Famous 18th Century Regiments

[lars573]

In Prussia about the time of the 1st Silesian War and later each regiment had a number but was commonly named after the Oberst (colonel and chief) which of course lead to some problems with identification. I thought that was the same in England in the 18th c. and the numbers were used later, but I seem to be wrong. The regiments wore distinct uniforms, blue coats but trousers of different colours and of course different appliques on the uniform. Recruitment was based on a special district for each regiment.

In the early 18th century the British did use a number and colonels name scheme, for some regiments. Others didn't, they had a unique name and a number. Look up an order of battle for the Battle of Culloden and you'll see these two methods used side by side.

Prussian infantry regiments normaly had 2 battalions of about 800 each in 6 companies. The tactical unit for infantry was never the regiment or company but always the battalion. I hope in E:TW a single unit will resemble a battalion of infantry and a regiment of cavalry (about 780 men) and not a company or squadron. Otherwise the armies will be a bit ridiculously small. Maybe in the colonies smaller units sometimes were used but at least in the bigger fights also there the battalion was the tactical unit, f.e. at the Monongahela or at Fort Carillon.

Your hopes are in vain. Go to the screenshot thread and gaze upon a Spainish army that has 120 man infantry units, 18 man artillery units, and 60 man cavalry/skirmisher units.