Amstenräth Infantry
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Origin and History
The regiment was initially raised in 1631, during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). In was reduced to four companies in 1648.
In 1662, when war broke out between the Holy Roman Empire and Turkey, the regiment was brought back to full establishment. It was then known as the “Blaue Regiment” (Blue Regiment).
In 1675, after the capture of Trier, Duke Ernst August marched back from the Rhine with part of his troops (including the present regiment) to quench troubles in Lower Saxony. In 1676, these troops captured Stade and occupied the country of Bremen.
In 1679, the regiment formed part of the Hanoverian contingent sent to Schaumburg to observe the Brandenburger forces, establishing its headquarters at Stadthagen.
In 1685, during the Great Turkish War (1683-99), the regiment was sent to Hungary where it took part in the siege of Neuhäusel (present-day Nové Zámky/SK). In 1686, it took part in the siege and storming of Ofen (present-day part of Budapest).
In 1688, at the outbreak of the Nine Years' War (1688-97), the regiment was transferred to the Rhine. In 1689, it took part in the sieges and capture of Mainz and Bonn. In 1690, it was sent to the Netherlands but returned to Hanover at the end of the year because the contract with Spain had come to an end. In 1692, when a new subsidy was granted by England, the regiment was sent back to the Netherlands where it campaigned till the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697.
In 1700, the regiment took part in the campaign in Holstein against the Danes.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the regimental Chefs were:
- from 1697: Colonel Amstenräth (retired as brigadier)
- from 1704 to 1718: Colonel von Tecklenburg (died in 1718 in Münden as brigadier)
Service during the War
In 1702, the regiment took part in the siege and capture of Venlo. On 7 October, it was at the capture of Roermond. It then joined the main Allied army who marched on Liège. On 13 October, the city of Liège was occupied and on 23 October, the citadel was stormed.
On 2 July 1704, the regiment took part in the Battle of the Schellenberg. On 13 August, it fought in the decisive Battle of Blenheim. It then returned to the Netherlands.
In July 1705, the regiment took part to the passage of the Lines near Elixheim and Tirlemont.
On 23 May 1706, the regiment took part in the capture of Dendermond.
On 11 July 1708, the regiment fought in the Battle of Oudenarde
On 11 September 1709, the regiment fought in the Battle of Malplaquet.
Uniform
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Colours
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References
This article incorporates texts from the following books which are now in the public domain:
- Wissel, Friedrich v. and Georg von Wissel: Geschichte der Errichtung sämmtlicher Chur-Braunschweig-Lüneburgischen Truppen, sammt ihren Fahnen, Standarten und Pauken-Devisen ..., Zelle, 1786, pp. 678-687
