Preußische Heeresbibliothek
(Preußische Armee Library)
A short history of Prussia's
13th Infantry Regiment
Oberstlieutenant Dallas Gavan
2. Westpr. IR Nr. 7
I Korps
Königlich Preußische Armee
The 13. Infanterie-Regiment was formed on 1 July, 1813. The regiment was formed from the 1st Musketeer (officer and NCO cadre) and 3rd Reserve battalions of the 1st East Prussian Infantry Regt (Nr 1), the 2nd East Prussian Reserve Musketeer Battalion and the 3rd Lithuanian Reserve Musketeer and 1st Lithuanian Reserve Fusilier battalions. It was titled 1st Reserve Infantry Regiment at this time and was considered to be an ad-hoc and temporary unit. With the reorganisation of the Prussian army in March 1815, the unit was made a part of the new regular army, taking the title 13th Infantry Regiment on 25 March 1815. The regiment was not officially granted the title "1. Westfälisches IR Nr 13" until 10 March 1823.
The regiment had no grenadier companies. However the organisation of three battalions (two musketeer and one fusilier, or light, battalion) was the same as the other infantry regiments. The regiment had no colours until 18 October 1815, when new colours were presented to the unit in Mainz.
The pattern of flag issued in 1815.
The regiment first saw action as a regiment at Magdeburg, Königsborn and Hagelsberg, where it captured a flag (battalion fanion?) of the French 18e Ligne, 3 cannon and 7 wagons. It was also present at Stettin, Torgau, Wittenberg and Dessau.
In 1814 the regiment fought at Magdeburg again but was mainly held in reserve, guarding lines of communication and providing garrisons.
1815 saw the regiment was still reforming and it thus missed the battles of June, 1815. Instead it was involved in the blockade of Mainz and the action at Landau, before garrisoning Mainz when Napoleon again capitulated.
For its service the unit was awarded the following decorations:
2 Iron Cross 1st Class
153 Iron Cross 2nd Class
Formed from reserve battalions, the unit wore a number of different uniforms in its ranks. Illustrated below is that of the 1st Battalion (from Knötel's "Uniformekunde)
The regiment went on to give distinguished service, finally being disbanded in 1919.
Site Maintained by Scott Ludwig
E-mail: Eric2900@aol.com
© 2004-present