Starcke Infantry
Hierarchical Path: War of the Spanish Succession (Main Page) >> Armies >> Hanoverian Army >> Starcke Infantry
Origin and History
The regiment was raised in 1704 as a unit of the Principality of Brunswick-Celle which remained independent from Hanover until 1705.Its first Chef was Colonel Starcke from 1704 to 1706.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the regimental Chefs were:
- from 1704: Colonel Starcke (received command of Saint-Pol Infantry in 1706)
- from 1706: Colonel de Lueuer (received command of the former Saint-Pol Infantry and Stracke Infantry in 1708
- From 1708: Colonel von Diepenbroick
- from 1709: Colonel Saint-Denis l'Escour
- from 1711 to 1717: Colonel von Behr (died in 1734 as major-general)
Service during the War
In 1704, immediately after its creation, the regiment was sent to the Netherlands.
In 1711, the regiment took part in the siege of Bouchain where it was posted at Hordein. One night, the French attacked a Hessian regiment posted nearby but were driven back when the present regiment came to the support of the Hessians.
In 1712, the regiment was at the capture of Le Quesnoy. On 24 July, it fought in the Battle of Denain. After the defeat, it retired to Marchiennes where it resisted for fourteen days before surrendering as prisoners of war.
In 1713, the regiment was re-established in Einbeck.
Uniform
At the creation of the regiment, in 1704, its uniform consisted of a red coat with black lapels and cuffs; yellow metal; yellow waistcoat.
Colours
Regimental Colour: centre device consisting of a scene depicting Samson wrenching the lion's jaws apart; scroll carrying the motto NE MORTEM SED INFAMIAM VEREOR.
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. 432-424
