Preußische Heeresbibliothek
(Preußische Armee Library)
A short history of Prussia's
1st West Prussian Dragoon Regiment,
Numbered "2" in the line.
Oberstlieutenant Dallas Gavan
2. Westpr. IR Nr. 7
I Korps
Königlich Preußische Armee
The 1. Westpreußisches Dragoner-Regiment Nummer 2 was formed on the 19 April, 1717 after being brought into Prussian service from Saxony. Originally termed Dragoner-Regiment von Docqum Nr 6. it consisted of 10 squadrons in 1744, Operating as two battalions. The regiment was very active in the Wars of the time, being present at Neustadt, Leipzig, Torgau and Kesseldorf during the War of the Austrian Succession. In the Seven Year's War the regiment was present at most of the major battles. Two squadrons of the regiment were captured by the Russians at Kray in 1757 but the regiment redeemed itself at Zorndorf, repeatedly charging the Russian line and capturing a colour.
In 1806 the regiment was engaged in a number of actions, before withdrawing into the fortress of Königsberg. Because of the unit's record, the unit was not disbanded in the reorganisation of 1808. The first battalion (Leib, 3, 5, 7 and 9 Squadrons) became the basis of the Ostpreußisches Kürassiere-Regiment Nr 2 with the second battalion (2, 6, 8 and 10 squadrons) becoming the 1. Westpreußisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 2. The depot of Graf Herzberg Dragoner-Regiment Nr 9 was also used in to reform the regiment.
In 1812 the 1st and 3rd squadrons were merged with squadrons from the 5th Brandenburg Dragoons (Prince William) and sent to Russia, as part of the Prussian force accompanying Napoleon on his invasion of Russia. The regiment saw minor action in the campaign though at Eckau the 1st squadron rode down a semi-formed square of the 26th Russian Jäger.
In 1813, the regiment saw far heavier fighting. Part of 1. Brigade, I Corps Reserve Cavalry, it was present at Dannigkow, Groß-Gorschen (where it rode down a square of French infantry), Bautzen and was present for MacDonald's defeat at the Katzbach. The regiment captured 9 guns, 8 ammunition wagons and a field forge in the pursuit. The regiment was then present at Möckern, where it charged a French battery and captured a howitzer, a cannon and 8 ammunition wagons.
In 1814 1. Westpreußisches Dragoner-Regiment was again active, at La Chaussèe charging the French 2nd Carabinier Regiment in the flank and later capturing three guns and an ammunition wagon at the same battle. Present at Montmirail and Chateau-Thierry, the regiment clashed with the French Dragoons of the Guard at the latter battle, being roughly handled. It fought again at Laon and was present for the entry into Paris.
1815 saw the regiment as part 1. Brigade, I Korps Cavalry reserve, fighting in Belgium and France. Gefreiter Seidel rescued Feldmarschall Fürst von Blücher when he was unhorsed leading a charge against the final French breakthrough. During the pursuit of the French following La Belle Alliance, the regiment captured two guns at Nanteuil.
The regiment was awarded the following decorations for its service in the Napoleonic Wars:
3 Orders Pour le Merite
5 Iron Cross 1st Class
88 Iron Cross 2nd Class
8 Military Commendations 2nd Class
The standard of the 2nd Dragoons, formerly a Regiments-Fahne of the 6th Dragoons.
On 27 May 1819 the regiment was converted to a Kürassiere regiment, taking the designation Westfälisches KürassiereßRegiment Nr 4.
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