Hesse-Cassel Infantry Regiment Prince Ysenburg, 1756–1763

Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Ysenburg was owned by Prince Johann Casimir zu Ysenburg, the younger brother of Hesse-Cassel Generalleutnant Prinz Christian Ludwig zu Ysenburg. The regiment was in English pay during the Seven Years’ War, to fight for the Anglo-Prussian alliance. From 1756 to late 1757, the unit deployed to England with the Hessian expeditionary force, to avert the danger of a French invasion. After its return to Germany, Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Ysenburg served with the allied Army of Observation fighting the imperial Reichsarmee and combined French army in western Germany.

The dark blue uniform with straw-coloured facings and white lace makes this regiment a prime choice for wargamers interested in building a colourful army of the 18th century. Hesse-Cassel infantry was dressed and equipped in the Prussian fashion.

Proprietor

• Generalmajor Prinz Johann Casimir zu Ysenburg, 1757–1759
• Oberst von Bischhausen, 1759–1762
• Generalmajor von Wilcke, 1762 –

Commanding Officer

• Generalmajor von Wilcke, 1756–1763

Illustrations

• Funcken, L. & F.: Historische Uniformen des 18. Jahrhunderts, 2. Band
• Funcken, L. & F.: Historische Uniformen, Seite 48
• Deutsche Uniformen im Zeitalter Friedrichs des Großen, Sturm Zigaretten, Dresden

Uniform

• dark blue coat with yellow buttons and white lace
• straw-coloured collar
• straw-coloured lapels with white lace and yellow buttons
• straw-coloured cuffs, two buttons and lace above each cuff
• straw-coloured turnbacks
• straw-coloured shoulder-strap on left shoulder

• red stock (white for officers)
• straw-coloured Kamisol with yellow buttons
• straw-coloured breeches
• black gaiters with yellow buttons
• black tricorne hat with yellow edging and white pompom
• Prussian grenadier mitre cap with yellow metal plate, straw-coloured base, white bag, straw-coloured lace, and white pompom

Grenadiers of the Hessian Infantry Regiment Prince Ysenburg marching off the Battlefield at Bergen. These 40 mm miniatures were cast in a Nürnberger Meisterzinn mould, and painted with artist acrylics.

Campaign History

• Expedition to England, 1756–1757
• Battle of Hastenbeck, 1757
• Engagement at Sandershausen, 1758
• Engagement at Landwehrhagen, 1758
• Battle of Bergen, 1759
• Battle of Minden, 1759
• Siege of Kassel, 1761
• Battle of Vellinghausen / Kirch-Denkern, 1761
• Rearguard Action at Hofgeismarer Tor in Grebenstein, 1762

Lineage

• 2. Kurhessisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 82, 1902
• 17. Infanterie-Regiment, 5. Kompanie, 1921

Generalmajor Prinz Johann Casimir zu Ysenburg fell at the Battle of Bergen, 1759. He was one of the highest-ranking casualties of the Seven Years’ War.

Frequently Asked Questions

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– Published: 19.09.2005 – Updated:
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