Grenadiers.
Text: TRE SECOLI DI GLORIA
Three centuries of glory
Soldier surrounded by barbed wire is throwing grenade. In the background an earlier grenadier, stressing the continuity.
Grenadiers were soldier particularly selected and trained to hurl grenades. The earliest grenadiers (late 16th century) were not organised in special units, but by the mid-17th century they formed special companies within battalions. Exceptional strength and courage were needed for hurling the grenade and accidents were not uncommon. Grenadiers earned higher pay, received special privileges, and were distinguished by their height, dashing uniform, and tall, mitre-shaped headdress (shako). Armed with heavy hatchets for chopping through barricades and others obstructions, they were employed particularly in siege and trench warfare.
Michel 496, Sassone 368, AFA 428
Date of issue: 1934
Face value: 20 c.
Date created: 22/03/00 11:41:47