Régiment Royal-Allemand

The ''Régiment Royal-Allemand Cavalerie'' was a regiment in the French Royal army, composed of German-speakers (both French-born and immigrants from German states). In 1791 it became the "15^e régiment de cavalerie" (15th Cavalry Regiment), and in 1792 it was disbanded.

Early history

Following its establishment under Louis XIV in 1672, the Royal-Allemand saw extensive active service in Flanders and various German states during both the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War.

Role in French Revolution

In June 1789 the Royal-Allemand was one of the regiments of the Royal Army summoned to Paris to suppress the growing disturbances in the city, that preceded the outbreak of the French Revolution. About half of this force was made up of Swiss and German foreign troops, who were considered more dependable in a time of civil unrest than the native born rank and file of the French regular regiments.

While the Royal-Allemand was mainly recruited within the borders of France, its German speaking troopers proved willing to act against the Paris population when ordered. On 12 July 1789, a squadron of the regiment, under the command of Charles Eugene, charged a crowd of demonstrators in the Tuileries Garden killing one and injuring others. A detachment of the French Guards, who formed the permanent garrison of Paris and had strong local ties, then fired on the cavalrymen of the Royal-Allemand. The regiment was subsequently withdrawn from Paris and returned to its frontier garrison. While desertions from both French and foreign regiments were running at a high rate during the revolutionary disorders of 1789, the Royal-Allemand lost only three men during this period. In part this appears to have occurred because of the widespread hostility that developed towards this unit following its clashes with civilians in Paris on 12 July.

Disbandment

In 1791 the bulk of the regiments of the French Army lost their historic titles and were renamed under a system of numbering. The Royal-Allemand became the "15e régiment de cavalerie" (15th Cavalry Regiment).
After the overthrow of Louis XVI in August 1792, part of the regiment, led by its officers, defected and took service with the army of royalist emigres being raised by the Prince de Condé at Coblenz. The remnants of the Royal-Allemand fought in the Battle of Aldenhoven beside the Austrian Army, before finally being disbanded.

Notable members of the regiment

General Jabłonowski served as a lieutenant in the regiment before losing his commission after failing to return from leave.

Uniforms

Roy Allemand cav 1740.png,
Cav Roy Allemand 1757.png,
Cav Roy allemand 1762.png,
Cav Roy Allem 1767.png,
Roy allemand cav 1776.png,
Royal allemand cav 1779.png,
Cav Roy allemand 1786.png,
15RC 1791.png,

External links

Charge of Prince de Lambesc at the head of the Régiment de Royal-Allemand, 12 July 1789
painted by Jean-Baptiste Lallemand

Uniform of a trooper of the Royal-Allemand

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Regiment de Royal-Allemand
Cavalry regiments of France
Military units and formations established in 1671
Military units and formations disestablished in 1792
French line cavalry regiments of the Ancien Régime