When Spain was an ally of France, these Spanish troops were deployed between 1807 and 1808 as part of a larger division to perform garrison duties in Hamburg under Marshal Bernadotte.
In March 1808, along with a Franco-Belgian unit they were deployed to Denmark. While in Denmark , the Spanish Peninsular War broke out on 2 May 1808. The Division returned to Spain, changed sides and fought with the British against Napoleon!
Some Spanish troops did remain loyal to Napoleon and the “Joseph-Napoleon” regiment was formed, which fought in the Russian campaign of 1812.
