Horses in the Napoleonic Wars Horses in the Napoleonic Wars Horses were widely used during the Napoleonic Wars for combat, patrol and reconnaissance, and for logistical support. Vast numbers were used throughout the wars. During the War of the Sixth Coalition, depletion of the French cavalry arm through attrition (mainly suffered during the Russian Campaign) and loss of horse-producing allies to provide remounts contributed significantly to the gradual French defeat and downfall of the French Empire. During the Waterloo Campaign, the "Armee du Nord" had 47,000 horses: 25,000 cavalry, 12,000 for artillery, 10,000 for infantry and supply columns. Although in larger forces the cavalry might
Battle of the Basque Roads have destroyed [the French ships], . . . but he might and would have taken them out, had your admiral supported him as he ought to have done . . . The French admiral was a fool ["imbécile"], but yours was just as bad." Battle of the Basque Roads The Battle of the Basque Roads, also known as the Battle of Aix Roads (French: "Bataille de l'île d'Aix", also "Affaire des brûlots", rarely "Bataille de la rade des Basques") was a major naval battle of the Napoleonic Wars, fought in the narrow Basque Roads at the mouth of the Charente