Army of Catalonia (1713–14) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Army of the Principality of Catalonia Exèrcit del Principat de Catalunya
Saint George's Cross
Active	1713–1714
Country	Catalonia
Allegiance	Charles III
Size	13,000 regular
Patron	Saint George
Motto(s)	Privilegis o Mort ("Privileges or Death")
Colours	Blue & red
Engagements	See list War of Spanish Succession War of the Catalans Siege of Barcelona (1713-1714) Naval battle of Barcelona (1714) Battle of Talamanca
Commanders
Current commander	Antoni de Villarroel

The Army of the Principality of Catalonia (in Catalan: Exèrcit del Principat de Catalunya) was a special army. It was created by the leaders of Catalonia in 1713. This happened after a big peace treaty called the Peace of Utrecht. This treaty ended a war, but it meant that Catalonia's allies had to leave.

The army was formed on July 9, 1713. It had about 13,000 regular soldiers. This included 10,000 foot soldiers (infantry), 1,600 horse soldiers (cavalry), and 1,000 naval troops. There were also artillery units, but their exact number is not known.

On the same day, Catalonia declared war on France and Philip V of Spain. Catalonia did not see Philip V as their rightful king. The next day, they started gathering troops for their new army. The first units were the Regiment of the Deputation of Catalonia and the Regiment of the City of Barcelona. Antoni de Villarroel was chosen as the army's main commander. A rich merchant named Amador Dalmau helped pay for the artillery, cavalry, and even two ships for the navy.

What was the Infantry like?

This drawing from a 1714 manual shows how Catalan soldiers might have looked.

The infantry was the largest part of the Army of Catalonia. It had 10,000 regular foot soldiers. This part of the army was built on two existing infantry regiments.

Eight new regiments were created from these. They used experienced soldiers and officers who had stayed in Catalonia.

Here are some of the infantry regiments:

• Regiment de la Diputació del General de Catalunya
• Regiment de la Ciutat de Barcelona
• Regiment de la Immaculada Concepció
• Regiment de Santa Eulàlia
• Regiment d'Infanteria de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats
• Regiment de Sant Narcís
• Regiment de Nostra Senyora del Roser
• Regiment of Colonel Busquets

There were also urban militias called "Coroneles" in cities like Barcelona and Lleida. These were citizens who could arm themselves to defend their cities. However, the main army only included professional, well-armed soldiers.

How was the Cavalry used?

This display at the Born Cultural Center shows how people from Majorca helped.

The cavalry (soldiers on horseback) was very important for the Army of Catalonia. They could move quickly. The Catalan leaders hoped to use them to stop enemy attacks and open new battle fronts.

The cavalry had six regiments and other smaller groups. One interesting group was the Hungarian hússars.

Here are some of the cavalry regiments:

• Regiment de cavalleria Rafael Nebot
• Regiment of cavalry La Fe
• Regiment of cavalry Sant Jordi
• Regiment de cavalleria Dragons-Cuirassers de Sant Miquel
• Regiment of cavalry Sant Jaume
• Regiment of cavalry Pere de Bricfeus
• Company of cavalry of Jordi Badia

What about the Artillery?

A 2014 reenactment of the landing of the Military Arm Expedition in Arenys de Mar in 1713.

The artillery handled the cannons and big guns. It was led by General Joan Baptista Basset. He also commanded the engineers. The artillery was based in Barcelona. They had many good quality bronze cannons.

Many of the artillery soldiers were from Majorca. They were known for being very skilled. They had experience fighting against the Ottomans.

• Artillery of Catalonia (5 companies)

Did Catalonia have a Navy?

The Navy of Catalonia had three large ships. These were the Mare de Déu de la Mercè and Santa Eulàlia, the Sant Francesc of Paula, and the Santa Madrona. The Santa Madrona was a French ship that had been captured.

The navy also had many smaller boats. To help with the crews, 200 orphan boys from a charity house in Barcelona joined the ships.

Here are some of the ships:

• Line ship San Francesc de Paula (originally 80 guns)
• 72-gun ship of the line Nostra Senyora de la Mercè
• 72-gun ship of the line Santa Madrona
• 40-gun frigate-ship of line Sant Josep
• 6 frigates
• 9 brigs
• 50 tartanas de guerra (small warships)

See also

In Spanish: Ejército de Cataluña (1713-1714) para niños