"Velites of Milan & Turin in 1813" Topic

Hi; this is more of a general question, but my main period of interest is Napoleon's 1813 campaign. I notice the above units are generally attached to the Imperial Guard, and often attached to the Grenadiers & Chasseurs. Uniform details are generally available, but I'm curious about the actual combat usage of these units. How were these units utilised? Were they used as discrete units, or attached to another unit, and were they used as 'main force' units or as light infantry. I game in 6mm normally using volley & bayonet so it's not critical info, but I am curious if anyone knows.

As they were velites, one would presume they were used as light infantry. But that's only a presumption based on the name.

See: link

Jim

In the 1814 campaign in France, both Battalions of the Italian Velites were brigaded with the two regiments of Flanqueurs in the 2nd Old Guard Division. (The Division's 1st Brigade comprised the two Fusilier regiments.) I've seen no record in any of the battles in 1814 of a special role for these troops.

Currently on holiday so unable to access my books. Pretty sure you meant Florence and Turin, as the Milan unit was nothing to do with the infantry Velites. The Velites were dressed like the French Fusilier Grenadiers (if I recall correctly), so would expect usage to be the same.

The name comes from Roma indeed but not really as reference to light troops, rather because this period was very inspired by Roman era and legacy than anything else explaining until this "come back" in the french military terminology as Ancient terms such as Vélites or Cohorts (but not Legions who existed before) not to mention that the french language had already enough light infantrymen terms (chasseurs, tirailleurs, voltigeurs, carabiniers)

such name is presented to replace the "cadets" too associated to Ancien Regime and Nobility even if there were also bourgeois as cadets in the Military Schools

such units were primarily guards and training officers and/or NCO's (cadets) units in French and Italian Guards, the Austrian Army had also Velitten

there were

Reggimento dei Veliti Reali, a Regiment from Italian Royal Guards Velites in MILANO barracks : Caserma San Franceso

not to be mixed with

both Battalions of Velites of TURIN/TORINO and FLORENCE/FIRENZE serving as guards for Prince Borghèse and Grand Duchess of Tuscany

You're right of course, Florence and Turin – doh! Anyway, from what appears to be available it would seem that the use of these units was fairly 'standard' shall we say.