Graeme Callister
@graemecallister.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in History and War Studies, York St John University, UK. Interested in everything Napoleonic, Revolutionary, and the general history of conflict.
Napoleon is sometimes accused of not committing his Guard to battle soon enough - but the Guard cavalry saw frequent and bloody action.
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
October 5, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Napoleon is sometimes accused of not committing his Guard to battle soon enough - but the Guard cavalry saw frequent and bloody action.
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
What were the chances of promotion in Napoleon's army?
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
September 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM
What were the chances of promotion in Napoleon's army?
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
From around 1811, Napoleon wanted to introduce the Roman punishment of 'decimation' in his military.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
September 5, 2025 at 7:46 AM
From around 1811, Napoleon wanted to introduce the Roman punishment of 'decimation' in his military.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
How far did Napoleon rule through fear? His response to disorder was often extreme violence
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
September 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM
How far did Napoleon rule through fear? His response to disorder was often extreme violence
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
The impact of the Russian campaign in 1812 on the French army - stats compiled for the 33e Ligne regiment.
August 28, 2025 at 9:38 PM
The impact of the Russian campaign in 1812 on the French army - stats compiled for the 33e Ligne regiment.
Jean-Marie Vassals from Montbrun, Haute-Garonne.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
July 5, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Jean-Marie Vassals from Montbrun, Haute-Garonne.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
Brilliant weekend at Waterloo! The reenactors (and organisers!) did a fantastic job!
June 29, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Brilliant weekend at Waterloo! The reenactors (and organisers!) did a fantastic job!
The French army of 1815 had many problems. One of the least discussed is that there weren't enough NCOs for frontline battalions.
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
May 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The French army of 1815 had many problems. One of the least discussed is that there weren't enough NCOs for frontline battalions.
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
On 10 May 1809 Napoleon's army appeared before Vienna.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
May 10, 2025 at 8:49 AM
On 10 May 1809 Napoleon's army appeared before Vienna.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
It's fair to say that conscription in Napoleonic France caused problems.
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
February 28, 2025 at 9:15 AM
It's fair to say that conscription in Napoleonic France caused problems.
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
A graph based on analysis of individual soldiers' entries in the registers of Napoleon's 33e Ligne - recruitment vs loss.
The scale of the graph doesn't allow much nuance, but it does show the intensity and scale of both recruitment and loss in the campaigns of 1812-1813.
The scale of the graph doesn't allow much nuance, but it does show the intensity and scale of both recruitment and loss in the campaigns of 1812-1813.
February 6, 2025 at 12:19 AM
A graph based on analysis of individual soldiers' entries in the registers of Napoleon's 33e Ligne - recruitment vs loss.
The scale of the graph doesn't allow much nuance, but it does show the intensity and scale of both recruitment and loss in the campaigns of 1812-1813.
The scale of the graph doesn't allow much nuance, but it does show the intensity and scale of both recruitment and loss in the campaigns of 1812-1813.
So if we add men last recorded in the registers as POW/presumed POW (i.e. they were never heard of again by the regiment), we get this graph.
Note it isn't totally accurate, as the 'presumed POW' in 1813 don't have exact dates, so I've divided them evenly between months of active campaigning. 6/
Note it isn't totally accurate, as the 'presumed POW' in 1813 don't have exact dates, so I've divided them evenly between months of active campaigning. 6/
February 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM
So if we add men last recorded in the registers as POW/presumed POW (i.e. they were never heard of again by the regiment), we get this graph.
Note it isn't totally accurate, as the 'presumed POW' in 1813 don't have exact dates, so I've divided them evenly between months of active campaigning. 6/
Note it isn't totally accurate, as the 'presumed POW' in 1813 don't have exact dates, so I've divided them evenly between months of active campaigning. 6/
So if we add in men last recorded as wounded or hospitalised to the numbers, we get this graph.
As you can see, losses in September 1812 (Borodino) and Oct/Nov (the retreat) are enormous, dwarfing those of earlier in the wars. 4/
As you can see, losses in September 1812 (Borodino) and Oct/Nov (the retreat) are enormous, dwarfing those of earlier in the wars. 4/
February 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM
So if we add in men last recorded as wounded or hospitalised to the numbers, we get this graph.
As you can see, losses in September 1812 (Borodino) and Oct/Nov (the retreat) are enormous, dwarfing those of earlier in the wars. 4/
As you can see, losses in September 1812 (Borodino) and Oct/Nov (the retreat) are enormous, dwarfing those of earlier in the wars. 4/
Here's a month-by-month breakdown of deaths (all causes) where an exact date is recorded.
As you'd expect, a few small spikes for outbreaks of illness, larger spikes for major battles (Eylau Feb 1807, Wagram July 1809, Borodino Sep 1812).
Large spikes in early 1814 probably deaths in garrisons. 2/
As you'd expect, a few small spikes for outbreaks of illness, larger spikes for major battles (Eylau Feb 1807, Wagram July 1809, Borodino Sep 1812).
Large spikes in early 1814 probably deaths in garrisons. 2/
February 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Here's a month-by-month breakdown of deaths (all causes) where an exact date is recorded.
As you'd expect, a few small spikes for outbreaks of illness, larger spikes for major battles (Eylau Feb 1807, Wagram July 1809, Borodino Sep 1812).
Large spikes in early 1814 probably deaths in garrisons. 2/
As you'd expect, a few small spikes for outbreaks of illness, larger spikes for major battles (Eylau Feb 1807, Wagram July 1809, Borodino Sep 1812).
Large spikes in early 1814 probably deaths in garrisons. 2/
Ever wondered what actually happened to most soldiers in Napoleon's army?
I've just finished going through the individual service records for the hard-fighting 33e Ligne regiment (14,829 entries) through a decade of warfare.
Here are the headlines: 1/
I've just finished going through the individual service records for the hard-fighting 33e Ligne regiment (14,829 entries) through a decade of warfare.
Here are the headlines: 1/
January 31, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Ever wondered what actually happened to most soldiers in Napoleon's army?
I've just finished going through the individual service records for the hard-fighting 33e Ligne regiment (14,829 entries) through a decade of warfare.
Here are the headlines: 1/
I've just finished going through the individual service records for the hard-fighting 33e Ligne regiment (14,829 entries) through a decade of warfare.
Here are the headlines: 1/
Did Napoleon care about veterans?
Found a note from 1807: 'The intention of the Emperor is that every soldier discharged from long service or wounds can return home with decent clothing, and should in consequence be provided with a uniform coat in good state.' Small reward, or better than nothing?
Found a note from 1807: 'The intention of the Emperor is that every soldier discharged from long service or wounds can return home with decent clothing, and should in consequence be provided with a uniform coat in good state.' Small reward, or better than nothing?
January 23, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Did Napoleon care about veterans?
Found a note from 1807: 'The intention of the Emperor is that every soldier discharged from long service or wounds can return home with decent clothing, and should in consequence be provided with a uniform coat in good state.' Small reward, or better than nothing?
Found a note from 1807: 'The intention of the Emperor is that every soldier discharged from long service or wounds can return home with decent clothing, and should in consequence be provided with a uniform coat in good state.' Small reward, or better than nothing?
During the Napoleonic Wars, the French army frequently issued amnesties to allow deserters or draft-dodgers to re-join without punishment.
In response to one such amnesty in 1810, eleven men recorded as 'deserting to the enemy' returned to France and were assigned to the 33e Ligne. A quick 🧵1/
In response to one such amnesty in 1810, eleven men recorded as 'deserting to the enemy' returned to France and were assigned to the 33e Ligne. A quick 🧵1/
January 22, 2025 at 8:42 PM
During the Napoleonic Wars, the French army frequently issued amnesties to allow deserters or draft-dodgers to re-join without punishment.
In response to one such amnesty in 1810, eleven men recorded as 'deserting to the enemy' returned to France and were assigned to the 33e Ligne. A quick 🧵1/
In response to one such amnesty in 1810, eleven men recorded as 'deserting to the enemy' returned to France and were assigned to the 33e Ligne. A quick 🧵1/
There's still time to order books for Christmas!
And if you're looking for a gift for the history enthusiast in your life, look no further than the hottest new Waterloo book in town - with a special 25% off from the publisher!
(Also available on Amazon etc. of course)
And if you're looking for a gift for the history enthusiast in your life, look no further than the hottest new Waterloo book in town - with a special 25% off from the publisher!
(Also available on Amazon etc. of course)
December 19, 2024 at 7:52 AM
There's still time to order books for Christmas!
And if you're looking for a gift for the history enthusiast in your life, look no further than the hottest new Waterloo book in town - with a special 25% off from the publisher!
(Also available on Amazon etc. of course)
And if you're looking for a gift for the history enthusiast in your life, look no further than the hottest new Waterloo book in town - with a special 25% off from the publisher!
(Also available on Amazon etc. of course)
After a brilliant recording session earlier with @battlegames.bsky.social to discuss my recent 'Waterloo: the Attack of I Corps', I see that the book has now been released in the USA - and is number 1 new release in Napoleonic Wars History!
Still time to get your hands on one for Christmas!
Still time to get your hands on one for Christmas!
December 5, 2024 at 11:55 PM
After a brilliant recording session earlier with @battlegames.bsky.social to discuss my recent 'Waterloo: the Attack of I Corps', I see that the book has now been released in the USA - and is number 1 new release in Napoleonic Wars History!
Still time to get your hands on one for Christmas!
Still time to get your hands on one for Christmas!
In total, 1223 men left the ranks with less than a year's service. 494 men died of illness/accident (10% of ALL conscripts!), 404 deserted, 188 were medically discharged, 63 hospitalised, & 34 were killed by the enemy.
Such was the glory of service in the Grande Armée. End/
Such was the glory of service in the Grande Armée. End/
November 28, 2024 at 1:11 PM
In total, 1223 men left the ranks with less than a year's service. 494 men died of illness/accident (10% of ALL conscripts!), 404 deserted, 188 were medically discharged, 63 hospitalised, & 34 were killed by the enemy.
Such was the glory of service in the Grande Armée. End/
Such was the glory of service in the Grande Armée. End/
Between late 1798 and summer 1807, around 5,000 men joined Napoleon's 33e Ligne as conscripts.
Fully a quarter of them lasted less than a year in service. A quick thread 1/
Fully a quarter of them lasted less than a year in service. A quick thread 1/
November 28, 2024 at 1:11 PM
Between late 1798 and summer 1807, around 5,000 men joined Napoleon's 33e Ligne as conscripts.
Fully a quarter of them lasted less than a year in service. A quick thread 1/
Fully a quarter of them lasted less than a year in service. A quick thread 1/
Thanks to @blackredcoats.bsky.social for a brilliant talk on the story of the Corps of Colonial Marines for the Napoleonic and Revolutionary War Graves Charity this evening.
It's the War of 1812 as you've never heard it before - highly recommend listening to Matthew if you get the chance!
It's the War of 1812 as you've never heard it before - highly recommend listening to Matthew if you get the chance!
November 20, 2024 at 8:38 PM
Thanks to @blackredcoats.bsky.social for a brilliant talk on the story of the Corps of Colonial Marines for the Napoleonic and Revolutionary War Graves Charity this evening.
It's the War of 1812 as you've never heard it before - highly recommend listening to Matthew if you get the chance!
It's the War of 1812 as you've never heard it before - highly recommend listening to Matthew if you get the chance!
17 November 1812.
Regimental register entry for Jean Louis Aubin:
'On the declaration of Sgt Guilbout & drummers Portier & Soiront, was burned with 40 others by the enemy the 16 or 17 November 1812 at Baragina, Russia'.
Aubin was from Evreux in Eure. He was two weeks short of his 23rd birthday.
Regimental register entry for Jean Louis Aubin:
'On the declaration of Sgt Guilbout & drummers Portier & Soiront, was burned with 40 others by the enemy the 16 or 17 November 1812 at Baragina, Russia'.
Aubin was from Evreux in Eure. He was two weeks short of his 23rd birthday.
November 17, 2024 at 10:20 PM
17 November 1812.
Regimental register entry for Jean Louis Aubin:
'On the declaration of Sgt Guilbout & drummers Portier & Soiront, was burned with 40 others by the enemy the 16 or 17 November 1812 at Baragina, Russia'.
Aubin was from Evreux in Eure. He was two weeks short of his 23rd birthday.
Regimental register entry for Jean Louis Aubin:
'On the declaration of Sgt Guilbout & drummers Portier & Soiront, was burned with 40 others by the enemy the 16 or 17 November 1812 at Baragina, Russia'.
Aubin was from Evreux in Eure. He was two weeks short of his 23rd birthday.
On Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, only 80 of these men remained with the regiment. Another 34 returned from enemy prisons in the next few months, but by Napoleon’s return in 1815 only 67 men who had been in the regiment on the day of Austerlitz remained. 19/
November 10, 2024 at 9:22 AM
On Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, only 80 of these men remained with the regiment. Another 34 returned from enemy prisons in the next few months, but by Napoleon’s return in 1815 only 67 men who had been in the regiment on the day of Austerlitz remained. 19/