Grenadier of the French Imperial Guard, Painted, C601

'The Guard dies but does not surrender', these men were the elite of Napoleon's Army, hand-picked for steadiness under fire, to serve a volunteer had to serve a minimum of five years, and have been wounded in action. The Guard were Napoleon's shock troops. In attack, they drove through faltering enemy lines and in defence provided a solid 'rock' from which to re-organise and attack. After Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to St Helena where he died, the memory of his loyal Guard must have consoled him, to be sure even in defeat many would have gladly joined him there.