Royal German Cavalry Regiment

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Régiment Royal-Allemand
Regimental flag
Active1671–1792
CountryFrance
Allegiance France
TypeCavalry

The Régiment Royal-Allemand Cavalerie was a regiment in the French Royal army, composed of German-speakers (both French-born and immigrants from German states). In 1791 it became the "15e régiment de cavalerie" (15th Cavalry Regiment), and in 1792 it was disbanded.

Early history

Following its establishment under Louis XIV in 1672, the Royal-Allemand saw extensive active service in Flanders and various German states during both the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War.[1]

Role in French Revolution

In June 1789 the Royal-Allemand was one of the regiments of the Royal Army summoned to Paris to suppress the growing disturbances in the city, that preceded the outbreak of the French Revolution. About half of this force was made up of Swiss and German foreign troops, who were considered more dependable in a time of civil unrest than the native born rank and file of the French regular regiments.[2]

While the Royal-Allemand was mainly recruited within the borders of France, its German speaking troopers proved willing to act against the Paris population when ordered. On 12 July 1789, a squadron of the regiment, under the command of

French Guards, who formed the permanent garrison of Paris and had strong local ties, then fired on the cavalrymen of the Royal-Allemand. The regiment was subsequently withdrawn from Paris and returned to its frontier garrison. While desertions from both French and foreign regiments were running at a high rate during the revolutionary disorders of 1789, the Royal-Allemand lost only three men during this period. In part this appears to have occurred because of the widespread hostility that developed towards this unit following its clashes with civilians in Paris on 12 July.[3]

Disbandment

In 1791 the bulk of the regiments of the French Army lost their historic titles and were renamed under a system of numbering. The Royal-Allemand became the "15e régiment de cavalerie" (15th Cavalry Regiment).[4] After the overthrow of

Prince de Condé at Coblenz. The remnants of the Royal-Allemand fought in the Battle of Aldenhoven beside the Austrian Army, before finally being disbanded.[5]

Notable members of the regiment

General Jabłonowski served as a lieutenant in the regiment before losing his commission after failing to return from leave.[6]

Uniforms

  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1740 - 1757
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1740 - 1757
  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1757 - 1762
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1757 - 1762
  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1762 - 1767
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1762 - 1767
  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1767 - 1776
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1767 - 1776
  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1776 - 1779
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1776 - 1779
  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1779 - 1786
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1779 - 1786
  • Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1786 - 1791
    Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie 1786 - 1791
  • 15e régiment de cavalerie 1791 - 1792
    15e régiment de cavalerie 1791 - 1792

External links

References

  1. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-26. Retrieved 2017-10-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ISBN 978-0-8139-3833-2
    .
  3. ISBN 978-0-8139-3833-2
    .
  4. ISBN 978-0-8139-3833-2
    .
  5. ISBN 978-0-8139-3833-2
    .
  6. ^ Pachonski Jan, Jan & Wilson, Reuel K. (1986), Poland's Caribbean Tragedy: A Study of Polish Legions in the Haitian War of Independence 1802-1803, New York: East European Monographs, pp. 60–61
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