History of the 21ème
From the battlefields of Revolutionary France to the height of the Napoleonic Wars, the 21ème fought across Europe in some of the era’s most defining campaigns.
From 1793 to 1815
History
Discover the history of the 21ème, from its origins during the French Revolution to its campaigns across Europe during the Napoleonic Wars.
![IMG-20250502-WA0006[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/24f12c_5a385e3bb2ff474abf75bd9b0801b900~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1108,h_422,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG-20250502-WA0006%5B1%5D.jpg)
Timeline
.jpg)
1805–1807
The Grande Armée Campaigns
With the outbreak of the War of the Third Coalition, the 21ème entered one of its most active and defining periods.
​
Serving in Davout’s III Corps within Gudin’s Division, the regiment marched across Central Europe and took part in the Ulm Campaign, contributing to the encirclement and surrender of General Mack’s Austrian army.
​
At Austerlitz, the regiment was present in support roles within the wider manoeuvres that secured Napoleon’s decisive victory.
​
In 1806, during the war against Prussia, the 21ème fought at the Battle of Auerstädt - one of its most celebrated actions. Outnumbered but holding firm, Davout’s corps repelled the main Prussian army. The 21ème played a key role in defensive squares and counterattacks that helped turn the battle into a French victory.
​
The regiment went on to take part in the pursuit through Prussia, including operations around Berlin and multiple sieges such as Küstrin.
​
In 1807, the 21ème fought in the brutal Battle of Eylau, enduring harsh winter conditions and heavy casualties in one of the bloodiest engagements of the Napoleonic Wars.
1793 - 1799
Serving the Republic
Formed in the Revolutionary era, the 21ème Régiment de Ligne served France with distinction from the earliest campaigns of the Republic. By 1793, the regiment was operating in Germany before joining the Armée d’Italie, where it quickly earned a reputation for determination and discipline.
​
The regiment saw heavy action throughout the Italian campaigns of the late 1790s, including Montenotte, Millesimo, Dego, and Lodi. At Lodi, grenadiers of the 21ème famously charged across the bridge under fire, shouting “Vive la République!” and helping secure victory against Austrian forces.
​
Further campaigns followed in 1799 at Verona, Magnano, Trebbia, and Novi. During this period, Sergeant-Major Jean Georges Pauly became emblematic of the regiment’s spirit, refusing surrender when cut off by Russian cavalry and fighting his way back through overwhelming odds with the words: “Je passe quand même” — “I shall pass nevertheless.”
1803–1805
From Demi-Brigade to Empire
In 1803, Napoleon reorganised the army, and the 21ème became an official regiment of the line. It was drawn from veteran demi-brigades and reinforced with experienced officers, forming part of the expanding Grande Armée.
​
Stationed along the Channel coast, the regiment trained intensively in preparation for the planned invasion of England. Though the invasion never came, these years of discipline forged the efficiency that would define the Grande Armée.
1809
Germany, Austria, and Wagram
After a period of reorganisation, the regiment returned to action in the War of the Fifth Coalition.
​
At Eckmühl, the 21ème took part in the fierce fighting that secured French control of Bavaria. It later fought in the advance toward Vienna and participated in the battles along the Danube.
​
At Wagram, the regiment distinguished itself once again in large-scale combat across the plateau, taking part in repeated assaults and holding under intense artillery fire. The victory confirmed French dominance in Central Europe, though at heavy cost to the regiment’s officer corps.
1812
Russia and the Retreat
In 1812, the 21ème formed part of Davout’s I Corps during the invasion of Russia. It crossed the Niemen and advanced deep into Russian territory, fighting in major engagements including Smolensk and Borodino.
​
At Borodino, the regiment took part in the assaults on the Great Redoubt, one of the most fiercely contested positions of the battle.
​
However, the retreat from Moscow proved catastrophic. Harassed by Russian forces and weakened by supply shortages and winter conditions, the regiment suffered heavy losses during the withdrawal, including during the fighting around Vyazma.
​
By the end of the campaign, the regiment had been effectively destroyed as a fighting formation.
1813–1815
Rebuilding and Final Campaigns
Reformed with new recruits, the 21ème returned to service during the 1813 campaign. It fought at Dresden, where French forces achieved a significant defensive victory, but was later trapped with the garrison following the collapse of Napoleon’s position in Germany.
​
Many members of the regiment became prisoners of war after the fall of Dresden.
​
In 1814, remnants of the regiment continued fighting in the Low Countries, including the defence of Bergen op Zoom, where French forces repelled a British assault in one of the final victories of the Napoleonic Wars.
1815
The Hundred Days and Waterloo
With Napoleon’s return from Elba, the 21ème was reformed once more and assigned to the Waterloo campaign within d’Erlon’s I Corps.
​
At Waterloo, the regiment advanced as part of Marcognet’s Division in the grand assault on the Allied centre. Initially successful, the attack pushed back enemy infantry but was disrupted by the arrival of heavy British cavalry charges, particularly the Union Brigade.
​
The resulting counterattack broke the cohesion of the division, and the regiment suffered severe losses during the collapse of the French offensive.
​
At the end of the battle, the 21ème was effectively destroyed as a formed unit. The regiment’s eagle was lost, and most of its remaining strength captured or killed. Fewer than 200 men remained fit for duty after the campaign.
Legacy
Across more than two decades of war, the 21ème Régiment de Ligne served in nearly every major campaign of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, from Italy to Austria, Prussia, Russia, and finally Waterloo.
​
It's history reflects the story of the Grande Armée itself: rapid rise, immense victories, devastating losses, and enduring legacy.