march in battle order in the woods; he was wounded there.
Magoulese, Lieutenant of grendiers.
Heblen, Lieutenant-Major of <i>voltigeurs.</i>
Pinon and Cottin, <i>voltigeurs.</i> Mostly contributed to the taking of the artillery."</font id="orange">
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So if we read this correctly, there were more than just a French battalion's light infantry personnel (ie. <i>voltigeurs</i>). Fusiliers and grenadiers were also in skirmish order.
Colonel Rick Motko
1er Bataillon, 33° Régiment d'Infanterie de Ligne
2eme Brigade, 11eme division
IIIe corps, Armée du Nord
Vive l'Empereur!
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