Touraine Regiment facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Régiment de Touraine
Colours of the Régiment de Touraine
Active	1625–1791
Country	France
Allegiance	France
Branch	French Army
Type	Infantry
Garrison/HQ	Tours
Engagements	Huguenot rebellions Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659) Franco-Dutch War War of the Reunions Nine Years War War of the Spanish Succession War of the Polish Succession War of the Austrian Succession Seven Years' War American Revolutionary War

The Régiment de Touraine was a famous French army group. It was created in 1625 in the Touraine area of France. This group of soldiers was part of the French Army for over 150 years. They fought in many important wars for the Kingdom of France.

How the Regiment Started

In 1624, a group of Protestants in La Rochelle tried to take control of Port Louis. The French King, Louis XIII, needed soldiers quickly. He asked Baron du Plessis-Joigny to form a new group of infantry soldiers.

Even though the attack on Port-Louis was stopped, the new regiment was still very important. They helped the king's army during the siege of La Rochelle from 1627 to 1628. This was a big event where the king's forces surrounded the city to make it surrender.

In May 1636, the regiment officially got its name, Touraine. They also received their special regimental flags. These flags were important symbols for the soldiers. Later, during a time of trouble called the Fronde (a series of civil wars), the regiment sometimes used different names. These names came from their colonels, like Régiment d'Amboise or de Kercado.

Fighting Spain: The Franco-Spanish War

The Régiment de Touraine played a big part in the war against Spain. They traveled to Italy and attacked Spanish areas there. They had success in places like Ceva, Pianezza, and Mondovì. They also took part in the famous siege of Turin. This was a long fight to take control of the city of Turin.

Wars in Europe: Franco-Dutch and Reunions

After a famous general named Turenne died, the Touraine regiment kept fighting. They were involved in the siege of Valenciennes (1676-1677). They also fought bravely in the Battle of Cassel (1677). Later, they helped in the Siege of Luxembourg (1684). These battles were important parts of France's wars against the Dutch and other European powers.

Major European Conflicts

The Régiment de Touraine was involved in many other big wars in Europe. They fought in the Nine Years War, the War of the Spanish Succession, and the War of the Polish Succession. These wars often involved many countries fighting over who would rule different parts of Europe.

Battles in the Austrian Succession War

During the War of the Austrian Succession, the regiment was very active. In 1745, they were at the Battle of Fontenoy. They also helped in the sieges of Tournai, Termonde, and Ath. In 1746, they fought in the battle of Rocoux and the siege of Namur. The next year, 1747, they were at the battle of Lauffeld. They also helped in the siege of Bergen op Zoom. Their last major action in this war was the siege of Maastricht in 1748.

The Seven Years' War

The regiment continued to serve during the Seven Years' War. In 1757, they fought at the battle of Hastenbeck. The next year, 1758, they were at the battle of Krefeld. In 1759, the regiment was part of the Battle of Minden. They also helped in the siege of Mǚnster. In 1760, they fought at Warburg. Here, they helped protect the army as it retreated, showing their bravery.

Helping America: Revolutionary War

The Régiment de Touraine played a role in the American Revolutionary War. They were led by Vicomte de Poudeux. The regiment traveled from the West Indies to Yorktown to help the American and French forces. They were a key part of the Yorktown battle. This battle was a major victory that helped America win its independence. They also fought in naval battles like St Christophe and Les Saintes.

The End of the Regiment

In 1791, big changes happened in France during the French Revolution. The old names of regiments, like "Touraine," were removed. Instead, each regiment was given a number. The Régiment de Touraine became the 33rd line infantry regiment. This marked the end of its long history under the name Touraine.

Gallery

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  Uniform of a fusilier of the Régiment de Touraine in 1720

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  Uniform of a fusilier of the Régiment de Touraine in 1779.

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  Jean Thurel, in 1788, the "oldest soldier of Europe" in his uniform of fusilier of the Touraine Regiment with his three veteran medals and his Légion d'Honneur (added to the painting in 1804), painting by Antoine Vestier.

See also

• Jean Thurel