Les Écrevisse! The Crawfishs!

Our Uniforms!

Initially it had been intended to dress the Red Lancers in uniforms similar to those worn by chasseurs of Napoleon's escort. Some Dutch officers quickly complied. General Colbert however wanted his Dutch lancers dressed like the Polish lancers. Finally it was decided that since they were organised as the Poles, so their uniform should be the same type as that of their fellow lancers. Only the colors were altered.
The Decree of 10 February 1811 stated: "Article 1: The 2nd Lighthorse-Lancers of the Guard will have the same cut of jacket and the same headdress as the 1st Lighthorse-Lancers of the Guard (Polish). It will keep the color scarlet for the jacket, with yellow buttons and distinctions. The distinctive color for lapels, collars and cuff facings will be sky blue." The collars, lapels, turnbacks and cuffs were in fact produced in dark blue.
King of Prussia
Friedrich Wilhelm In April 1812 the King of Prussia on learning that the Imperial Guard was passing through Potsdam, asked about the Red Lancers. The king greatly admired their uniform. In 1813 the squadrons of Young Guard wore blue (not red) jackets faced with red.