Created by the necessities of war for

the various Headquarters (to be used in the

escort, guard and liaison roles), the Guides very

quickly became the object of their generals' care and

attention, as they reflected their commanders' military

prestige, becoming a sort of Praetorian Guard.

The best example was Bonaparte's own Guides,

with their commanding officer Bessières, forming the

nucleus of the future Imperial Guard.

There were Guides in practically all the armies of the

Republic, the Consulate and of the Empire but on the

whole they seem to have been overlooked, except for

the future Emperor's. They served famous generals and

were to be found anywhere where the Republic and

then the Empire planted its tricolour flags.

So let's follow the Guides...