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A Grenadier was originally a specialized assault trooper for siege
operations, first established as a distinct role in the early 17th century. Grenadiers were soldiers who would throw grenades and storm breaches, leading the forefront of such a breakthrough.
The earliest references to these grenade-throwing soldiers are from Austria and
Spain. References also appear in England
during the English Civil War. However, it was King Louis XIV of France who made the Grenadier an official type of
soldier and company during his army reforms late in the 17th century. According to Rene Chartrand, Lt. Col. Martinet
introduced the idea of having men detailed to throw grenades in the Régiment du Roi in 1667.
At the time, grenades were mainly small spheres filled with gunpowder with a
length of burning slow-match. Grenade throwing required strength, if it were to land far enough not to harm the own side;
therefore, grenadiers were tall and strong and gradually became elite regiments.
Wide hats with board brims were discarded and replaced with caps. By 1700 several regiments had adopted a caps the shape of
bishop's mitre, usually decorated with unit insignia. In addition to grenades, they were
equipped with contemporary longarms. Uniform also included a belt tube that held match for lighting the fuse; the feature was
retained in several later grenadier uniforms.
Grenade usage declined significantly in the 18th century, a fact that can be attributed to the improved effectiveness of
massive infantry line tactics and firelock technology. However, the Grenadier's
role as elite assault troop remained. The term grenadier was retained or adopted by various infantry units that were considered
elite, including Potsdam Grenadiers and Napoleon's Imperial Guard.
In modern times, regiments using the name grenadiers are effectively indistinguishable from other infantry, especially when
hand- and other grenades have become regular part of infantry weaponry.
Grenadier can also refer to soldiers utilizing grenade launchers,
include those mounted on rifles.
External links
Grenadiers (also known as rattails) are a family of common deep-sea fish, the Macrouridae.
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