- At Marengo the 63rd Infantry Regiment {Wallons} defended Fontanone, took 443 casualties, their colonel was shot 3 times and they still held ground.
- The 51st Regiment {Romanians} came from mountainous country of Transylvania where in the past ruled the cruel Vlad the Impaler. It was an unit full of brave warriors and was named Legion Infernale by the French. In 1800 at Marengo the 51st {Romanians} participated in the defeat of Bonaparte's grenadiers of Consular Guard.
- At Kulm the 54th Regiment {Czechs} captured Color of French 33e Ligne.
- At Wagram the 32nd Regiment {Hungarians} took Color of III/4e Ligne and the 35th Regiment {Czechs} captured Color of II/106e Ligne.
- At Caldiero the 7th Regiment {Czechs} captured Color of I/5e Ligne.
- In 1809 at Neumarkt the 14th Regiment {Austrians} and 39th Regiment {Hungarians} attacked French cavalry with bayonet !
- At Aspern-Essling the columns of 17th Reuss-Plauen Regiment {Czechs} advanced forward with great bravery, their band playing, soldiers singing war and religious songs. At the front marched sappers who wielded hatchets to breach village's garden walls. Disregarding artillery fire they entered the village. One of French officer described this fight. It was "without letup, inside, outside, ... the furious combat continued along the streets ..." Their captain Komadina had his feet taken off by a cannonball but continued to encourage his troops and shouted "Long live Austria !" The 47th Vogelsang Regiment {Czechs} also distinguished itself in this fighting. Austrian battalions fought so tenaciously that the French 18e Ligne lost half thousand man in the struggle along Aspern's main street !
- The 1st Kaiser Regiment {Czechs}, 4th Hoch-un-Deutschmeister {Austrians}, 12th Regiment {Czechs} and 31st Regiment {Romanians} were also considered as hard men.
Of course there were many cases of cowardice as well, some examples below:
In 1805 at Austerlitz the Austrian VI/23rd Infantry seeing the French cavalry surrounding their grenadiers lost its cool immediately. The infantrymen threw down their muskets and fled. The slowest ones were taken prisoner. The French sources reports of hundreds of Austrian prisoners being taken at the village of Blaziowitz and later being mistakenly sabered by Russian cavalry.
Light Infantry - The Jägers.
The Austrian light infantry consisted of 200 Tyrolean Jäger Companies of 50-200 men each (many were hunters), Charles' Legion, Vienna Volunteers and 9-12 Jäger Battalions.
In 1801 was formed Tyroler Feld Jäger Regiment. Its Colonel-inChief was Marquis Chasteler de Courcelles. In 1805 this regiment consisted of 4 battalions of 6 companies each. In 1808 this battalion was disbanded and replaced by 9 jäger battalions (9 jäger "divisions" in peacetime increased to battalions in wartime). In 1809 during the Wagram Campaign were 9 Jäger Battalions and 9 depot companies.
The jägers in the 1st and 2nd rank were armed with short muskets, while those in 3rd rank with rifles. The NCOs also carried rifles. The riflemen carried not 60 but 100 rounds of ammunition. Their officers and NCOs came mainly from the Tyrolean Jäger Corps, while the rank and file from Bohemia, Moravia and Galicia.
In 1813 the number of jäger battalions increased to 12. The nationalities were:
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th were Bohemians (today Czechs)
- 5th, 6th were Moravians (today Czechs)
- 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th were Austrians
- 12th were Galicians and Moravians
The battalions of jägers were part of so-called light divisions and either screened the columns of line infantry or acted alone. For example in 1813 at Dresden the I and II Battalion advanced against the redoubt #3 defended by the French. At 5 pm they moved through a hail of bullets and canister fire and leapt into the ditch. The jägers pressed up against the palisade, tearing it down and climbing over and into the redoubt. After a hot bayonet fight the French were defeated and fled into the Hospital Gardens. The Austrians captured 6 French cannons and the redoubt.
The quality of Austrian skirmishers varied but generally was below the average French skirmisher. In 1800 Chief-of-Staff General Zach isued instructions opposed the use of swarms of skirmishers, especially in attack. General Radetzky wrote that "too much drill" was the cause of poorer combat effectiveness of the Austrian skirmishers. He also added that Austrian generals "don't understand this kind of fighting." In 1810 was issued "Instruction for Skirmishers."
The bulk of skirmishers were men drawn from 3rd rank of battalion. The first being sent forward were those taken from both flank companies of battalion. Then, if necessary, went the skirmishers from other companies. The skirmishers were tightly controlled by officers and NCOs and operated with 6 paces intervals 300 paces of their parent battalion. It was estimated that 60-80 skirmishers were sufficient to support a battalion.
The larger bodies of light infantry were never deployed entirely in skirmish line until 1813. For example in 1813 at Leipzig the Austrian skirmishers covered the fields between Lauer and Leipzig. "Everywhere, on the roads, on the banks of Pleisse and Elster, was a huge skirmish line." "On the southern portion of the western edge of the Lamboy Woods the 2 battalions of Szekler Grenzer Regiment deployed in skirmish order. Soon they were heavily engaged with French skirmishers." (Nafziger in "Napoleon at Leipzig").
The light troops used terrain, trees and houses as a cover. In 1809 at Wagram entire jäger battalion took cover in a drainage ditch 100 paces in front of the village. When the French columns marched toward this village the jägers rose up and delivered a volley at close range. In 1813 at Dresden the Austrians used skirmishers in an interesting way; the 'Erzherzog' Rainier Infantry Regiment sent skirmishers forward and between flankers (horse skirmishers) drawn from a hussar regiment !
Border Troops - The Grenzers.
The Grenzers came from military frontier between Austria and Turkey settled by Christian refugees. During peacetime the Grenzers spent 7 months of every year guarding the frontier. They were raised as militia but were considered by army officials as something between light and line infantry. The Grenzers were given training in marksmanship and skirmishing and basics of linear tactics. When attempts were made to train the Grenzer as line infantry they turned out to be not as good in this role as the regular regiments.
There were 17-18 Grenzer regiments each of two or three battalions. During wartime one battalion of every regiment was left to guard the border with Turkey. The other battalion or two joined the regular army and were part of advance guards.
The Grenzers lacked weapons, uniforms and discipline. But despite the shortcomings the Grenzer battalions performed well in combat (for example at Malgaboreth, Eggmuhl, Wagram and others). According to many experts, including Christoipher Duffy, they were "the most enthusiastic troops" of the Austrian army. When many Austrian regulars fled at Austerlitz the Grenzers fought hard and lost 66 % !
During retreat after Marengo (1800) when all order broke, two battalions of Grenzers (Warasdin-Kreuz and Ottocac) fended off all attacks and allowed the grenadier battalions to march to the Bormida. Together with the grenadiers they fought one of the last rearguard actions at Marengo.
The French had good opinion about the Grenzers and considered them as the only ones looking warlike in the entire Austrian army. Napoleon had no hesitation in using these wild men. (After the defeat in 1809 Austria ceded some territories and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th Grenzer Regiment went into French service. They served for Napoleon
Organization of Infantry.
In 1805 the Austrian army totaled 305 line, 3 jager and 51 Grenzer battalions. There was also an additional 10 garrison and 61 reserve battalions, 12 battalions of Tyrolean militia and 12 volunteer jager or free battalions.
The distribution of these forces was as follow:
Army of Italy (Archduke Charles) - 171 battalions
Army of Germany (Archduke Ferdinand) - 88 battalions
Army of Tyrolia (Archduke John) - 65 battalions
Garrisons/Interior - 45 * battalions
(* includes the 5th and 6th Infantry Regiment , each of 5 battalions, and designated as garrisons.)
(Goetz - "1805: Austerlitz" pp 35-36)
In March 1809 Austria had 46 'German' and 15 'Hungarian' infantry regiments. The grenadiers were detached and formed in 21 grenadier battalions.
In 1812-1813 were 52 infantry regiments. The grenadiers were detached and formed in 19 grenadier battalions.
Austria also had one infantry regiment (of 10 independent coys) for the guard and escort of staffs. These troops were called Staff Infantry. The 5th and 6th Regiment were disbanded in 1807 and served as garrisons.
Austrian battalion was probably the biggest battalion in Europe. It consisted of approx. 1.200 men, while the French battalion was 840 men strong.
After 1808 each Austrian battalion carried 1 flag.
After defeat in 1809 the 3rd battalions were disbanded, all companies were reduced to 60 privates in 'German' and 100 in 'Hungarian' infantry. Austria also lost recruiting areas and 6 regiments recruited of Wallons were moved to Bohemia. When in 1814 some territories were recovered (parts of Northern Italy) new regiments were formed (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Provisional Infantry Regiment and four battalions of light infantry). The provisional regiments became regular units and were numbered: 13th, 23rd, 38th and 43rd. The four battalions of light infantry formed the new 45th Infantry Regiment.
Uniforms of Infantry.
All line infantry wore white jackets (in fact they were off-white or light grey). The jacket was single breasted and closed to the waist. The Austrian jacket was that one copied by the British infantry at the turn of the century.
The 'German' infantrymen wore white trousers and short black gaiters. The 'Hungarian' wore light blue and tight trousers with yellow-corn braids. No gaiters. During cold day the infantry wore white, light brown or light grey greatcoats.
In 1806 shako was introduced but only part of infantry wore it. The 'German' infantry fought the campaign in 1809 wearing this headwear. The Austrian shako was made of cloth or cloth on leather and was 20.5 cm high. After 1810 new shako was used, it was made of felt. The grenadiers retained the fur caps with metal plate at its front. The fur cap was 30 cm high at the front and 12.5 cm at the rear.
In 1805 grenadier battalion of 4 companies had half of their men (2 companies) wearing the fur-caps and other half (2 companies) wearing the helmets of line infantry. Those with fur-caps were the 'old grenadiers' and those with helmets were 'young grenadiers'. During service the grenadiers protected their fur-caps with covers.
The Siebenburgen Grenzer Regiments in cold weather wore a fur kolpak 26 cm high, in summer they wore shakos.
The troops wore brown, grey or brown-grey greatcoats. On collar instead of a button was grenade.
The uniforms of Austrian Jägers were imitated in several European armies. Tests conducted by Hamilton Smith in 1800 suggested that the least-noticeable color and thus best suited for skirmishers was the light iron-grey (slightly blueish) used by the Austrian jägers. The jägers also wore grey breeches and black gaiters. During campaign they wore loose white or light grey trousers (as depicted on p. 168 in Nafziger's "Napoleon's Dresden Campaign").
The Grenzers sported skin-tight, much braided, bright blue breeches.
White coats were worn in 10 regiments: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th.
Brown coats were worn in 7 regiments: 2nd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th.
In 1808 all regiments were ordered to wear shakos, brown coats and light blue breeches .
Weapons.
Each soldier of 'German' and Grenzer regiment carried a musket (+ 60 rounds of ammunition), triangular bayonet and "Fusilier saber" (43-cm long blade). Each soldier of 'Hungarian' regiment and Grenadier battalions carried a musket (+ 60 rounds of ammunition), triangular bayonet and "Grenadier saber" (63-cm long blade).
Firearms of infantry :
- Infantry musket Infanteriegewehr M 1798 - 150.6 cm long and 4.2 kg heavy
- Infantry musket Infanteriegewehr M 1807 - 150 cm long and 4.6 kg heavy
- Carbine for Jägers M 1807 - 123 cm long and 3.55 kg heavy
- Rifle for Jägers M 1807 - 105 cm long and 3.55 kg heavy
B. Girandoni introduced a repeating air rifle Repetierwindbusche M 1780 with 20-shot magazine ! This weapon was used by Jägers until 1800 and then withdrawn due to technical problems.
Until 1808 the sharpshooters in Grenzer regiments were armed with rifles and with the unusually short double-barrelled over-and-under weapon. It was heavier weapon than musket and was carried in a large bag. In that year it was replaced by new pattern rifle and carbine.
Tactics and Deployment.
The Austrian infantry used the typical formations used by all other European armies: lines, columns, squares and skirmishers.
Lines, Columns and Squares.
The 3-rank deep line was considered as the best formation for infantry. The tallest men stood in the first rank, the shortest in 2nd and the ablest in 3rd, each man's elbows touching his neighbours. The distance between ranks was one pace. The regulations introduced in 1805 abolished the practice of kneeling the 1st rank of infantry while firing. Archduke Charles instructed that musketry was to cease when the enemy was within 50 paces - it was in contrast to several other European armies who insisted on breaking the enemy by delivering a devastating volley at very close range.
Archduke Charles considered the 3-rank deep line as the best formation for attack and defence although attack columns were used when needed (for example in 1809 at Wagram.) Schwarzenberg preferred columns and masses. During attack they were screened by skirmishers, during defence the columns or masses stood in checker board formation. The Austrian infantry moved in various speeds: 90-105-120 steps per minute, depending on the situation, terrain and need.
Against cavalry the infantry was formed in battalion-mass as the square on 3-ranks deep was considered not strong enough. The battalion-mass was a closely packed column, one company wide and six companies deep. The mass could manoeuvre, if slowly, either in closed or open order. At Aspern-Essling and at Wagram the battalion-masses withstood repeated charges of Napoleon's heavy cavalry. But these very deep formations were very vulnerable to artillery fire. Another anti-cavalry formation was so-called division-mass. Two companies broke into 4 half-companies, aligned themselves behind the other, and closed their ranks up to about 3 feet between the half-companies.
When caught in the open and under heavy artillery fire the Austrians would lay down instead of standing. It greatly lowered their casualties. One of such actions is described by officer Carl Varnhagen von Ense and his 47th Regiment at Wagram. [Source: "Die Schlacht von Wagram."] Such trick was however impossible if the French had a lot of aggressive cavalry.
Skirmishers.
The quality of Austrian skirmishers varied but generally was below the average French skirmisher. In 1800 Chief-of-Staff General Zach isued instructions opposed the use of swarms of skirmishers, especially in attack. General Radetzky wrote that "too much drill" was the cause of poorer combat effectiveness of the Austrian skirmishers. He also added that Austrian generals "don't understand this kind of fighting." In 1810 was issued "Instruction for Skirmishers."
The bulk of skirmishers were men drawn from 3rd rank of battalion. The first being sent forward were those taken from both flank companies of battalion. Then, if necessary, went the skirmishers from other companies. The skirmishers were tightly controlled by officers and NCOs and operated with 6 paces intervals 300 paces of their parent battalion. It was estimated that 60-80 skirmishers were sufficient to support a battalion.
The larger bodies of light infantry were never deployed entirely in skirmish line until 1813. For example in 1813 at Leipzig the Austrian skirmishers covered the fields between Lauer and Leipzig. "Everywhere, on the roads, on the banks of Pleisse and Elster, was a huge skirmish line." "On the southern portion of the western edge of the Lamboy Woods the 2 battalions of Szekler Grenzer Regiment deployed in skirmish order. Soon they were heavily engaged with French skirmishers." (Nafziger in "Napoleon at Leipzig").
The light troops used terrain, trees and houses as a cover. In 1809 at Wagram entire jäger battalion took cover in a drainage ditch 100 paces in front of the village. When the French columns marched toward this village the jägers rose up and delivered a volley at close range. In 1813 at Dresden the Austrians used skirmishers in an interesting way; the 'Erzherzog' Rainier Infantry Regiment sent skirmishers forward and between flankers (horse skirmishers) drawn from a hussar regiment !
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Grenadiers - The Elite of Infantry.
On picture: Austrian grenadiers by Rava were the elite of line infantry. They were distinguished by stature and large mustache. Requirements for grenadier were: valor and marksmanship, at least 5 years' service and one campaign. They were taller than the rest of infantry (by the way, the minimum height for Austrian infantryman was 165 cm, and Archduke Charles was only 153 cm tall). Soldiers of the 3rd rank had the greatest chance to become grenadiers - they were used as skirmishers and therefore frequently mastered their schooting skills and hardened their morale.
So the best men were selected from the 3rd rankers of all 12 companies of each infantry regiment and formed into 2 grenadier companies. The grenadier companies were detached from their parent regiments grouped into grenadier battalions.
In 1805 two companies of grenadiers in every battalion were called Alt-Grenadieren (Old Grenadiers) and wore fur-caps, and two companies were Jung-Grenadieren (Young Grenadiers) and wore infantry headwears.
In 1809 were:
19 grenadier btns. of 6 companies each, and 2 btns. of 4 companies each.
In 1813 were:
15 grenadier btns. of 6 companies each, and 6 btns. of 4 companies each.
The grenadier battalions were formed in 1-3 divisions. In 1809 at Wagram were two grenadier divisions (each of 8 battalions and 2 batteries). The divisions were commanded by generals d'Aspre and Prochaska. In 1813 at Leipzig the single grenadier division (8 battalions and 2 batteries) was under Feldmarschal-leutenant Graf Weissenwolf.
The Hungarian grenadiers were considered as being good fighters and is not surprising that they gripped the enemy imagination. Often a defeated party of Austrian infantry was likely to be reported as battalions of those mustachioed Hungarians. For example in the official report after the battle of Engen (May 1800) the French claimed to have pushed 8 battalions of the Hungarians out of a wood, although there was none. General Kellerman claimed to have captured 6.000 Hungarian grenadiers at Marengo when he captured none.
In 1800 near Fontanone several grenadier btns under Latterman advanced against Rivaud's French infantry. Neither side wavered and at 30-50 paces a "ferocious close-range firefight developed". In 1809 at Aspern-Essling Napoleon ordered Young Guard to recapture Essling. The Guard Tirailleurs "stopped the advance of Austrian grenadiers" but their own impetus was also stalled. Napoleon supported the tirailleurs with Guard Fusiliers. Together they pushed the grenadiers out of village. The Guard however paid a heavy price, all their generals were wounded, Mouton, Gros and Curial. Approx. 25 % of rank and file were either killed or wounded. Such casualties had been enough to fill all their ambulances. Napoleon's guardsmen were so enraged at their losses that they bayoneted the wounded grenadiers and those who surrendered.
In 1807 was issued order forbiding grenadiers to fight as skirmishers. I don't know how long this order was obeyed.