The German Battalion 1776

  All too often when we research the history of our miniature regiments they are tales of heroic endeavors.    I am happy to state that this time, for this regiment that is not true.  The German Regiment was one of the worse regiments of the Continental army.  Described as "weak and imperfect" the battalion had disgraced itself in battle and  mutinied twice before being disbanded in 1780.  These were not the fault of its rank and file soldiers, but of its officer corp.

  When the British army, due to man power shortages hired German mercenaries the American colonies were outraged.  In retaliation a regiment of native born Germans was raised.  Recruited in Maryland and Pennsylvania the German Regiment was authorized in May 1776 as an additional Continental regiment.  Nicholas Haussegger was appointed as its first colonel and George Stricker it's Lt. Colonel.  Both men were at the center of the regiments first problems.

 While in barracks in Philadelphia in September 1776 lt. Col. Stricker ordered half rations for the men of the regiment who were not assigned to work details.  When men on the parade ground voiced displeasure Stricker called out armed soldiers and threatened to have the fire on the so called mutineers.  This did not change the situation and tempers simmered.

  Along with the 1st Continental line regiment (rifles) the German regiment was part of General Matthias Alexis Roche de Fermoy's brigade in late 1776.  They took part in the first Battle of Trenton.  Near the end of the battle the men of the regiment were heard to call out to the Hessians to surrender in german. 

  On New Years day Fermoy was sent to delay the advancing British.  His command was made up of his brigade ( German regiment and 1st Continental), Scott's Virginia brigade and two six pound guns.  After stopping the advance guard,  Cornwallis brought up heavy reinforcements the next day.  Fermoy, possibly under the influence of alcohol deserted his command.  In addition Haussegger and a number of his men contrived to get himself captured.  The regiment was said to have "disgraced itself." While a prisoner of the British Haussegger turned traitor and went over to the British side.

  During 1777 and 1778 the German regiment fought with the 1st Virginia brigade.  They served at Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth.  In 1779 they saw service under John Sullivan in his expedition against the Iroquois.  During that year the regiment mutinied again.  This time about what it considered unfair enlistments.  Transferred out of the expedition, the regiment was disbanded in January 1780.

  For additional information I would recommend this outstanding article by Jack Weaver;

"Weak and Imperfect:” The German Regiment of the Continental Army
https://kabinettskriege.blogspot.com/2017/09/weak-and-imperfect-german-regiment-of.html

  Uniform wise there is very little documentation.  Nothing for 1776 is known.  Because of this I have  fielded them in hunting shirts.  A common and inexpensive uniform option. Besides, The new Old Glory miniatures Figured in hunting shirt looks very nice.