Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry


The Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry, also known as German Legion or New York Corps of Light Infantry, was an infantry battalion from New York City that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was formed in April 1862; originally as Enfants Perdu Regiment but was immediately downgraded to a battalion as it couldn't muster enough companies. The unit served in the Carolinas for the duration of its existence. It was disbanded in January 1864; the men being transferred to the 47th and 48th infantry regiments and to the 1st Engineer Regiment.

Organisation

The battalion initially fielded only 6 companies, thus not serving as regiment, and stayed a battalion despite mustering additional companies over time in 1862 and 1863.
During its service the battalion lost 9 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 52 enlisted men by disease, for a total of 61 men.