BRUNSWICK LIGHT GUARDS BATTALION (NAPOLEONIC WARS)

One of the more interesting examples of the involvement of the German states in the Napoleonic wars was the creation of the Brunswick Princely Corps (Ger. Herzoglich Braunschweigisches Korps), also known colloquially with the German Black Legion (Ger. Schwarze Legion ). This unit was formed by Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, in 1809 and initially had about 2,300 people. Initially, they were only infantry and cavalry, but artillery units were added to them relatively quickly. The unit fought against the Napoleonic army and relatively quickly built a solid reputation for itself. It is worth adding that Schwarze Legion soldiers wore black uniforms, except for light infantry units and lancers who wore green uniforms. On their chakas, they wore a silver-plated skull with crossbones. It is worth adding that the soldiers of the formation took a significant part in the Battle of Quatre-Bras and - less - in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.