Jacob Shaw's Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jacob Shaw's Regiment |
|
|---|---|
| Active | ≈1613-1629 |
| Allegiance |  Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Tsardom of Russia |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Line infantry |
| Size | 150-200 |
| Garrison/HQ | Tula, Moscow |
| Nickname(s) | Bel’skie nemtsy/Бельские немцы |
| Engagements | Polish–Muscovite War (1605–18), Russo-Crimean Wars |
| Disbanded | 1630 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Captan William Grim |
| Ceremonial chief | Captain-Rittmeister Jacob Shaw |
Jacob Shaw's Regiment was one of the very first regular army units in the Tsardom of Russia. These "new order" regiments, as they were called, were formed in the 1600s. They used military methods from Western Europe. These units were made up of officers and soldiers from other countries, like Scotland and Ireland, as well as Russian fighters. Jacob Shaw's Regiment was important because some of its members later helped create a new, modern Russian army.
Contents
History of Jacob Shaw's Regiment
How the Regiment Started
The regiment began during a big war between Poland and Russia (1605–1618). It was first led by Captain William Grim, and later by Captain Jacob Shaw. Both of these leaders were from Scotland. At first, the regiment fought for the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
In August 1613, a Russian army surrounded the Bely fortress. The soldiers inside, including Jacob Shaw's men, fought bravely for almost a month. The Russian commander was so impressed that he asked them to join the Russian army. They agreed! The Russians called them the Bel'skie nemtsy, which means "Bely Germans," even though many were Scottish and Irish. They were known as excellent and well-organized soldiers.
Important Battles and Campaigns
After joining the Russian side, members of Jacob Shaw's Regiment fought in important battles. In 1618, many of them helped defend Moscow against a Polish army. Some of these brave soldiers were killed or wounded while protecting the capital city.
One famous moment happened at Moscow's Arbat Gates. Soldiers from the regiment, including Ensign George Learmonth, helped push back the Polish forces. George Learmonth was especially brave during this intense fighting. When another officer was killed, the Irish soldiers quickly asked for George Learmonth to take his place. He was promoted and given a good salary.
The regiment also took part in several Russo-Crimean Wars against raids from the Crimean Tatars. These were important battles to protect Russia's borders.
Life in Russia and Disbandment
Over time, many foreign soldiers in the Russian army started to use Russian names. If they decided to become Orthodox Christians, they often received special benefits. These benefits could include land with workers or money and clothes.
After 1629, Jacob Shaw's Regiment was quickly disbanded. Some of the soldiers moved to Sweden. Others continued to serve in the Russian army under new commanders, like Alexander Leslie and Patrick Gordon. Some even joined the first Russian cavalry regiment.
Settling in Russia
Many members of the regiment decided to stay in Russia. They had served together for years and had strong bonds. Some of the men married local Russian women and started families. After 1616, some soldiers were sent to Tula. This was an important military base in the south. They helped defend Russia's border against Tatar raids.
While living in the Tula region, several officers, including George-Yuri Leirmont, asked the Russian ruler, Tsar Mikhail, for a higher status and better pay. They wanted to become part of the "pomeshchiks," who were Russian noble landowners. This would mean they would receive hundreds of acres of land.
In their request, they wrote: "We your servants do not wish to go to our own land, because we have married here and have children, and we want to spill our blood for Thee the Sovereign." This showed their loyalty to Russia.
After reviewing their requests, some soldiers were honorably retired due to old age or injuries. They were given half pay and settled near Tula. About a dozen Scottish and Irish soldiers were allowed to return to their home countries if they wished.
See also
- Thirty Years' War
- Scottish Russians
