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As stated in the above-named decrees, every Neapolitan regiment was organised “in the same way, with the same pay, as the French regiments of the same arm”.
In 1806, each infantry battalion consisted of 9 companies, split into 7 companies of Fusiliers (fucilieri), 1 company of Grenadiers (granatieri), and 1 of Voltigeurs (volteggiatori). In Light Infantry regiments, the former two were known as Chasseurs (cacciatori) and Carabiniers (carabinieri) respectively. In 1808, by Napoleon’s decree of 18th February, the regimental organisation was augmented: each battalion was reduced to six (stronger) companies of 140 men each, the fusiliers now numbering 4 companies and the rest keeping their previous establishments. This was introduced into the Neapolitan Army as well as within the armies of all French-aligned client states in 1808 and onwards.
Fusiliers or Chasseurs were the main rank-and-file of the regiment, forming around 80% of its total strength. They constituted the hardened core of each unit, and all new recruits from the depot were transferred to serve as them. Only later in their careers would they be allowed to transfer to one of the élite companies, having met the necessary requirements. As basic fusiliers or chasseurs, they experienced much less prestige and privileges than their counterparts within the grenadier and voltigeur companies, although their performance was of paramount importance to the outcome of battles.6
Grenadiers or Carabiniers were the flower the regiment’s soldiers; tall, skilled, and experienced, these veterans formed each battalion’s elite reserve. A minimum height of 173.5cm and 2-4 years’ of exemplary service was required to be accepted into the grenadier company.7 While not actually equipped with grenades, they would wear bearskins and “flaming grenade” insignia on their uniforms to show their status; apparently, the expensive headgear was kept on even in the trying conditions of the Russian campaign, in contrast to their French counterparts (who had discarded the use of bearskins in line regiments earlier that year).
In battle, grenadiers took part in the heaviest fighting. They were deployed to storm fortifications, take villages, form the front of attack columns, and take “any post that was dangerous and therefore honourable”.8 At times, grenadier companies from different battalions were grouped together to form entire battalions, or even regiments; a notable example of this was Macdonald’s provisional regiment in the 1813 campaign.
Finally, the fastest and best shots of the battalion were grouped into the Voltigeur company. As the second élite company, they also wore uniforms with epaulettes and plumes (painted green and yellow). The maximum height for voltigeurs was 150cm, officers being allowed an inch more.9 As suggested by their name (French for literally “vaulters”), men within the voltigeurs had to be nimble enough to spend the battle energetically harassing and pursuing the enemy. In almost all occasions Neapolitan voltigeurs fought in open order, and rarely in line or in column. Their duty was to screen their comrades deployed in line, to provide covering fire, and to counter enemy skirmishers. As a whole, Neapolitan voltigeurs performed well, although were more susceptible to desertion due to the freedom of movement given to them.
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