Historical 57ème Régiment d'Infanterie de Ligne

[metalcallous]

A brief history:
Napoleon reigned as Emperor of the French from 1804-1815 and among his legions stood the 57ème Régiment d'Infanterie de Ligne "Les Terribles". They fought in many battles during the Napoleonic Wars and were considered the elite of the French Army. Napoleon, impressed by the regiment's actions on the battlefield said: "The Terrible 57th which nothing can stop." The words were then added to their flag, yet the Directory ordered such inscriptions removed. But still the regiment was known among the French army as "Les Terribles" due to their fierce stance on the battlefield.

In 1805 at Austerlitz the 57e Line was in Vandamme's Division and participated in the storming of the Pratzen Heights. It was one of the most decisive moments of this epic battle and Napoleon's greatest victory. In 1807 at Heilsberg the 57th was part of St.Cyr's Division. They stormed the Russian redoubts in the center of their positions. The fighting was tremendous. In 1809 at Wagram the 57th Line and 10th Light were part of Grandjean's Infantry Division (Oudinot's Corps). In 1812 at Borodino this regiment was part of Davout's I Corps and they captured one of Bagration's Fleches. The 57th were awarded with the badge of the Legion of Honor affixed to their eagle. Today the Les Terribles is renowned as one of the fiercest fighting forces in the world.



Even through my research I could barely find any concrete history of the 57e past its creation and basic info. I have found no deep battle analysis save for one article which I lost; recalling through memory, the 57e got its moniker of "Les Terribles" from their actions during the battle of Rivoli. The 57e was tasked to assault a walled village held by Austrians. They attacked the village alone marching in an open field being fired upon by the enemy. The 57e managed to breach the walls with heavy losses, but the village was reinforced by more Austrians and the 57e was repulsed but not routed. Battered and with heavy losses, the 57e under the guidance of its remaining officers, pulled together to do one last charge. This final surge made them win the village despite the odds.

Napoleon having observed this nearby, commented on how the 57e pushed on, despite the terrible losses they took, hence he called them "Les Terribles", "The Terrible 57th which nothing could stop." In reference to this battle.