Böhnens Fribataljon

Hierarchical Path: Seven Years' War (Main Page) >> Armies >> Swedish Army >> Böhnens Fribataljon

Origin and History

On April 30 1758, von Böhnen was authorised to raise a “free battalion” from foreign deserters at Danzig. The unit consisted of 4 companies of 75 men each. During the winter of 1758-59, the battalion was increased to 8 companies for a total of 600 men.

During the Seven Years' War, the regiment was commanded by:

• since April 30 1758: Johan von Böhnen

Service during the War

In 1758, the battalion took part to the campaign in Pomerania against the Prussians. On September 15, it was escorting the baggage train of the Swedish army when it fell into an ambush prepared by a small Prussian force in the forest between Boitzenburg and Lychen. It lost about 80 men in a few minutes but was timely relieved by the Älvsborgs Infantry Regiment.

Uniform

Privates

Not much information is available on the uniform of this unit.

Uniform Details

Headgear	n/a
Neckstock	red
Coat	blue Collar n/a Shoulder Straps n/a Lapels n/a Pockets n/a Cuffs yellow Turnbacks yellow
Waistcoat	n/a
Breeches	white
Gaiters	none'
Leather Equipment	Crossbelt n/a Waistbelt n/a Cartridge Box n/a Bayonet Scabbard none Scabbard n/a Footgear short boots

Officers

n/a

Musicians

n/a

Colours

The unit probably did not carry any colour.

References

Großer Generalstab, Die Kriege Friedrichs des Großen - Dritter Teil: Der Siebenjährige Krieg 1756–1763. Vol. 6 Leuthen, Kriegsgeschichtliche Abteilung II (Publisher), Berlin 1904, pp.92-107, Annex pp. 11-16

Schirmer, Friedrich, Die Heere der kriegführenden Staaten 1756-1763, published by KLIO-Landesgruppe Baden-Württemberg, Neuauflage 1989

N.B.: the section Service during the War is mostly derived from our articles depicting the various campaigns, battles and sieges.