Detached Grenadiers No. 3 & 6

Unit History
During the Seven Years War, it was common to detach the grenadiers from their parent units. The grenadiers were often the elite battalions of the units and when amalgamated into small forces which could carry out the more dangerous and difficult tasks. One way to better understand how the units operated is to follow their history. This is best represented by the experiences of their commanders.
This unit was commanded as follows: Maj. Primislaus Ulrich v. Kleist to mid July 1757; Maj. L.F. v. Hacke until wounded in September 1757; Capt. A.W. v. Wechmar until killed at Breslau, November 22, 1757; Capt. B.F. v. Enckevort to May 1758; Lt. Col. B.F. v. Plotho until killed at Hochkirch, October 14, 1758. At that point, Maj. L.F. v. Hacke returned from wounds to resume command. After Torgau, the unit was temporarily amalgamated with the Grenadiers of the 15/18th after taking heavy losses.
At Lobositz, October 1756, the unit advanced on the left flank, along with the regiments Bevern (No. 7), Itzenplitz (No. 13) and Alt-Kleist (No. 27) to engage the Croats stationed on Lobosch Hill. The attempt to advance through the skirmish screen proved difficult, however, with ammunition running low, the Prussians adapted to the conditions of the terrain, abandoning closed formations and picking and choosing their targets using individual fire. Gradually the Austrians, despite reinforcements that included the regiment Josef Esterhazy (No. 37), were pushed off the Lobosch Hill and forced back through the burning streets of Lobositz. After an hour of intense fighting lead by this unit and the Bevern regiment, the Austrians were forced out. They retreated in good order. To maintain his contact with the Elbe and to buttress his right flank, the Austrian commander, Browne, shifted his uncommitted left wing around to the plains behind Lobositz and Sullowitz.
At Breslau, November 1757, the unit commander, Capt. A.W. v. Wechmar, was killed in action.
At Hochkirch, October 1758, the unit commander, Lt. Col. B.F. v. Plotho, was killed in action.
The unit began the war with guard status but declined to elite through its constant use.

The No. 3 Regimental colour and the No. 6 Regimental colour

Comments
These are one part of my two elite Prussian foot units. In the latest campaign, all Prussian troops have appeared and fought except these. Hmmm, must be out on the parade field practising a few complicated manoeuvres (like retreat…?). The flags are from GMB Designs. Granted that Grenadiers usually did not carry flags, the beauty of the GMB flags means that mine must.

Sources
Flags: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: R. Riehn, Linear Tactics Part III, The Courier Volume 2 No. 6

Detached Grenadiers No. 1 & 23

Unit History
During the Seven Years War, it was common to detach the grenadiers from their parent units. The grenadiers were often the elite battalions of the units and when amalgamated into small forces which could carry out the more dangerous and difficult tasks. One way to better understand how the units operated is to follow their history. This is best represented by the experiences of their commanders.
This unit was commanded as follows: Maj. Peter Henning Erdmann v. Bandemer, killed March 30, 1757; Maj. Ernst Sigismund v. Wedell, killed at Zorndorf; Maj. Joachim Friedrich v Rathenow, who died of wounds March 16, 1762; Maj. Karl Heinrich v. Poseck. After Torgau, the unit was temporarily amalgamated with the Grenadiers of the 5/20th. The reputation of the IR No. 1 Grenadier battalion was such that it was entrusted with many dangerous missions in the Seven Years War.

The No. 1 Regimental colour and the No. 23 Regimental colour

Comments
The beautiful flags are from GMB Designs. I realize that the Grenadiers usually did not have flags with them but since issuing the unit with flags the troops themselves performed as Grenadiers should, stiffening the troops surrounding them. They are one of my two elite Prussian foot units.

Sources
Flags: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: R. Riehn, Linear Tactics Part III, The Courier Volume 2 No. 6

IR No. 7 - Alt-Bevern

Inhaber
1737 Bredow, 1741 Prinz v. Braunschweig - Bevern, 1757 Alt-Bevern, 1781 Winterfeldt


Unit History
The unit was formed in 1676 from the Garde. Saw especially heavy fighting at Kolin and Zorndorf. It also fought at Lobositz, Kay, Kunersdorf and Torgau. The first battalion captured at Schweidnitz in 1757. Began the war as an elite unit but became a regular unit after nearly collapsing at Zorndorf.
At Lobositz, October 1756, the unit advanced on the left flank, along with the regiments Itzenplitz (No. 13), Alt-Kleist (No. 27) and the converged grenadiers under von Kleist (No. 3 and No. 6), to engage the Croats stationed on Lobosch Hill. The attempt to advance through the skirmish screen proved difficult, however, with ammunition running low, the Prussians adapted to the conditions of the terrain, abandoning closed formations and picking and choosing their targets using individual fire. Gradually the Austrians, despite reinforcements that included the regiment Josef Esterhazy (No. 37), were pushed off the Lobosch Hill and forced back through the burning streets of Lobositz. After an hour of intense fighting lead by this unit and the converged grenadiers, the Austrians were forced out. They retreated in good order. To maintain his contact with the Elbe and to buttress his right flank, the Austrian commander, Browne, shifted his uncommitted left wing around to the plains behind Lobositz and Sullowitz.
In June 1757, at Kolin, the unit attacked the Austrian regiment, Deutschmeister (No. 4), positioned atop Krzeczor Hill. After repeated assaults, the unit gave way to the Prussian cuirassiers, including the Liebregiment zu Pferde (No. 3), which also charged but were defeated. In the ensuing rout, the two infantry battalions were overrun and slipped shattered, into the nearby village, Bristvi.
At Zorndorf, August 1758, the regiment was brigaded with Dohna (No. 16) under the command of Maj.-Gen. Diericke. The unit was located in the centre of the front line facing the Russians taking heavy casualties.
At Kay, July 1759, the unit was brigaded, under Manteuffel, with Anhalt-Bernburg (No. 3). The brigade joined the third assault on the Russian centre. In furious close combat, in heat, powder smoke and dust, they managed to break through the first Russian line. Manteuffel was seriously wounded and his adjutant was struck down. However, with ammunition low, the brigade had to retreat and the assault collapsed. The following month at Kunersdorf, they, along with Wied (No. 41), formed part of the initial attack along the Kleiner Spitzberg.
At Freiburg, October 1762, the unit, now considered a second line troop and brigaded under Stutterheim with various Freicorps, including Le Noble, was on the left wing. The brigade supported the Prussian attack on the weakest part of the allied position, namely the heights held by the Reichsarmee. As planned, the Reichsarmee position collapsed allowing the regiment to capture five cannon and a standard. The genial commander emphasized drill over leadership over his forty-year tenure that was one of the underlying reasons for the near collapse at Zorndorf. The unit was disbanded in 1806.

The flags for Regiment and Colonel’s colour

Comments
I really like the color scheme of the troops as the purple lapels stand out. The unit has been a solid but unspectacular performer on the gaming table.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm

Text: http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 9 - Schenckendorff

Inhaber
1747 Wickeradt, 1756 Jung-Kleist, 1758 Oldenburg, 1758 Puttkamer, 1759 Schenckendorff, 1763 Wolffersdorf


Unit History
The regiment was formed in 1646 from the garrison at Minden. It distinguished itself at Prague. Engaged at Lobositz, Rossbach, Kay, Kunersdorf and Maxen.
The unit arrived late in the afternoon at Lobositz. At Prague, the regiment lost half its strength assaulting the Austrians placed along the Roketnitzer stream. At Rossbach, the regiment withstood the French assault.
At Kay, July 23, 1759, the unit was brigaded, under Hülsen, with Galelentz (No. 40) and Diericke (No. 49). The brigade initiated the third assault on the Russian center along with Manteuffel's brigade. In furious close combat, in heat, powder smoke and dust, they managed to break through the first Russian line. Manteuffel was seriously wounded and his adjutant was struck down. However, with ammunition low, both brigades had to retreat and the assault collapsed.
At Kunersdorf, August 1759, the unit was centred in the first line and formed part of the initial attack between the Kleiner Spitzberg and Muhl-berg.
At Maxen, November 1759, the unit was brigaded, along with Rebentisch (No. 11) and the Billerbeck Grenadiers (No. 13/26), under the command of von Rebentisch. As the first wave of Austrian grenadiers ascended the slope in front of Maxen, Zastrow (No. 38) and Grabow (No. 47) fusilier re giments broke ranks without much resistance and fled into Maxen. The remaining elements of the front line, including Von Rebentisch's brigade, were then swept away in the general rout of the Prussians.
After Maxen the unit was raised again but shattered in Pomerania in 1761. In 1762, the only task it could perform was to garrison Neisse.
The regiment performed as a regular unit until Maxen. It disbanded in 1806 after the capitulation of Erfurt.

The flags for Regiment and Colonel’s colour

Comments
The unit has been a solid but unspectacular performer on the gaming table.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 10 - Pannwitz

Inhaber
1730 Prinz v. Anhalt-Dessau, 1750 Knoblach, 1757 Pannwitz, 1759 Mosel, 1768 Petersdorff, 1781 Stwolinsky


Unit History
The unit was formed in 1683 in the Eastern Prussian lands. It moved in 1716 to Westphalia. It distinguished itself at the siege of Breslau, Kesseldorf, Leuthen and Bunkersdorf. First battalion captured at Landeshut.
At Prague, the unit was part of Keith's corps that covered the west side of the city during the battle. The unit skirmished at Moys. At Leuthen, December 1757, it distinguished itself but took heavy losses along with the Prussian Garde (No. 15) in assaulting Leuthen forcing the Austrian/Reichsarmee regiments Deutschmeister (No. 4), Rote-Würzburg, and Baden-Durlach (No. 27) to abandon the village. The regiment took heavy losses: twelve officers and 741 men.
After the first battalion was captured at Landeshut, the regiment redeemed itself at Burkersdorf by storming the works and winning three Pour-le-merit. A good Westphalian regiment notable for the enthusiasm of the cantonists.
The regiment was seen as a regular unit by Frederick after the Seven Years War. It disbanded in 1806.

Both the Regimental and Colonel’s colour

Comments
The unit has been a solid but unspectacular performer on the gaming table. The colour combination of the greenish flag and the bright yellow makes this one of the nicest looking units when it is out on the table and one of my personal favourites. The flags flown by the unit are from GMB Designs.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 13 - Itzenplitz

Inhaber
1750 Itzenplitz, 1760 Syburg, 1762 Kaiser Peter III of Russia, 1763 Wylich-Lottum, 1774 Braun


Unit History
The regiment was formed in 1685 after the edict of Nantes from French refugees. Distinguished at Leuthen and at Hochkirch where it suffered 820 casualties. Usually considered an elite unit, it was a tightly run regiment, known as the "Donner und Blitzen" under the regime of Major-General August Friedrich v. Itzenplitz. He was mortally wounded at Kunersdorf. The unit saw heavy usage being present at: Lobositz, Prague, Rossbach, Leuthen, Hochkirch, Liegnitz, Torgau and Burkersdorf.
At Lobositz, October 1756, the unit advanced on the left flank, along with the regiments Alt-Kleist (No. 27) and Alt-Bevern (No. 7), to engage the Croats stationed on Lobosch Hill. The attempt to advance through the skirmish screen proved difficult, however, with ammunition running low, the Prussians adapted to the conditions of the terrain, abandoning closed formations and picking and choosing their targets using individual fire. Gradually the Austrians, despite reinforcements that included the regiment Josef Esterhazy (No. 37), were pushed off the Lobosch Hill and forced back through the burning streets of Lobositz. After an hour of intense fighting, the Austrians were forced out. They retreated in good order. To maintain his contact with the Elbe and to buttress his right flank, the Austrian commander, Browne, shifted his uncommitted left wing around to the plains behind Lobositz and Sullowitz.
At Prague, May 1757, the unit was on the far right. Lead by Prinz Heinrich of Prussia, the unit, along with Manteuffel (No. 17), waded across the Rocketnitzer Bach and attacked the flank causing the Austrians to give ground and ultimately retreat. This action combined with the similar assaults on the left resulted in the defeat of the Austrians. The regiment was not present at Kolin but participated in the victory at Rossbach.
At Leuthen, the regiment lead the advance guard that crashed into the Austrian left flank. The regiment brushed aside the Croat Grenzers and smashed the Württemberg Regiment Gohlau.
At Hochkirch, October 1758, the regiment along with Prinz von Preussen (No. 18) attacked an Austrian battery southwest of Hochkirch. The regiment managed, after taking heavy canister casualties, to retake the village edge. In the advance, the regiment lost roughly three quarters of their strength. At Liegnitz the regiment was present but not engaged while at Torgau it was part of the advance guard.
Later at Burkersdorf, the regiment along with Finck (No. 12) and Braun (No. 37) advanced up a slope enfiladed by Croatian Grenzers. The Grenzers were driven off.
In 1762, the regiment's inhaber became Peter III of Russia in a political gesture by Frederick in recognition of the miracle of the House of Brandenburg - effectively the death of Catherine the Great and the Russian switch, under Peter III, to the Prussians. In 1768, the regiment was ranked as the third best unit after the Garde (No. 6 and 15) and Zeuner (No. 1). It was destroyed in 1806.

Both the Regimental and Colonel’s colour

Comments
The regiment has yet to live up to the elite ranking – on my gaming table that Frederick gave it.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Regimental colour Colonel’s colour Text: Prussian troop website at
http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 19 – Markgraf Karl

Inhaber
1731 Markgarf Karl von Brandenburg-Schwedt, 1763 Tettenborn, 1763 Prinz von Braunschweig

Unit History
The regiment was raised in 1702 and incorporated the Saxon Pirna regiment in 1756.
At Prague, May 1757, the regiment took part in the close combat near Rocketnitzer stream taking minor casualties. The grenadier of the unit took part at Rossbach, November 1757, without any losses.
At Leuthen, November 1757, the regiment attacked the churchyard and was completely ruined from continuous musket fire throughout the battle. After taking part in the siege at Breslau, the unit fought at Hochkirch, October 1758, taking many casualties in an embittered fight in the village. The regiment took the brunt of the murderous artillery fire into the village which consisted of both shot and howitzer fire.
At Kunersdorf, August 1759, the regiment stormed the Russians but took heavy losses including 276 men when the attack stalled in the Kuhgrund.
The unit was disbanded in 1806 near Hameln.


Both the Regimental and Colonel’s colour

Comments
The unique flag for the Prussian force made the decision to paint up the unit an easy one. The unusual flag means that I can readily identify the regiment on the table.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 27 - Asseburg

Inhaber
1740 Prinz Leopold, 1747 Kleist, 1757 Asseburg, 1759 Lindstädt, 1764 Stojentin

Unit History
The regiment was formed in 1716 from Swedish prisoners. Distinguished at Chotusitz, Lobositz and Breslau after which the unit dropped to regular status. Also present at Leuthen and Zorndorf.
Began the Seven Years War with the engagement at Kesseldorf where the unit lost 450 men. Later at Lobositz, October 1756, the unit advanced on the left flank, along with the regiments Itzenplitz (No. 13) and Alt-Bevern (No. 7), to engage the Croats stationed on Lobosch Hill. The attempt to advance through the skirmish screen proved difficult, however, with ammunition running low, the Prussians adapted to the conditions of the terrain, abandoning closed formations and picking and choosing their targets using individual fire. Gradually the Austrians, despite reinforcements that included the regiment Josef Esterhazy (No. 37), were pushed off the Lobosch Hill and forced back through the burning streets of Lobositz. After an hour of intense fighting, the Austrians were forced out. They retreated in good order. To maintain his contact with the Elbe and to buttress his right flank, the Austrian commander, Browne, shifted his uncommitted left wing around to the plains behind Lobositz and Sullowitz.
Present at the siege of Prague and later Breslau where the Austrians mounted a breakout attack that succeeded after stiff resistance. The regiment lost 700 men in the engagement as was severely damaged. With a single battalion of 500 men, the regiment formed part of the advance guard on the right flank at Leuthen.
At Zorndorf, August 1758, the regiment withstood the massive right wing assault of the Russians but at a heavy cost losing twelve offficers and 623 men. At the battle, the regiment was brigaded along with Kalckstein (No. 25) and Lehwaldt (No. 14). They were all under the command of Maj.-Gen. Bulow in the front line of the centre.
After Zorndorf, the unit was exhausted and withdrawn from active service. The unit was disbanded in 1806.

Both the Regimental and Colonel’s colour

Comments
The regiment is a gift from the Marquis de Sangfroid (a good gaming buddy – Robert Swan) who found these figures in a shoebox back in Vancouver, Canada. Long may he enjoy the wine and song of court as opposed to venturing again on the green velvet of battlefield to face these fearsome fellows.
WIP.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 28 - Münchow

Inhaber
1740 Alt-Dohna,1742 Hautcharmoy, 1758 Münchow, 1758 Kreytzen, 1759 Ramin, 1760 Thile, 1770 Zaremba

Unit History
The regiment was raised in 1723. It was not very reliable because of the heavy use of unwilling Silesian recruits.
Heavily engaged at Prague where it advanced with the left wing on Unterpoczernitz. As part of Hautcharmoy’s brigade it led the breakthrough south of Kej. Advancing into the Maleschitz ravine, the regiment encountered bitter resistance. The regiment took heavy losses.
In 1757, during the first siege of Schweidnitz, the regiment was captured by the Austrians. The regiment was exchanged in 1758 as part of a massive prisoner exchange involving more than twelve thousand Prussians and only then reinstated.
In 1760, the regiment fought as part of Prinz Heinrich’s corps between Glogau and Liegnitz.

The Colonel's flag

Comments
The regiment is a gift from the Marquis de Sangfroid (a good gaming buddy – Robert Swan) who found these figures in a shoebox back in Vancouver, Canada. Given their historical background I doubt these are fearsome fellows but the beautiful flags flown from GMB Designs mean that they decorate the gaming table nicely before beating a quick retreat. Unit pain

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htmted in January of 2006.

IR No. 40 - Kreytzen

Inhaber
1741 Grevenitz, 1743 Kreytzen, 1759 Gabelentz, 1777 Erlach


Unit History
The regiment was raised in 1732 in Sachsen-Eisenach. During the Seven Years War, the regiment was engaged at Prague and took part in the halted left wing attack. Success only came when the fight around Rocketnitzer stream was successful.
At Kolin the second battalion, with much courage, took one of the hills. Later in battle on the 18th of June, it was in the second line of the right wing under Bevern where it took heavy losses from combined artillery and cavalry attacks. The unit withdrew to Planjan to hold the way to Nimburg open.
In 1757, the first battalion was captured at Schweidnitz.
At Zorndorf the second battalion supported the Grand Battery on the right flank. The attack of the Russian cavalry General Demiku took the unit in the flank.
After the battle the battalion marched to Mulde fighting at Torgau and Eilenburg.
Marching later in November, it crossed into Vorpommern and began 1759 at Damgarten taking Demmin and Anklam. As part of the Corps in Pommeren, the unit went to Stargard.
At Kay the regiment took heavy losses in the repeated attacks on the Palziger heights. The heavy losses meant that at Kunersdorf, the unit secured the bridges at Görtz.
The unit was on the left flank at Liegnitz and disbanded in the capitulation of 1806.

Comments
The unit has one of the more unique flags of the Prussian units as the wreath around the eagle has been replaced by a medallion. As it is a very colourful unit on the table, it has tended to attract fire. As I now have passed that 40th plateau, I thought it only fitting to celebrate by fielding the 40th regiment. The flag is one of the most beautiful GMB Design flags I have seen.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 41 - Wied

Inhaber
1741 Bevern, 1741 Riedesel, 1746 Graf v.Wied bei Neuwied, 1765 Lossow, 1782 Jung-Woldeck,


Unit History
Formed in 1741 when it was taken from the Württemberg service and entrusted to Major-General Riedesel, an effective disciplinarian. In 1756 the unit was taken from the Wesel garrison and converted to field service. The regiment was present at Prague and distinguished at Kolin, Kunersdorf, Liegnitz and Torgau.
At Prague, May 1757, the unit acted as reinforcements for the right flank. One month later, at Kolin, June 1757, the unit sustained roughly 60% casualties in heavy fighting around the Krzeczor heights. The regiment was sent repeatedly uphill against the centre of the Austrian position and chewed up. After the assaults, the unit gave way to the Prussian cuirassiers, including the Liebregiment zu Pferde (No. 3), which charged the Austrians and were defeated. In the ensuing rout, the remains of the regiment were overrun and joined, shattered, the retreat of the Prussian army.
At Leuthen, the regiment saw minor action on the right flank. In 1758, the regiment helped besiege Schweidnitz and Olmütz. In Pomeria in late 1758, the unit skirmished at Fehrbellin and Prenzlau. At Kunersdorf, August 1759, along with Alt-Bevern (No. 7); they formed part of the initial attack along the Kleiner Spitzberg.
At Liegnitz, August 1760, the unit was in the second line on the left wing and joined the counter-attack against Loudon's attempted surprise advance. The attack was enthusiastically led by the recently disgraced regiment Alt-Bernberg (No. 3) which was eager to win back the good favour of the king. The Prussian attack drove Loudon off the Reh Berge. The Austrians executed an orderly retreat through the towns of Panten and Bienowitz. Every so often, Austrian battalions turned around and fired at their overzealous pursuers until Loudon's corps escaped.
It was deemed the best of the Westphalian regiments and one of the best fusilier units. Was a solid regular unit that saw considerable service. The unit was disbanded in 1806.

Comments
The unit has delivered a solid but unspectacular performance on the gaming table unlike its real-life counterpart. The pretty flags flown by the unit are from GMB Designs.

Both the Regimental and Colonel’s colour

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

IR No. 43 - Bredow

Inhaber
1744 Zimmerow, 1753 Kalsow, 1757 Kalckreuth, 1758 Bredow, 1760 Zieten, 1767 Krockow


Unit History
The unit was formed in 1741 from the Breslau city militia. It was present at Prague, Breslau and Kunersdorf.
At the siege of Prague, the regiment participated in an improvised attack from the left wing that was thrown back. During the withdrawal from Prague, the 1st Battalion was captured at Gabel. Later in the fall, at Breslau, the remaining Battalion held but suffered heavily. Only one hundred men remained after the engagement.
They surprised Frederick at Kunersdorf, 1759, where they fought well. In the battle, the unit supported the advance guard attack through the Mühl-Berge towards the Kuh Grund. Once the attack stalled, the unit remained steadfast until withdrawn taking heavy losses. The unit skirmished at Adelsbach in 1762.
Should be considered at best a regular unit but more often performed like the garrison troops from which they originated. Later, in 1902, formed companies seven and eight of the Imperial Army 8th Infantry regiment.

Both the Regimental and Colonel’s colour

Comments
The unit has been a solid but unspectacular performer on the gaming table. The flags have been slightly modified from those for Schenckendorff (No. 9) who happens to have a very similar pattern. The only difference is that while Schenckendorff has a white centre, Bredow has a green centre and the red flames have been removed.

Sources
Flag: Nec Pluribus Impar site at http://vial.jean.free.fr/new_npi/index.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Cuirassiers No. 3 - Liebregiment zu Pferd

Inhaber
1740 Wreech, 1746 Katzler, 1747 Katte, 1758 Lentulus, 1778 Merian

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1672. It was distinguished at Rossbach but especially at Liegnitz. The unit was present at: Lobositz, Prague, Kolin, Kunersdorf, Torgau and Freiberg. The cuirassiers were selected from the sons of peasants wealthy enough to maintain the horse. The recruits had to be big men to bear the weight of the cuirass and to manage the large mounts. As a result, the Holstein horse breed was particularly in demand as remounts.
At Kolin, June 1757, the unit was involved in Lieutenant-General Peter von Pennavaire's ill-fated charge up Krzeczor Hill in an attempt to break the Austrian regiment flank consisting of regiments Deutschmeister (No. 4), Baden-Baden (No. 23) and Botta d'Adorno (No. 12). The regiment was in a brigade commanded by von Krockow along with the Lieb Karabiniers Cuirassiers (No. 11). The attack failed and the units were thrown back in confusion.
Just prior to Kunersdorf, August 1759, the regiment helped Prinz Heinrich capture and destroy magazines at Saaz and Budin where it captured a general, 800 men, three cannon, eight banners and three standards. At Kunersdorf, the regiment was on the far right flank under the divisional command of Finck. The unit saw heavy action in the engagement losing many men and a standard in the swampy ground around Elsbusch.
At Liegnitz, the unit again tasted success on the left flank as it drove off three enemy cavalry regiments capturing seven banners and five cannon. Present at Torgau where it participated on the left flank attack that petered out due to flanking fire.
The unit was a 'Fehrbellin regiment'; a reference to a battle fought on June 28, 1675 during the Scanian War. The battle saw the emergence of the Prussian military onto the European scene under the Great Elector, Frederick Wilhelm. It performed as a regular unit during the Seven Years War and was disbanded in 1806.

Comments
The unit has been another solid but unspectacular performer on the gaming table. Guess that means that I will keep looking for my Seydlitz.

Sources
Flag: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Cuirassiers No. 10 - Gens d'Armes

Inhaber
1740 Pannwitz, 1743 Goltz, 1747 Katzler, 1761 Schwerin, 1768 Krusemarck

Unit History
The regiment was formed in 1688. It distinguished itself at Rossbach, Zorndorf and Hochkirch. The unit was engaged at Lobositz, Leuthen and Torgau. It's Inhaber, Schwerin, was one of the notable eccentrics of the army. It was always brigaded with the Gardes du Corps (No. 13) when on service. At Lobositz, October 1756, Frederick, frustrated by his inability to discern the placement of the main body of Austrians, sent eight squadrons of cavalry consisting of the Garde du Corps, the Gens d'Armes, and two squadrons of Prinz von Preussen, all under Lt. Gen. Kyau, as a reconnaissance in force to divine their location. Charged in their exposed flank by six squadrons of the dragoon regiment, Erzherzog Joseph, the Prussian cavalry had to be rescued by the Bayreuth Dragoons who were thrown into the melee. Peppered by musketry fire from scattered Croats and then driven back by the Austrian cuirassier regiments of Stampach and Cordova, the Prussian survivors rode back to their base at the Homolka Hill. In the process the unit captured two standards from Cordova while losing roughly eighty men.
At Rossbach, the regiment captured seven standards after driving off the enemy cavalry.
At Leuthen, the regiment was deployed under Lentulus and first engaged Nadasdy's Hussars on the right flank. Later the unit over ran the Austrian regiment Jung Modena and in the subsequent pursuit captured fourteen standards and fifteen cannon. Later that August, on the left flank at Zorndorf, the regiment lost 98 men while capturing fourteen cannon after driving off the enemy cavalry. In October of the same year, the regiment was at Hochkirch where it covered the flank.
The unit spent the next while in the garrison at Neisse until seeing minor action on the right flank at Liegnitz. The rest of the war saw skirmish actions at Hohgiersdorf, Torgau, Adelsbach, Burkersdorf, and finally by Reichenbach.
An elite unit destroyed in 1806 at Wichmannsdorf.

Comments
This is another unit that has been a solid but unspectacular performer on the gaming table.

Sources
Flag: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Cuirassiers No. 13 - Gardes du Corps

Inhaber
1740 Blumenthal, 1759 Wackenitz, 1760 Schätzel, 1773 Mengden

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1740 originally as a training squadron. It was strengthened in 1756 by two Saxon Garde du Corps squadrons. It was always brigaded with the Gensd'Armes (No. 10) and distinguished itself at Rossbach, Zorndorf and Hochkirch. It was engaged Lobositz, Prague, Kolin, Leuthen, and Torgau.
At Lobositz, October 1756, Frederick, frustrated by his inability to discern the placement of the main body of Austrians, sent eight squadrons of cavalry consisting of the Garde du Corps, the Gens d'Armes, and two squadrons of Prinz von Preussen, all under Lt. Gen. Kyau, as a reconnaissance in force to divine their location. Charged in their exposed flank by six squadrons of the dragoon regiment, Erzherzog Joseph, the Prussian cavalry had to be rescued by the Bayreuth dragoons who were thrown into the melee. Peppered by musketry fire from scattered Croats then driven back by the Austrian cuirassier regiments of Stampach and Cordua, the Prussian survivors rode back to their base at the Homolka Hill.
At both Prague and Kolin, the unit was held in reserve. At Kolin, the reserve brigade was commanded by von Schönaich and included the Driesen Cuirassiers (No. 7), the Schönaich Cuirassiers (No. 6), and the Meinicke Dragoons (No. 3).
Much more active at Rossbach where the unit overran the Austrian cuirassier regiments Bretlach and Trautmannsdorf and two Imperials units, Hohenzollern Cuirassiers and Kurpfalz Cuirassiers, collecting four standards and two pairs of kettledrums. In the subsequent pursuit, the regiment captured 800 prisoners, a General, three cannon, and two howitzers.
At Leuthen, the regiment was deployed under Lentulus and first engaged Nadasdy's Hussars on the right flank. Later the unit overran the Austrian regiment Jung Modena and in the subsequent pursuit captured five standards, nine banners and fifteen cannon.
At Zorndorf, the regiment, again under Lentulus, was on the left flank. In its successful attack on the Russians, the regiment captured fifteen cannon and five banners. The attack caused its colonel, Rittmeister v. Wacknitz, to cry out: "A battle cannot be lost without the Gardes du Corps having attacked!" Later in the battle, the unit countered the Russian cavalry attack on the right flank. After the battle, the unit advanced to Dresden, then to Bautzen and onward to Hochkirch where it secured the flank of the Prussians near the village. Later at Liegnitz, the unit saw no action stationed on the right flank. Present but only skirmished at Torgau, Burkersdorf, and Reichenbach.
The unit was seen as a highly proficient socially prestigious unit. It was the only regiment to wear a bright metal cuirass. The unit was finally disbanded in 1918.

Comments
These pretty boys have done alright on the battlefield but I think it is because I cannot resist putting them into action. Their silvery cuirass sure seems to attract the notice of the enemy (and their guns). As you can see I avoided making the unique banner by substituting a trumpeter instead of an ensign – lazy me.

Sources
Image: Sturm cards at http://www.grosser-generalstab.de/sturm/sturm10.html
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Dragoons No. 9 - Holstein-Gottorp

Inhaber
1741 Platen, 1753 Georg Ludwig Herzog v. Holstein-Gottorp, 1761 Pomeiske, 1785 Zitzwitz

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1741. It served in the Western theatre from 1758 to 1759 and present at Krefeld, Bergen and Minden. Later shifted to the Eastern Prussian theatre being present at Gross-Jagersdorf.
At Minden, August 1759, five squadrons fought on the left flank in the first line brigaded with Prinz Wilhelm (Hessian), Lieb (Hessian), and Hammerstein (Hanoverian No. 2B). The brigade was under the command of Lieutenant-General Duke von Holstein.
At Gross-Jagersdorf, August 30, 1757, five squadrons brigaded under Lt.-General Holstein-Gottrop, tangled early and briefly with the Russian advance guard on the Prussian right wing with no real result. Later in the battle, Holstein again advanced, this time against the Russian vanguard. Holstein's 20 squadrons, including ten squadrons of the Black Hussars (No. 5), broke through the Apscheron and Butyrski regiments and captured some field guns, before being chased back to the Roser Wald across the Sittengraben by three Russian horse grenadier regiments and the cuirassier regiments Kievski and Nowotroitzski.
The unit was destroyed in 1806.

Comments
This is one of my ‘Bergen’ units which is a local battle fought near Frankfurt am Main. What makes this unit so nice to use is that it historically fought in both the Western and Eastern theatres of the Seven Years War. The squadron was another gift from my gaming buddy, Robert Swan (the Marquis de Sangfroid).

Sources
Image: Sturm cards at http://www.grosser-generalstab.de/sturm/sturm10.html
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Dragoons No. 10 - Finckenstein

Inhaber
1743 Jung-Möllendorff, 1754 Graf v. Finckenstein, 1785 Rosenbruch

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1743 from a squadron split off from the Dragoon Regiment No. 9. It served in the Western theatre from 1758 to 1759 being present at Krefeld, Bergen and Minden. In the Eastern Prussia theatre, the unit was present at Gross-Jagersdorf.
At Minden, August 1759, four squadrons fought on the left flank in the second line brigaded with Hessian Dragoons, Pruschenk and Militz. The brigade was under the command of Lieutenant-General von Urff under the direction of the Duke von Holstein.
At Gross-Jagersdorf, August 30, 1757, five squadrons, along with ten squadrons of the Yellow Hussars (No. 7), were brigaded under Schorlemer on the left flank. The brigade defeated the Russian cavalry on the left wing, broke through the edge of the woods, and caught the infantry from behind at Weynothen. Then they ran into a fresh Russian brigade commanded by Manteuffel and two artillery brigades, commanded by Major Tyuttchev. These Russians from Browne's third division, with their heavy fire, forced the Prussians into the ditches and dams. Schorlemer re-assembled his troops at the Kutkehmer woods remaining there for the remainder of the battle.
The unit was reformed in 1806 into the 2nd provisional Dragoon brigade that was later split into a variety of regiments.

Comments
This is one of my ‘Bergen’ units. What makes this unit so nice to use is that it historically fought in both the Western and Eastern theatres of the Seven Years War. The orange facings really stand out against the deep Prussian blue and make it a very colourful unit.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Hussars No. 5 - Black Hussars

Inhaber
1741 Mackerodt, 1744 Ruesch, 1762 Lossow, 1783 Hohenstock

Unit History
The regiment was formed in 1740 from two squadrons from Hussar regiments No. 1 and No. 2. It was attached in 1745 to the Bosnian Lancers. The regiment was renowned for the wealth of its officers and the ferocity of its hussars. Three of eight squadrons served in the Western theatre at Krefeld, Bergen and Minden. In Eastern Prussia, it was engaged at Zorndorf, Kay and Gross-Jagersdorf. An elite unit which captured four standards of the French Hussars, Polleresky, in 1758, at Stöcken-Drebber and one standard of the French Dragoons, Royal Cravattes (No. 8), in 1758, at Düffelward.
At Gross-Jagersdorf, August 30, 1757, ten squadrons brigaded under Lt.-General Holstein-Gottrop, tangled early and briefly with the Russian advance guard on the Prussian right wing with no real result. Later in the battle, Holstein again advanced, this time against the Russian vanguard. Holstein's 20 squadrons, including five squadrons of the Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons (No. 9), broke through the Apscheron and Butyrski regiments and captured some field guns, before being chased back to the Roser Wald across the Sittengraben by three Russian horse grenadier regiments and the cuirassier regiments Kievski and Nowotroitzski.
At Zorndorf, August 25, 1758, seven squadrons were in the second rank of the right wing under the command of von Schlorlemer while later at Kay, July 23, 1759, the regiment was in Kanitz's Brigade that occupied the village of Kay behind the left flank of the Prussians. When the initial Prussian attacks failed, the unit attempted a flanking manoeuvre which was halted by Russian General Totleben's firing of the village. The unit then covered the retreat of the Prussian forces. Lead the right flank attack at Burkersdorf in 1762. Later at Reichenbach, the regiment attacked from the left flank capturing three Standards.
The unit was reformed in 1806 along with regiments No. 1 and No. 2 into the Life Hussars Brigade.

Comments
This is my favourite cavalry unit because of the Death’s Head and the stern uniform. They have not disappointed me in their actions on my gaming table. The most memorable is their charge against six squadrons of Austrian cavalry and managing to beat the whole group. For those who play Piquet, the Austrians happened to pull a Major Morale just after losing their last morale chip – but these Hussars are not picky as long as they get the glory.

Sources
Image: http://www.grosser-generalstab.de/sturm/sturm10.html
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Hussars No. 7 - Yellow Hussars

Inhaber
1744 Dieuri, 1746 Billerbeck, 1753 Malachow v. Malachowski, 1775 Usedom

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1743. Two of eight squadrons served in the Western theatre at Bergen and Minden. In Eastern Prussia,it was engaged at Zorndorf, Kay and Gross-Jagersdorf. Always in the shadow of the Black Hussars (No. 5), this regular unit distinguished itself at Landeshut (1760). It was destroyed in 1806.
At Gross-Jagersdorf, August 30, 1757, ten squadrons, along with five squadrons of the Finckenstein Dragoons (No. 10), were brigaded under Schorlemer on the left flank. The brigade defeated the Russian cavalry on the left wing, broke through the edge of the woods, and caught the infantry from behind at Weynothen. They then ran into a fresh Russian brigade commanded by Manteuffel and two artillery brigades, commanded by Major Tyuttchev. These Russians from Browne's third division, with their heavy fire, forced the Prussians into the ditches and dams. Schorlemer re-assembled his troops at the Kutkehmer woods remaining there for the remainder of the battle.
At Zorndorf, August 25, 1758, eight squadrons were in the second rank of the left wing under the command of von Seydlitz.
At Kay, July 1759, seven squadrons were stationed in the near village, Nicker, which was fired by the local Russian commander, Totleben, late in the battle. The unit covered the retreat of the final third assault by Wobersnow, who fell leading the final attack.
At Villinghausen, July 16, 1761, two squadrons were part of the main cavalry corps which included both the 2nd Royal North British Dragoons and the Grenadiers zu Pferd.
It was reformed in 1806 along with regiments No. 1 and No. 2 into the Life Hussars Brigade.

Comments
This is another of my ‘Bergen’ units and like its sister regiment in real life, these boys do not seem to have the luck that the 5th Hussars have. In the same tabletop battle where the 5th covered itself with glory, these did not. They thought they had a chance to catch the Austrian guns all limbered up with no place to go but then a poor run of initiative left them in front of Austrian guns who casually unlimbered, rammed canister, and blasted these Hussars at point blank range – not much was left, sniff.
These troops can also be easily used as Hesse-Kassel Hussars as the yellow dolman, blue pelisse and white lace are the same. The only difference are the breeches which are yellow for the Hesse-Kassel Hussars.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Hussars No. 8 – Red Hussars

Inhaber
1743 Hallasch, 1747 Seydlitz, 1759 Gersdorff, 1761 Belling, 1779 Hohenstock

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1743 paralleling the formation of the 7th Hussars (Malachowski). While initially a solid unit in the Seven Years War, it suffered an unusual fate during the war – being disbanded.
At Kolin, June 1757, the regiment covered the successful attack on Krosigk’s division in front Krzeczhorz, which would have nearly brought victory for Frederick the Great. Later it was engaged at Moys, Barschdorf, Steinau and Breslau. At Leuthen, the regiment deployed with the advance guard which threw back the Saxon Chevaux-legers.
At Maxen, November 21, 1759, it was placed on the heights above the town. With the defeat of Finck and the resulting capture of his division 200 troopers became prisoners. After this defeat, the unit was effectively dissolved until 1761 when it re-emerged until the command of Belling who had previously commanded a troop of Freicorps.
The Freicorps had fought at Kunersdorf, August 1759, where it had been part of the left wing under Seydlitz. The unit helped clear the Kuh Grund; seizing the small village and capturing many prisoners and a flag. After 1761, the Freicorps spent most of its service committed against the Swedes and in August 1760 captured the Swedish hussar Gerhard Lebrecht v. Blücher who later enlisted in the regiment becoming its Chef in 1794 and ultimately the famous Field Marshal helping to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo.
The Freicorps adopted the number, uniform and garrison in 1761. The new regiment was dissolved in 1806 after the defeat at Jena.

Comments
A very unusual regimental history plus the red coats attracted me to this unit. The Prussian hussar units are very colourful especially when compared to their traditional foes, the Austrians. Unit painted in February of 2006.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Hussars No. 9 - Bosian Lancers

Inhaber
1762 Lossow

Unit History
Raised in 1745 as a single squadron, from Muslim refugees, and strengthened to ten squadrons by 1762. The unit was the laughingstock of the Prussians due to indiscipline and ragged training. The unit was strongly associated with the Black Hussars (No. 5) in the Eastern theatre. This militia unit was heavily involved in the 'kleinkrieg' in Poland.
It opened the Seven Years War skirmishing at Kath and Hennersdorf. At Gross-Jagersdorf and Zorndorf, the unit fought the Russian Cossacks on the right flank. At Kay and Kunersdorf the regiment helped secure the flanks.
Later sent to serve the army in Schlesia and skirmished at Kanth, Hohenfriedberg, Adelsbach, Burkersdorf, and Langenbielau.
After successful wartime service, the unit was taken into formal service in 1762. In 1806 reformed into the Uhlan regiments No. 1 and No. 2.

Comments
These were originally Front Rank Cossacks who have been converted to Bosian Lancers. The conversion was before I found out that you can actually buy Bosian Lancers from Front Rank. Oh well. These troops were painted in the mid 1980’s.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Freicorps - Le Noble

Inhaber
1756 Le Noble

Unit History
This Freicorp served at Leuthen, Hochkirch, Landeshut and Freiberg. One battalion was captured at Landeshut in 1760. The unit was raised in 1756 in Frankfurt am Main to battalion strength. In 1760, when in Wittenberg, the unit was nominally strengthened to a regiment.
At Freiburg, October 1762, the unit, brigaded under Stutterheim with Alt-Bevern (No. 7), was on the left wing. The brigade supported the Prussian attack on the weakest part of the allied position, namely the heights held by the Reichsarmee. As planned, the attack was successful and the Reichsarmee position collapsed.
In 1763 these troops became Garrison troops in recognition of their service. This particular Freicorp performed as a regular unit.

Comments
The troops look very much like Jägers but the reference on the Sturm cards state that these are Le Noble’s Freicorps. I have mounted these on round bases to allow me to play skirmish games around my supply wagons against the feared Austrian Croats. In addition, round bases are so much easier to place in forests on the table then larger stands.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Freicorps - Schony

Inhaber
1760 Schony, 1762 Hüllessem

Unit History
The Freicorp was formed in 1760 using Hungarian captives in Breslau. These troops were used to support the militia in their duties of protecting the supply chain of the Prussians. The only action the unit saw was at Bunkersdorf when they fought in Hüllessem's battalion. Did not distinguish itself in action and disbanded in 1763.

Comments
After a couple of elite units it was time the Prussians had some cannon fodder. My French commander, Marquis de Sangfroid, when told of the recruitment of these troops sneered “If the Prussian have yet again recruited another collection of wretches from the flea-infested back-alley rabble of Berlin, and the scrapings of the prison camps for more disaffected and poxed Hungarian riff-raff, then one need not expect M. le Marquis to take too much interest in the matter.” According to his aide, the Marquis waved off the news of such ‘reinforcements’ with a shrug of his blue-blooded Gallic shoulders while having his morning coffee and manicure. The Marquis later set off to entertain Mlle. du Grande-Brassiere with a flute recital. You can guess at his military qualities.

Sources
Images: Sturm cards at http://www.grosser-generalstab.de/sturm/sturm10.html
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm

Artillery

Unit History
The guns shown are 6 pound guns and 12 pound guns. The support for the guns came primarily from contractors and line soldiers who were pressed into servicing the guns during the battle. At the end of the Seven Years War, the guns tended to be massed into Grand Batteries by Frederick. This was not a service arm which received much attention from Frederick.

Comments
"Zee only happy Prusshun, ist Der der handelink der große Gun".