The ‘Imperial Guard’ that served as the personal bodyguard to Napoleon Bonaparte – was first organised by the people during the tumultuous days of the 1789 French Revolution (known as the ‘Consulate Guard’) – and was tasked with protecting the individual politicians that comprised the newly elected government and all government buildings (which now included the royal palaces and all royal property). When the people chose to invest the personage of Napoleon Bonaparte as ‘Emperor’ of the French ‘Socialist’ State (Napoleon Bonaparte was elected ‘First Consul of the Republic’ during November, 1799) – the ‘Consulate Guard’ was transformed into the ‘Imperial Guard’ – just in time for him to use his military genius to counter British imperialist activity in Europe. During this clash of powers – the ‘Imperial Guard’ forged a truly awesome military reputation!
In Paul L Dawson’s book entitled ‘Napoleon’s Imperial Guard – Uniforms and Equipment – The Infantry’ – a very interesting page (number 37 – see above) describes the so-called ‘conseil d’administration’ (Council of Administrators) or ‘Governing Body’ – an administrative body which demonstrates the ‘Socialist’ and ‘egalitarian’ underpinnings of the French ‘Republic’! Every man ‘elected’ to this body – regardless of rank and including ‘Private’ soldiers – were absolutely ‘equal’ whilst attending the meetings pertaining to the functioning of this administrative body. Although the French Army (‘Grande Armee’) – and particularly the ‘Imperial Guard’ – functioned due to a strict hierarchy of rank and file, when operating as a member of this ‘Council’ ALL words of all men were considered to be of equal worth and value!
For a strict hierarchy to be effective – the ordinary men (which comprised the greater percentage of the army) had to be happy and content with the effectiveness of their training, the conditions of their existence and the competency of their Officers! Furthermore, when free from any judicial consequences for possessing ‘freedom of thought’ – men are more likely to be honest and straightforward when discussing the reality of soldiery for France! In the UK, Oliver Cromwell’s ‘New Model Army’ possessed such structures (abolished after the so-called ‘Restoration’ of a Constitutional Monarchy in the UK) – as did the Soviet Red Army. Today, the Armed Fotces of Cuba, China, Vietnam, Laos and North Korea possess ‘People’s Armies’ all possessing a strict discipline which is coupled with egalitarian bodies where all constituent members are considered ‘equal’! The British Regiments of Foot which took on and finally defeated the ‘Imperial Guard’ at the (1815) Battle of Waterloo – picked-up the bearskin hats worn by this elite component of Napoleon’s ‘Grande Armee’ – and after removing the ‘Imperial Guard’ regimental name plates, insignia and symbols of rank – were granted permission by the British government to wear these garments as part of their parade uniforms. This can be seen throughout all the ‘Guards’ Regiments of the modern British Army – which most definitely does NOT possess any ‘conseil d’administration’!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 