Originally around 250 Mamelukes, recruited after the defeat of the Egyptian Mamelukes. They took part in Austerlitz, Jena, Wagram and the Russian campaign. Their exotic costume made them an immediately recognizable unit.
A relic of the Egyptian campaign, the Mameluke squadron of the Imperial Guard was both a ceremonial and shock unit. Dressed in Oriental style, armed with scimitars and lances, they accompanied Napoleon on his travels.
Commanders and battles
Notable commanders
Battles
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Recommended books to dig deeper (affiliate links)
Napoleon — A magisterial biography
An exhaustive biography of the Emperor, the fruit of rigorous research.
≈ £14.99Napoleon's Army
Organization, tactics and daily life of the Grande Armée soldiers.
≈ £18.00Austerlitz 1805
The detailed account of the Battle of the Three Emperors.
≈ £12.99As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.