Weyhe Infantry
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Origin and History
The regiment was first raised in 1631 during the Thirty Years' War. At the end of the war, in 1648, it was reduced to four companies.
In 1662, when Emperor Leopold experienced troubles with Rákóczi, supported by the Turks, in Transylvania, the regiment was increased to 12 companies. In 1664, it was sent to Hungary. The Imperial army tried to stop the Turks on the Raab (present-day Rába River) and then defeated them in the Battle of Saint Gotthard. The regiment then returned to Hanover.
In 1666, the regiment took part in the relief of Bremen, bombarded by the Swedes.
In 1668, during the War of Devolution (1667–68), the regiment, who had been placed in Dutch pay, marched through the County of Bentheim and encamped near Hardenberg. However, peace was concluded before its arrival in the Dutch Republic.
In 1671, the regiment took part in the capture of the City of Braunschweig.
In 1685, during the Morean War (1684-99), the regiment (8 companies of 100 men each) was sent to Greece to assist the Venetians in the conquest of Morea. In 1686, it received four additional companies and took part in the Battle of Argos. In 1687, now counting only eight companies, it took part in the siege of Patras and in the siege and capture of Athens before returning to Venetia.
In 1688, at the outbreak of the Nine Years' War (1688–97), the regiment returned to Hanover. In 1689, it was sent to the Dutch Republic and took part in the siege of Mainz and in the capture of Bonn. In 1690, it campaigned in the Netherlands. In 1692, it was reduced to 8 companies and then to 7 companies in 1697.
In 1700, the regiment was sent to Holstein to drive the Danes out.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the regimental Chefs were:
- from 1696: Brigadier Brandt Ernst von Weyhe
- from 1703: Colonel Brunck (killed in action during the Battle of Ramillies in 1706)
- from 1706 to 1716: Colonel Stallmeister (died in Einbeck)
Service during the War
In 1702, the regiment went to the Netherlands where, from 29 August to 23 September, it took part in the siege and capture of Venlo.
On 30 June 1703, the regiment took part in the Battle of Ekeren.
From May 1704, the regiment took part in Marlborough's march to the Danube. On 13 August, it fought in the victorious Battle of Blenheim.
On 23 May 1706, the regiment fought in the Battle of Ramillies.
On 11 July 1708, the regiment took part in the Battle of Oudenarde and in the siege and capture of Lille.
In 1709, the regiment took part in the siege and capture of Tournai, in the Battle of Malplaquet and in the siege and capture of Mons.
Uniforms
Red coat lined blue. Uniform then changed in 1714.
Colours
no information found for this period
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. 515-528
