Cambrésis Infanterie
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Origin and History
The regiment was formed on 11 September 1684 from the third battalion of Piémont Infanterie and took the name of the Province of Cambrésis. Indeed, expecting a Coalition to soon form against France, Louis XIV raised 30 new regiments from September 1 to 30 for the defence of the various places of the realm. By raising one regiment a day, he avoided any problem of precedence among them. The regiment was given to the Comte de Châteaurenaud.
In 1689, during the Nine Years' War (1688-97), the regiment joined the Army of the Alps. The same year, it took part in the capture of Cahours; in 1690, in the Battle of Staffarda; and in 1696, in the siege of Valenza. In 1697, it was transferred to the Army of Flanders.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the regiment was commanded by:
- from 1694: N. de Vienne, Marquis de Presles
- from 12 February 1702: François-Louis d’Hautefort, Comte de Marqueyssac
- from 11 January 1708 to 13 May 1732: Jérôme-Augustin de Boisset, Marquis d’Arville
Service during the War
In 1701, the regiment joined the Army of Italy.
On 1 February 1702, the regiment took part in the defence of Cremona when the Allies tried to storm the city. Its colonel, the Marquis de Presles was killed in action. On 15 August, it was at the Battle of Luzzara where it formed part of the Reserve.
In 1703, the regiment took part in the expedition in South Tyrol.
In 1704, the regiment took part in the sieges of Vercelli, Ivrea and Verrua.
At the beginning of 1705, the regiment took part in the capture of Verrua. On 16 August, it fought in the Battle of Cassano.
In 1706, the regiment took part in the siege and Battle of Turin.
From 1707 to 1710, the regiment served in the Army of Dauphinée.
In 1711, the regiment was transferred to the Army of Flanders.
On 24 July 1712, the regiment fought in the Battle of Denain. In August and September, it took part in the Siege of Douai. It later contributed to the capture of Le Quesnoy and Bouchain.
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References
This article incorporates texts from the following books which are now in the public domain:
- Susane, Louis: Histoire de l'ancienne infanterie française, J. Corréard, Paris, 1849-1856, Tome 8, pp. 223-225
