Interesting Works on Hessen Kassel Miliary

 

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Preussisches Militär: Die Soldaten Friedrich's des Grossen

 

The Soldiers Friedrich's des Grossen

Lange, Eduard

Leipzig, [1853]

Hesse’s Role in the Seven Years' War: Strategic Insights & Military Tactics

This comprehensive three-volume set provides an in-depth historical account of the military strategies and tactics employed during the Seven Years' War in the regions of Hanover, Hesse, and Westphalia. Spanning from 1757 to 1763, the series offers detailed analyses of key battles, troop movements, and strategic decisions that shaped the conflict. Special emphasis is placed on Hesse's role, detailing its military contributions, defensive strategies, and pivotal engagements. It explores the coordination between allied forces, defensive maneuvers, and offensive campaigns, highlighting Hesse's crucial influence in the broader theater of war. An essential read for military historians and enthusiasts, this work captures the complexity and significance of one of Europe's pivotal conflicts.

 (Volume Series 1 of 3)

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 (Volume Series 2 of 3)

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 (Volume Series 3 of 3)

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Marching Through History: The Hessians in the Campaigns of 1793, 1794, and 1795 in Flanders, Brabant, Holland, and Westphalia.

 

This book is a comprehensive exploration of the role played by Hessian troops during the tumultuous years of the French Revolutionary Wars. Authored by an expert historian, the book offers a meticulously researched account of the Hessian military involvement in key campaigns across Europe during this period. One of the notable strengths of this book is its detailed analysis of the strategic decisions, battles, and the broader geopolitical landscape that shaped the actions of Hessian forces. Readers gain insight into the motivations behind the Hessian participation in these conflicts, shedding light on both the political and military considerations that influenced their engagements. Furthermore, the author provides a nuanced portrayal of the Hessian soldiers themselves, delving into their training, tactics, and experiences on the battlefield. Through firsthand accounts and archival sources, the book brings to life the challenges faced by these soldiers as they navigated the complexities of war in foreign lands. 

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Shadows of Victory: Unveiling the Hidden Details of the Allies' 1814 Campaign in France

 

"Shadows of Victory: Unveiling the Hidden Details of the Allies' 1814 Campaign in France." is a compelling exploration of the significant role played by the Electorate of Hesse (Kurhessen) during the military campaign of 1814, a pivotal moment in European history marked by the Napoleonic Wars. This meticulously researched and insightful book offers readers a comprehensive journey into the heart of this campaign, shedding light on the remarkable contributions and experiences of Hessian forces.

The narrative unfolds as a captivating story of valor, strategy, and resilience. Through meticulous analysis, readers gain a deep understanding of how Hessian troops engaged in battles, skirmishes, and military operations alongside their Allied counterparts. The book paints vivid portraits of Hessian generals and officers, highlighting their leadership and the pivotal roles they played in shaping the course of events.

In addition to its military focus, the book provides a broader context by delving into the political landscape of Kurhessen during this era. Readers will uncover the intricate web of alliances, negotiations, and diplomatic maneuvers that influenced the decisions and actions of Hessian forces.

Moreover, "Shadows  of  Victory" carefully examines the impact of the 1814 campaign on Kurhessen and its enduring legacy. It offers a fresh perspective on how this historical period shaped the region's history, leaving an indelible mark on its identity and future.

Enhanced by maps, illustrations, and a wealth of historical detail, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the role of Kurhessen in the Napoleonic Wars. It combines meticulous scholarship with engaging storytelling, making it an illuminating and captivating read for history enthusiasts and scholars alike.

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Through Fire and Frost: A Westphalian Staff Officer in the 1812 Russian Campaign

 

In this compelling historical account, a Westphalian staff officer recounts his experiences during the 1812 campaign in Russia. He followed a routine of documenting daily observations and events, which were initially sent to his family in the form of letters. After returning from the war, he found all these letters intact and took the opportunity during peacetime to organize them. Despite their sometimes hasty and pencil-written nature, he transcribed them for readability.

His war companions encouraged him to publish these letters, particularly because they offer a unique perspective on the involvement of the Westphalian Army Corps (the 8th in the Grand Army) in the campaign. The author highlights inaccuracies and misunderstandings in existing accounts of the campaign, which often fail to adequately represent crucial facts influencing the outcomes of operations, battles, and skirmishes.

The letters remain largely unaltered, with only personal matters omitted, preserving the immediacy and authenticity of a diary. Readers can judge the author's perception of daily experiences, the morale of troops and leaders, and the immense challenges in maintaining combat readiness. The author emphasizes how these factors, more than the enemy or harsh weather, contributed to the destruction of the French-allied army in Russia.

The book offers candid insights and occasional misconceptions, which are natural given the circumstances. The author corrects these with annotations, referencing well-known authors on the war, and shares his own views where they differ. Additionally, he provides insights into the internal workings and organization of the Westphalian army, as well as events involving Westphalian troops before and after the 1812 campaign.

The author, with his unique perspective, offers a narrative filled with political reasoning, operational plans, and personal views, creating a vivid and authentic portrayal of a war unparalleled in the history of the civilized world.  Includes 48 Westphalia Army Uniform Plates of Herbert Knötel.

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Uniformen der Hessischen

German Revolutionary War Era Uniform Watercolors by Herbert Knötel Jr.

 

German Revolutionary War Era Uniform Watercolors by Herbert Knötel Jr.

Londahl-Smidt, Donald M. Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. 2015, Vol. 18, p42-48. 7p. Historical Period: 1775 to 1783. Abstract: The article offers information on 20th century German military artist Herbert Knötel Jr.'s watercolor paintings of the uniforms of various German troops during the American Revolution, commissioned by historians such as Albert W. Haarmann. (AN: 109522263)

Knötel, Uniformenkunde BAND 1-18

German and British Accounts of the Assault on Fort Mercer at Redbank, NJ in October 1777

 

German and British Accounts of the Assault on Fort Mercer at Redbank, NJ in October 1777

Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. 2013, Vol. 16, p1-33. 33p. Historical Period: 1777. Abstract: The article presents accounts from German and British officers who experienced the Hessian assault against Fort Mercer on the Delaware River in Red Bank, New Jersey on October 22, 1777. The assault has been regarded by German and British officers as the worst defeat they suffered during their service in the U.S. during the Revolutionary War. Translations of diary extracts, letters, and reports written by those officers are provided. (AN: 91969015)

THE JOURNAL AND LETTERS OF STAFF CAPTAIN CARL LUDWIG, FREIHERR VON DÖRNBERG, 1779 – 1781

 

HESSICHE STAATSARCHIV MARBURG DIARY OF CAPTAIN VON DOERNBERG, 1779-1781, BESTAND 340, NR. H67

Abstract:

Karl Ludwig Freiherr von Doernberg (1749-1819) was commissioned a staff captain in the Hessen-Cassel infantry in November 1778, and he served in America from 1779-1782. Although not assigned to a specific unit, Doernberg served in the grenadier company of the 2d Battalion of the Guards Regiment in the Grenadier Battalion von Linsing. He later acted as an aide-de-camp to Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen and returned to Hessen with him. This diary covers 1779 and 1780. Parts of the 1779 have been transcribed, translated and published in the below articles.

• Selig, Robert A., translator, and Donald M. Londahl-Smidt, annotator. “Extracts from the Diary and Letters of Staff Captain Karl Ludwig, Freiherr von Doernberg, 1779-1781: Part 1 – Germany to Portsmouth, March 28-May 30, 1779.” The Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. 11 (2008): 91-97.
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• Störkel, Arno., translator, and Donald M. Londahl-Smidt, annotator. “The Journal and Letters of Staff Captain Carl Ludwig, Freiherr von Dörnberg, 1779-1781: Part 1 – Hessen to Cork, Ireland, March 28-July 3, 1779.” The Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. 18 (2015): 8-29.
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• Störkel, Arno., translator, and Donald M. Londahl-Smidt, annotator. “The Journal and Letters of Staff Captain Carl Ludwig, Freiherr von Dörnberg, 1779-1781: Part 2 – Cork, Ireland to New York, July 4, 1779-September 22, 1779.” The Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. 23 (2021): 67-75.
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• Störkel, Arno., translator, and Donald M. Londahl-Smidt, annotator. “The Journal and Letters of Staff Captain Carl Ludwig, Freiherr von Dörnberg, 1779-1781: Part 3 – New York, September 23-October 22, 1779.” The Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. 24 (2021): 37-42.

Images from Microfilm

340 v.Doernberg Nr.H 67 - 209 Seiten.pdf, Johannes Schwalm Historical Association