6th Regiment d’Infanterie Légère (France)
Overview
These versatile veterans can form a disciplined line to deliver a massed volley, or switch to a loose skirmishing formation to harass and thin out enemy formations. Although their experience in battle means they fire their muskets with a good degree of accuracy, their flexibility also means they lack certain specialised qualities. They are not quite as accurate as other skirmishers nor as devastating as line infantry when firing in volleys. They also lack the ability to form square, which leaves them vulnerable to cavalry charges.
Historically, the 6th Regiment saw action in over forty battles during the Napoleonic War and were awarded seven battle honours for their achievements. Four of these were given for victories over the Austrians at the battles of Marengo, Ulm, Jena and Wagram. The loss at Wagram in 1809 was a particularly devastating blow for the Austrians, breaking their national morale and forcing them to sign a peace treaty that resulted in the loss of a large part of their empire.