button guard
Imperial guard (фр. Garde impériale) — elite armies of army of the First French empire. It is organized by emperor Napoleon I Bonaparte, as the military unit which is carrying out ceremonial functions, right after empire declaration. Was Napoleon's bodyguard, and also provided protection of an imperial surname and all highest ranks of the French army. Use of household troops in fighting operations was an indispensable condition. The guard structure constantly changed, over time it made the appreciable part of the French army including some cases, number over several tens of thousands people. The guard participated in Napoleon's many military campaigns, combining high fighting spirit with personal devotion. Some divisions accompanied Napoleon in his first reference to the island of Elba. All parts of guard were disbanded after the second restoration of Burbons.