1st Artillery Regiment (France)
The year 1765 marked the birth of a unit known as the Régiment de la Fère. This formation emerged from the first battalion of the Régiment Royal-Artillerie. It stood as an aristocratic entity until the French Revolution changed everything. In 1791, the name lost its noble patron and became simply the number one regiment. This shift made it the senior most artillery unit in France. The transition reflected a broader political upheaval that stripped titles from military structures.
A young Napoleon Bonaparte received his commission into this regiment in 1785. He held the rank of second lieutenant at the time. His official service lasted only until 1790 before he left for Corsica. Most of his tenure was spent on leave rather than active duty. During that period, he led a battalion of Republican volunteers in Corsica. Vincent Cronin noted these details in his 1973 biography of Napoleon. The early years of his career were defined by this specific assignment.
Between the two world wars, the unit operated under the name 1er Régiment d'Artillery Divisionnaire. It belonged to the 15th Infantry Division during this era. Soldiers stationed themselves notably in Auxonne and Dijon. These locations served as home bases for the regiment between conflicts. The identity shifted again as the army reorganized its structure. The name change signaled a new role within the divisional framework.
The First Army attached the regiment to its forces during World War II. The Fourth Army Corps also claimed command over the unit. Its composition included a battery hors-rang and three groups of 75mm guns. A Divisional Anti-Tank Battery formed part of the strength with either 75mm or 47mm weapons. The regiment doubled its size to create the 1st Divisional Heavy Artillery Regiment. This new formation carried 105C and 155C equipment. The expansion reflected the demands of total war.
Today the regiment maintains six batteries plus a maintenance unit. Three active batteries carry MLRS M270 systems alongside 120 mm mortars. Two other batteries deploy COBRA counter-battery radars and SL2A acoustic artillery location systems. They also utilize GA10 ground alert and impact zone early warning systems. A sixth reserve battery stands ready for deployment. The Maintenance Battery supports all operational elements. Modern technology defines the current tactical capabilities of this historic unit.
Common questions
When was the 1st Artillery Regiment (France) originally established?
The year 1765 marked the birth of a unit known as the Régiment de la Fère. This formation emerged from the first battalion of the Régiment Royal-Artillerie.
What rank did Napoleon Bonaparte hold when he joined the 1st Artillery Regiment (France)?
A young Napoleon Bonaparte received his commission into this regiment in 1785 and held the rank of second lieutenant at the time. His official service lasted only until 1790 before he left for Corsica.
Where were soldiers stationed during the interwar period under the name 1er Régiment d'Artillery Divisionnaire?
Soldiers stationed themselves notably in Auxonne and Dijon while the unit belonged to the 15th Infantry Division between conflicts. These locations served as home bases for the regiment between world wars.
How many batteries does the modern 1st Artillery Regiment (France) maintain today?
Today the regiment maintains six batteries plus a maintenance unit. Three active batteries carry MLRS M270 systems alongside 120 mm mortars, two other batteries deploy COBRA counter-battery radars and SL2A acoustic artillery location systems, and a sixth reserve battery stands ready for deployment.