Russian Jägers

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Origin and History

In 1761, during the Russian campaign in Pomerania, Rumiantsev resolved to create his own light force to counter the very effective Freikorps. On August 29, he instructed Second-major Meller-Zakomelskii to raise a unit of jägers. By the beginning of September, two battalion had been raised. They consisted mostly of volunteers and of troops contributed by the third battalions of the line infantry regiments which Rumiantsev had received from Brigadier Newiadomsky. Prussian deserters from Pomerania also served in these battalions.

Each battalion totalled 520 men and consisted of

• 5 coys of jägers, each of
  • 4 corporals
  • 100 privates
• 1 battalion gun

During the Seven Years' War, the regiment was commanded by:

• from 1761: Second-major Ivanovich Meller-Zakomelskii

Service during the War

Upon their creation in 1761, both battalions (the first under Miller, the second under Ilgeström) were detached to Niewiadomsky Brigade placed on the right wing of the “siege army” during the siege of Colberg where they were posted in the forest. On September 7, volunteers took part in the fight of Varhackschanze. On October 7, the battalions were attached to Apochnin's detachment and took part in small actions on Pomerania till the end of the campaign.

Uniform

The uniform of the jägers was very similar to the uniform of the line infantry regiments.

Privates

Summer uniform in 1761 - Source: rf-figuren from a Not By Appointment template

Uniform Details

Headgear	black felt tricorne without lace
Neckstock	black
Coat	dark green with 9 copper buttons on the right side on the chest and 9 red trimmed buttonholes, and 2 copper buttons (one on each side) in the small of the back N.B.: During summer campaigns, the coat was not worn, being left with the baggage. Soldiers carried a cornflower blue cape rolled over the shoulder. Collar red Shoulder Straps none Lapels none Pockets none Cuffs red with 3 copper buttons Turnbacks red, each fastened with a copper button
Waistcoat	long sleeved red waistcoat lined green with 9 copper buttons and 9 red trimmed buttonholes, and with 2 en patte d'oie pockets each with 3 copper buttons and 3 red trimmed buttonholes
Breeches	red or white
Gaiters	black leather with 10 large copper buttons (white for parade)
Leather Equipment	Crossbelt red leather Waistbelt red leather Cartridge Box black covered with a copper plate Bayonet Scabbard ??? Scabbard black leather with copper fittings Footgear black shoes

During winter, line infantry wore knee-length cornflower blue cape.

Troopers were armed with a musket, a bayonet and a sword.

NCOs

no information available yet

Officers

no information available yet

Musicians

no information available yet

Colours

no information available yet

References

Kessel, E.: Das Ende des Siebenjährigen Krieges 1760-1763, Hrgb. von T. Linder, t. 1, Padeborn – München – Wien – Zürich 2007, pp. 334, 354.

Maslovskij, D.: Russkaja armіa, v" semilђtnjuju vojnu, vol. III, Moskva 1891, p. 512.

Rumiantsev: Order P. A. Rumjanceva sekund-majoru Milleru s instrukciej ob organizacii, vooruzhenii, snarjazhenii i taktike vnov' formiruemyh batal'onov [in:] Semiletnjaja vojna, Korbkov N. M., 18 (29) August 1761 r., p. 771-773.

Acknowledgments Tomasz Karpiński from Gniezno/Poznań for the initial version of this article