These soldiers were trained to throw grenades. They were introduced in the 17th and early 18th century. They were definitely the elite, the best infantry available.
The physically strongest and most stalwart people were recruited to join these forces. Their equipment comprised a musket with a bayonet, a sword and a few grenades.
They could also handle a hand mortar. These mortars were used mainly for shelling enemy fortifications.
While firing, grenadiers rested a mortar club against the ground or a tree trunk. Grenadier formations were much alike to musketeer formations - they fell in three files. When threatened by cavalry they formed a square. Their equipment was also similar to that of musketeers.
