“Geschichte des 1. Kurhessischen Infanterie-Regiments Nr. 81 vom Jahre 1866 bis zum Jahre 1888” by Curt Freiherr Loeffelholz von Colberg (1903) is a regimental history of the former Kurhessian infantry formation after its integration into the Prussian Army following the annexation of the Electorate of Hesse in 1866.
The study begins with the dissolution of the independent military system of the Electorate of Hesse after the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the incorporation of its units into the Prussian military structure. The regiment designated as the 1st Kurhessian Infantry Regiment No. 81 is presented as a continuation of earlier Hessian military traditions within a reorganized imperial framework.
A central focus is the transformation of the regiment’s institutional identity between 1866 and 1888, including changes in command structure, training standards, and operational doctrine under Prussian regulation. The work details garrison assignments, peacetime training cycles, and participation in broader Prussian military reforms during the consolidation of the North German Confederation and later the German Empire.
The narrative also situates the regiment within the longer continuity of Hessian military history, implicitly tracing its institutional ancestry back through 18th-century formations that had previously served in European coalition wars, including the American Revolutionary War, when Hessian troops were deployed abroad under British subsidy arrangements.
Loeffelholz von Colberg’s work follows the typical structure of late 19th- and early 20th-century German regimental histories, combining chronological service records with officer lists, campaign references, and descriptions of uniforms, honors, and traditions. It emphasizes institutional continuity while documenting the administrative and cultural integration of Hessian units into the Prussian system.
(Translated extract for pages 16–21)
The Kurfürst Regiment
December 5, 1813 – outbreak of war in 1866
The new regiment was organized into two musketeer battalions, one fusilier battalion, and two grenadier companies. Each battalion consisted of four companies. The two grenadier companies, together with those of the “Kurprinz” regiment, formed a special Grenadier Battalion “von Haller.”
At Frankfurt am Main, Elector Wilhelm I concluded a treaty with the allied monarchs for Germany’s independence, committing Hesse to provide 24,000 men to the common cause. These forces formed part of the allied armies as the IV German Army Corps, placed under the personal command of the Kurprinz Wilhelm.
The “Elector” regiment, alongside the “Kurprinz” regiment, was among the first Hessian units to leave its homeland, departing on January 20, 1814, and marching across the Rhine into France. Its mission, along with other Hessian troops, was to participate in the blockade of the fortresses Metz, Thionville, Luxembourg, and Saarlouis.
On February 11, 1814, the regiment took part in the siege of Luxembourg, where heavy fighting occurred near Liebenbrunn. The 1st Company of the Fusilier Battalion—composed entirely of soldiers from Upper Hesse—distinguished itself when, having exhausted its ammunition, it repelled advancing French forces with the bayonet. In a special order issued by General von Dörnberg, the company was recognized for renewing the proud reputation of the old Hessian troops.
The regiment also distinguished itself before Diedenhofen and at the Battle of Manquenon on February 26, where the Grenadier Battalion “von Haller” successfully repelled an enemy sortie, took numerous prisoners, and captured a cannon. At the Battle of Ladonchamps near Metz on April 10, the regiment again upheld its traditions with courage and discipline.
When Napoleon returned from Elba in 1815, a Hessian corps of 12,000 men was immediately mobilized, including this regiment. It formed part of the North German Army Corps under Prussian General von Kleist. Lieutenant General Engelhardt commanded the Hessian contingent. The regiment crossed the Rhine on May 11 after assembling on April 5.
The corps initially advanced toward Luxembourg and Aachen before being ordered to occupy the Meuse fortresses. The regiment participated in the blockade and capture of Sedan (June 27), the storming of Charleville (June 29), the action at Mohon (July 25), and fighting at Saint-Julien on the Meuse (August 3–7). These operations culminated in the capture of Mézières, one of the strongest French fortresses, which had previously resisted all enemy armies. The regiment also took part in the sieges of Givet and Montmédy.
On February 27, 1821, Elector Wilhelm I, long-time honorary colonel of the regiment, passed away. His son succeeded him as Elector Wilhelm II.
In 1816, two companies of the Fusilier Battalion were transferred out, while the remaining two were merged with companies of the “Kurprinz” regiment to form a new Fusilier Battalion. In 1817, this was reorganized as the “I. Fusilier Landwehr Regiment.”
On May 1 of the same year, the regiment was renamed the “I. Line Infantry Regiment.” Further organizational changes followed in 1821, when it was structured into three battalions: two musketeer battalions and one fusilier battalion, each consisting of four companies. The Grenadier Battalion “von Haller,” formed from companies of the “Elector” and “Kurprinz” regiments, became the 1st Battalion; the former 1st Battalion became the 2nd Battalion; and the former 2nd Battalion became the Fusilier Battalion.
The regiment also absorbed two companies from the former “I. Fusilier Landwehr Regiment,” which were assigned to the fusilier battalion.
The 1st Battalion, originating from the Grenadier Battalion “von Haller,” inherited the distinguished traditions of earlier grenadier formations. These troops had earned lasting distinction in battles such as Bergen, Sababurg, and Dorsten during the Seven Years’ War, and at Flatbush, White Plains, Red Bank, and Charleston during the American campaign. They again saw combat in 1814 and 1815.
In 1824, the regiment received the title “I. Line Infantry Regiment Kurprinz,” and Hereditary Prince Frederick William was appointed its colonel-in-chief. After assuming co-regency on September 30, 1831, he designated the unit as his personal regiment. In 1832, following army reductions, it was reorganized into two battalions, with the fusilier battalion detached as a rifle battalion.
In 1835, the regiment was renamed the “I. Infantry Regiment (Leib-Regiment).” Following the death of Elector Wilhelm II, his successor Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I, who had been its colonel for 23 years, granted the regiment the title “I. Infantry Regiment (Elector)” on November 20, 1847. This name remained until September 17, 1866.
In April 1848, during unrest in the Grand Duchy of Baden, a Hessian corps was deployed, including the regiment’s 1st Battalion. The uprising was quickly suppressed with the capture of Freiburg, after which the battalion returned home. It was again deployed in August as part of a Hessian corps, advancing toward Mannheim and briefly occupying Frankfurt before returning to garrison.
In 1849, the regiment was reinforced by a Landwehr battalion, which was dissolved again in 1854, with its personnel redistributed to the remaining battalions.
During the war against Denmark in 1849, the 2nd Battalion was deployed on April 16 as reinforcements for the Hessian corps already operating in Holstein. The Kurhessian brigade advanced into Jutland, while the battalion remained in Horsens to maintain communication with reserve forces in the Sundewitt area. It later advanced toward Skanderborg and supported operations along the left flank. After the Battle of Fredericia, scattered Hessian units were reunited and directed against Fredericia. Following the July armistice, the battalion returned home with the rest of the corps.
On February 17, 1855, by order of the German Confederation, parts of the Kurhessian army—including this regiment—were placed on war readiness. This status was lifted on June 8, 1856. Similar mobilizations occurred again in 1859, when 6,677 Kurhessian soldiers were placed on alert and later demobilized.
In 1863, the needle gun (Zündnadelgewehr) was introduced into the Kurhessian Army Corps.
