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.htmText: R. Riehn, Linear Tactics Part III, The Courier Volume 2 No. 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. 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.htmText: R. Riehn, Linear Tactics Part III, The Courier Volume 2 No. 6
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
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.htmText: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm
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.htmText: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm
Inhaber1750 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.htmRegimental colour Colonel’s colour Text: Prussian troop website at
http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm
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.htmText: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm
