Els Infantry

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Origin and History

The regiment was raised in 1690 for Gerrit Baron van Heeckeren.

On the eve of the War of the Spanish Succession, the regiment consisted of one battalion and belonged to the Provinces of Holland and Utrecht. In 1703, the regiment was transferred to the Province of Geldern.

Since its creation, the successive colonels of the regiment were:

• from 1690: Gerrit Baron van Heeckeren
• from 1695 to 1729: Edmond van Els (promoted to brigadier in 1702 and to major-general in 1709)

From 1709, when Edmond van Els became major-general, the regiment was under the effective command of Anthony Swaen.

In 1752, the regiment was incorporated into the regiment Oranje-Gelderland.

Service during the War

In December 1702, the regiment took up its winter-quarters in Tongeren (aka Tongres).

In 1703, the regiment took part in the defence of Tongeren. It took up its winter-quarters in Thielen.

At the end of 1705, the regiment took up its winter-quarters in Huy.

On 23 May 1706, the regiment fought in the Battle of Ramillies. In September, it took part in the siege and capture of Ath.

In 1707, the regiment campaigned in Flanders.

On 11 July 1708, the regiment took part in the Battle of Oudenarde.

In April and May 1710, the regiment was present at the Siege of Douai.

In 1712, the regiment formed part of the garrison of Marchiennes.

Uniform

Privates

Uniform circa 1704 - Copyright: Richard Couture

Uniform Details circa 1704 as per de Wilde and Belaubre

Headgear	Fusilier black felt hat without lace Grenadier no information available
Neck stock	white
Coat	medium grey with red lining and with copper buttons from top to bottom on the right side Collar none Shoulder Straps red aiguillette on the right shoulder Lapels none Pockets horizontal pockets, each with 3 copper buttons Cuffs red, each with 3 copper buttons Turnbacks none (it seems that the basques of the coat could be turned back if needed but this was a rare practice during this period)
Waistcoat	red with copper buttons from top to bottom
Breeches	medium grey
Stockings	medium grey
Leather Equipment	Crossbelt natural leather Waistbelt natural leather, worn above the coat Cartridge Pouch natural leather Bayonet Scabbard natural leather Scabbard natural leather Footwear black shoes fastened with a buckle

Armaments consisted of a musket and a bayonet; and a sword.

NCOs

no information found yet

Officers

Officers wore a uniform similar to the one of the rank and file but of a better quality.

Musicians

no information found yet

Colours

no information found yet

References

Belaubre, Jean and Dr. de Wilde, Claus-Peter Golberg, Kaltenkirchen, 2001, pp. 18-19

N.B.: the section Service during the War is partly derived from our articles depicting the various campaigns, battles and sieges.

Acknowledgement

Phil Carrington for his work on the lineage of Dutch regiments