Recently Painted No 23 Russian Guard Dragoons 1812

The Russian Guard Dragoons were commanded by Petr A. Chicherin II during the 1812 campaign. They were in The First Army of the West Commanded by Barclay de Tolly, along with the Guard Hussars and Guard Uhlans they were brigaded in Ouvarov's 1st Cavalry Corps.

The Lifeguard Dragoon Regiment was formed in 1809 by taking 5 of 10 squadrons of Grand Duke Constantine Uhlan Regiment. These dragoons were modeled on Napoleon's Guard It was not a showy outfit as the hussars and uhlans and not so prestigious as the Lifeguard Horse or the Chevaliers. But they were superbly trained and disciplined. 

In 1812 after the battle of Tarutino, the Lifeguard Dragoons were sent together with Cossacks and light troops toward Mozhaisk where they harrased the enemy's transports and convoys. Two squadrons of dragoons ambushed and destroyed two squadrons of French Guard Dragoons

In Kulm in 1813 the Lifeguard Dragoons spearheaded the massive cavalry charge against Vandamne's infantry. The dragoons attacked frontally and ran down one regiment, while other regiments attacked enemy's flanks. In April 1813 the dragoons were awarded with St. George standards. 

In the battle of Leipzig the French Cuirassiers  routed them in the cavalry battle fought near Gulden-Gossa's ponds. 

In 1814 the Lifeguard Dragoons fought in Fère Champenoise for which they were awarded with 22 St. George trumpets.