Fresh Meat (theoretically beef): 300g Salted Meat (beef or bacon): 250g Biscuit (in lieu of bread): 550g

This paper attempts to assess the rations of the Napoleonic French army (1800-1815) from a nutritional and health standpoint. This will enable a nutritional assessment of an ‘average ’ Napoleonic soldier to be attempted and conclusions drawn as to the health and fitness of a that individual. Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, is supposed to have famously quipped than an ‘army marches on it’s stomach. ’ Whilst in essence this is true: an army cannot fight, let alone march with an empty stomach, how full were the stomachs of the Grande Armée? The ‘average ’ non-active male requires approximately 2,000 calories per day, with a recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 250g carbohydrate; 70g protein; 66-100g of fats. These are termed ‘macronutrients’. The average male also requires ‘Micronutrients ’ (vitamins, minerals). The French Army ration c.1800 consisted of bread, meat, wine or beer and lard. Bread (made from 3 parts rye flour to 1 part wheat): 750g (to last two days