Dillon Infanterie
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Origin and History
In May 1690, during the Nine Years' War (1688–97), a large number of Irish soldiers arrived in France with their dethroned King James II. On 18 June of the same year Louis XIV formed three regiments with them. In 1691, the new regiment was employed in Roussillon and was at the siege of Urgel. In 1693, it took part in the siege of Roses; in 1694, in the Battle of Torroella and in the capture of Palamos, Girona, Ostalrich and Castelfollit; in 1696, in the recapture of Ostalrich; and in 1697, in the siege of Barcelona.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the regiment was commanded by:
- from 18 June 1690 to 1 May 1730: Arthur, Comte Dillon
Service during the War
In 1702, the regiment was posted in Italy. On 1 February, it distinguished itself in the defence of Cremona. Captain O’Mahony was sent to Versailles with the news of the repulse of the surprise attack of the Allies. When Louis XIV asked why he had not mentioned the Irish in his report, O’Mahony answered “Sir, they have followed the example of the subjects of your Majesty.” On 15 August, the regiment fought in the Battle of Luzzara where it was deployed on the extreme left wing in the second line.
In 1703, the regiment took part in the expedition in South Tirol and in the capture of Asti.
In 1704, the regiment took part in the sieges of Vercelli, Ivrea and Verrua.
In 1705, the regiment was at the capture of Verrua.
In 1706, the regiment took part in the siege of Mirandola. On 8 September, it fought in the Battle of Castiglione.
In 1707, the regiment was transferred to Spain. On 25 April, it took part in the Battle of Almansa.
In 1708, the regiment took part in the siege of Lérida and Tortosa.
In 1709, the regiment was sent to Dauphiné. It then remained in the camp of Briançon until 1712.
In 1713, the regiment was allocated to the Army of the Rhine and took part in the siege and recapture of Landau and in the siege and capture of Freiburg which surrendered on 1 November.
In 1714, the regiment was allocated to the Army of Catalonia and took part in the siege and capture of Barcelona.
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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. 260-261
