It was commanded by Colonel Pierre Francois Alphonse Brice, aged 59 years old, when the war broke out. A graduate of St Cyr he fought in the Crimea where he took a wound to his left eye and cheek in the storming of the Mamelon-Vert. Made colonel of the 76e in 1868 he led it at Spicheren, where it suffered 245 casualties, at Rezonville where it suffered 621 casualties and at Gravelotte where it lost 51.
The depot battalions formed the 76e Régiment de Marche that was engaged in a number of small actions in Normandy. When the regiment was returned to France after the armistice 1871 it played a role in the suppression of the Commune.
It was heavily engaged again in the Great War in the Argonne, the Marne, the Somme and the Ardennes. It fought again in the Battle of France in 1940, reformed after the war and disbanded in 1976.
I just love the 'classic' red trousers, blue coat and white gaiters, that just screams French to me! Fine work as always Mark:).
ReplyDeleteIt is a grand uniform to paint. It's hard to think that they kept those uniform colours for nearly 100 years.
DeleteAnother solid looking French unit Mark, nice work as always.
ReplyDeleteFive down, 34 to go...
DeleteGreat job. Look really good to me. 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks Stew. I think when I gave finished this unit I will need to take a brief break from Franco-Prussians...everything is starting to blur...oh maybe putting the right glasses on would help.😏
DeleteThat is the challenge with some armies isn't it Mark.....forty battalions all basically the same uniform does tend to sap the energy and enthusiasm somewhat....
DeleteI have a unit of Austrian hussars to do after this regiment bus finished, for a bit of variety.
DeleteAnother fine looking battalion Mark. You must now be seeing red and green every time you close your eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt's when I start dreaming of painting them that I really get worried!
Delete"C'est magnifique" Mark!
ReplyDeleteMerci bien Phil!
Delete