First Battalion, 32e Régiment d'Infanterie

This post sees the start of the next brigade in my Franco-Prussian War army, the First Battalion, 32e Régiment d'Infanterie and this unit sees the first of the figure conversions using heads, arms and weapons from the spares box to provide some variation. But is there no end to their sea of red pants? Well, not for at least another month.

As John pointed out a few posts ago, the history of most FPW French regiments can really only be traced back to 1820 when the army was rebuilt after the 100 Days and the regiments were raised afresh. So the honours carried on the flags were claimed, but did not accurate reflect the service of the new regiment. The 32nd Regiment is no exception, but its pre-1820 history is so impressive that I can't ignore it and will describe it briefly here.

Formed as early as 1625 it began life as Régiment d’Anuis, then Régiment Bassigny. In 1791 it became the 32e Régiment de Ligne and six years later the 32e demi-brigade. If fought in campaigns in Germany in 1791-92, then in the Vendée before fighting under Bonaparte in Italy. It went to Egypt in 1799, fought at the Pyramids, participated in the Syrian Campaign and fought in the battles in front of Alexandria. With the surrender of French forces in Egypt in 1801 it was repatriated to France.

It was engaged at Austerlitz, Jena and Friedland, before going the the Peninsula where it participated in the invasion of Portugal and later fought at Talavera and Toulouse.

It was renumbered 31e régiment de ligne after the fall of Napoleon in 1814, but recovered the 32e title during the 100 Days. From 1815-1820 it was know as the 61e Légion de Calais before the title of 32e was restored. In the Royal army it served in Spain and then in North Africa.

Under the Second Empire it participated in the campaign against the Roman Republic at the Siege of Rome. In the Crimea saw action in the Siege of Sevastopol and fought at Inkerman and Chernaya. It did not participate in the Italian Campaign.

In 1870 it fought under Colonel Merle (in Latellier-Valazé’s First Brigade, First Division, 2nd Corps) at Spicheren and the battles around Metz, surrendering when the fortress fell, although the troops managed to conceal the regimental standard and prevent its capture. The depot troops formed the 13e Régiment de Marche and served in the 13th Corps in the Siege of Paris.

After the war it was posted to Africa and participated in the Tonkin expedition in 1883-85. It was heavily engaged in the Great War and of the numerous actions it fought in earned honours for Ypres-Artois 1914-15, L’Aisne 1917, Le Matz and La Marne 1918. 

Above and below, 32e WWI posters

It fought in northeastern France in the Second World War. It was re-formed for participation in the closing stages of the war and was formally disbanded in 1991.