Grenadier

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Grenadiers were specialized assault units who threw grenades and other explosives during siege operation battles. They were most prominently used in Europe and the Americas during the 18th century, and were generally recruited from among the strongest and largest soldiers.^[1]

Grenadiers were recognizable by their narrow, tall mitre-shaped headgear, which was designed not to obstruct vision or fall off while throwing grenades. Since grenadiers were selected based upon their stature and physical prowess, most came from farming families, due to the strength gained through manual labor. The traits on which grenadiers were chosen were to ensure that they could throw grenades further and from higher, as well as remain steadfast under fire, as naturally grenadiers were deployed in the front lines.^[2]

Combat[edit | edit source]

Because of their imposing size and strength, grenadiers generally wielded heavy weapons and were much tougher than regulars, being able to block most strikes from an Assassin. They could also not be counter-attacked, though skilled fighters like Edward Kenway or Ratonhnhaké:ton were able to easily trip and break their defenses, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks. They could also be disarmed with a weapon swipe. Although all of them carried grenades, they rarely used them during close-quarters combat, due to the risk of injuring themselves or their allies.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]

History[edit | edit source]

During the Golden Age of Piracy, grenadiers were common in the Caribbean, being employed by the British, Spanish, and Portuguese Empires. They were commonly stationed on ships or were found inside major cities like Havana and Kingston, patrolling the streets or protecting high-value locations alongside their fellow guards. Certain privateer and pirate hunter crews also counted grenadiers among their ranks.^[5]

In 1725, grenadiers serving the East India Company were used by the Templar Grand Master Alan Jacob in his search for an Isu temple in Cambodia. These grenadiers were noticeably much less muscular than those found in the Caribbean, wore metal chestplates and helmets, and were armed with muskets instead of melee weapons. During the Templars' efforts to access the Forgotten Temple in Angkor, John Young led a troop of grenadiers to raid the complex and retrieve its Piece of Eden before either the Zhang Wei Union or Madam Lee and her allies could.^[7]

During the Seven Years' War between Britain and France, grenadiers were employed on both sides of the conflict. The Assassin-affiliated gangs of New York also had their own grenadiers, easily recognizable by their long coats and top hats.^[6] Grenadiers continued to see usage until the end of the century, and were one of the most common units utilized by both the British and Continental Armies during the American Revolutionary War, with most soldier patrols including at least one or two grenadiers.^[3]

Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]

Grenadiers are an enemy archetype first introduced in the 2012 video game Assassin's Creed III. Historically, they would have been armed with a musket, bayonet, and hand grenades, hence the name "grenadier". The design used in the game appears to be inspired by a number of different units and infantry types instead. The kilts and accents indicate the Scottish 42nd Royal Highlanders, a regiment of line infantry who historically participated in the American Revolutionary War. The axes and beards, meanwhile, are taken from pioneers, a unit often attached to grenadier units. However, the presence of the beard is anachronistic as it was not adopted by the British Army until after the Napoleonic Wars.

French grenadiers in Assassin's Creed: Rogue share a similar design with the British grenadiers in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, albeit with a different color scheme. The gang grenadiers have a unique design, although their top hats are anachronistic as this style of hat did not become popular until the mid-19th century.