Régiment Royal-Allemand


The Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie was a regiment in the French Royal army, composed of German-speakers. In 1791 it became the "15e régiment de cavalerie", and in 1792 it was disbanded.

Early history

Between its establishment under Louis XIV in 1672 and 1760, the Royal-Allemande saw extensive active service in Flanders and various German states.

Role in French Revolution

While the Royal-Allemand was mainly recruited within the borders of France, its German speaking troopers proved willing to act against the Paris population when ordered. On 12 July 1789, a squadron of the regiment, under the command of Charles Eugene, charged a crowd of demonstrators in the Tuileries Garden killing one and injuring others. A detachment of the French Guards, who formed the permanent garrison of Paris and had strong local ties, then fired on the cavalrymen of the Royal-Allemand. The regiment was subsequently withdrawn from Paris and returned to its frontier garrison. While desertions from both French and foreign regiments were running at a high rate during the revolutionary disorders of 1789, the Royal-Allemand lost only three men during this period. In part this appears to have because of the widespread hostility that developed towards this unit following its clashes with civilians in Paris on 12 July.

Disbandment

General Jabłonowski served as Lieutenant in the regiment before losing his commission after failing to return from leave.

Uniforms