Russian–German Legion facts for kids

The Russian–German Legion was a special army group. It was created in 1812 by Peter of Oldenburg. He was a duke who had been forced to leave his home. Tsar Alexander I of Russia of Russia asked him to set up this group.

How the Legion Started

The first leader of the Legion was Oberst von Arentsschild. This group was made up of prisoners and soldiers who had left the French army. They were left behind in Russia after Napoleon's army invaded in 1812.

Even though it was called "Russo-German," the Legion also included soldiers from the Netherlands and Belgium. If a prisoner of war wanted to join, they kept the same rank they had in the French army.

The main goal of the Legion was to fight against Napoleon. It was part of the Imperial Russian army. However, Great Britain helped pay for the Legion.

Getting People to Join

Ernst Moritz Arndt was an important person who helped get soldiers to join. He worked for Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom und zum Stein, who supported Russia. Arndt stayed in Saint Petersburg starting in 1812. He encouraged people to join by telling them they could help free Germany from French control.

How the Legion Was Organized

The Russian–German Legion had 9,379 soldiers in total. It was made up of eight groups of foot soldiers (infantry battalions). It also had one company of special hunters called Jägers. There were two groups of horse soldiers called hussars. Plus, it had two groups of horse artillery, which were cannons pulled by horses.

A famous soldier named Carl von Clausewitz was also part of this Legion.

Where the Legion Fought

On July 6, 1812, Great Britain agreed to support the Russian–German Legion. This meant Britain could decide where and how the Legion would fight. At first, the Legion was sent south. It was supposed to join with a Russian army group to fight against the Prussians. Russia and Prussia were still at war then.

A staff officer, Major Lager van Koch, rode to the Russian headquarters. He spoke with the Tsar and soon returned with new orders. The Legion was told to march to Germany.

Battles and Movements

Ludwig von Wallmoden-Gimborn took command of the Legion. They traveled to the lower Elbe River. They fought in places like Mecklenburg and Holstein. They also attacked a town called Harburg. The Legion marched all the way to the Netherlands. In mid-March 1814, they crossed the Rhine River. They fought in Flanders to block the city of Antwerp.

After the Wars

After returning from France in 1814, the Legion was taken over by Prussia. Prussia was careful about people who had worked with other countries. So, any soldiers who were not German were sent home. On June 2, 1814, the group was renamed the German Legion.

The Legion moved to Kurhessen for training in 1814. From then until 1815, they stayed in the Bergischen area.

When Napoleon returned from Elba on February 26, 1815, the soldiers of this unit were combined. They became part of the 30th and 31st infantry regiments of the Prussian army. They also formed the 8th (Russian-German Legion) Ulanenregiment (a type of cavalry) and the 18th and 19th horse-artillery batteries. These new units fought in the Waterloo campaign. This campaign is also known as the Hundred Days. They were part of the III Corps of the Prussian Army.

Awards and Recognition

Several Dutch members of the Russo-German Legion received medals for their bravery. In 1814, many of them were allowed to wear their medals. In 1821, all members of the Legion received the Russian Service Medal. This was for their service in the wars of 1813–1814. They were also allowed to wear this special medal.

Images for kids

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  Soldier of the 1st infantry brigade, 2nd infantry brigade and Jäger

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  Soldier of the 1st hussar regiment, 2nd hussar regiment and horse artillery