"In general, with some exceptions I am not satisfied with the conduct of the infantry. The officers had not done their best to keep order and 'shouting was so general that commanders could not be heard'. In the future, the colonels should either keep their regiments quiet or they would be cashiered, the officers dismissed ..." - Archduke Charles after the Battle of Wagram in Rothenberg's "The Emperor's Last Victory" p 217 Austrian Line Infantry. "The great confusion of nationalities is a serious evil. " On picture: photo of Austrian fusilier wearing the early helmet instead of shako. He is armed with musket and bayonet, and wears helmet instead of shako. "The great confusion of nationalities is a serious evil. In the British army, every man can at least speak English, but with the Austrians, even the NCOs of the non-German regiments can scarcely speak German. This creates, of course, a deal of confusion, difficulty, and interpreting, even between the officer and the soldier. It is partly remedied by the necessity in which frequent change of quarters places the officers of learning at least something of every language spoken in Austria. But yet, the inconvenience is not obviated... The infantry, and in this respect it is similar to the English, is more distinguished by its action in masses, than by its agility in light infantry service. We must, however, except the frontier troops (Grenzers) and the jagers. The first are; for the most part, very efficient in skirmishing, especially the Serbians, whose favorite warfare is one of ambuscades. The jagers are mainly Tyrolians, and first-rate marksmen. But the German and Hungarian infantry generally impose by their solidity, and ... have more than once received cavalry, in line, without deigning to form square, and wherever they have formed squares, the enemy's cavalry could seldom break them up - witness Aspern." ("The Armies of Europe" in Putnam's Monthly, No. XXXII, published in 1855) Austrian infantry was divided into two groups; 'German' and 'Hungarian' regiments. The 'Hungarian' regiments were renowned for their fierce fighting spirit, and their grenadiers were best of them. "The Hungarians counted as one of the 'hot' nations of Europe, along with the emotional English and Italians ... The Hungarian infantrymen were at their best when they were in the immediate presence of the enemy, which encouraged Armfeldt to describe them as among the best of Maria Theresa's foot soldiers. The difficulty was not to get them to fight, but to enlist in the first place... they were convinced that they were unsuitable for dismounted service." (Duffy - "Instrument of War" Vol I, p 237) The 'German' regiments were the best trained and disciplned part of the infantry. "German sense of duty caused them to rally after lost battle to fight again." The so-called 'German regiments' included: 11 regiments of Austrians 23 regiments of Czechs (Bohemians and Moravians) 5-6 regiments of Wallons 2 regiments of Croats 2 regiments of Tyroleans (46th and 64th, in 46th the Tyroleans consisted only half) 1-2 regiments of Italians In 1805 10 regiments (9th, 20th, 24th, 30th, 38th, 41st, 44th, 55th, 58th, 63rd) were recruited of Galician Poles and Ukrainians. The Poles had low morale and often deserted to the French or Polish troops fighting for Napoleon. All these units were dressed like 'German' infantry. The 'Hungarian regiments' included: 11-12 regiments of Hungarians (and Transilvanians, Vlad the Impaler's countryfolks ;=) Perhaps the most important of the reforms carried out by Archduke Charles was the new Dienst-Reglemet. It aimed to humanize discipline and raise troop morale by better treatment. It sharply condemned brutality. The introduction of the code was accompanied by a shortened term or conscription. (Rothenberg - "The Emperor's Last Victory" p 46) The enlistments were 6 years for infantrymen and 10 for cavalrymen. According to John Stallaert "Training was inconsistent; whereas the regulars were well-disciplined, numbers of untrained men were often present in units enlarged to wartime establishment, and the usual parsimony hindered practice. For example, in 1805 Archduke Ferdinand reported, "Since many of the newly-arrived troops have still to be trained in musketry, I approve the issue of six live rounds to be fired by every such man"! Though an isolated case, the evidence of an exercise before the Emperor at Minkendorf, in which cavalry and grenadiers actually began to fight each other, leaving 3 dead and 60 wounded, does not reflect well either upon the central command nor upon methods of training ! " The Austrian troops were well supplied and equipped. Every soldier carried a fur-covered leather back-pack called Tornister. There was 1 tent for every 5 men, 1 wagon for each company, 4-6 carts and wagons and 30 packhorses with ammunition (on average 36 rounds for every soldier) for every battalion of 6 companies. Officers were also allowed individual packhorses. The senior officers and generals however brought excessive baggage, numerous carts and horses. It slowed down movements of the army. In 1809 regiment of infantry had 26 packhorses, while Grenzer regiment only 7. The Jäger battalion had 12 and cavalry regiment none. The supplies for infantry regiment were carried on 13 wagons (4 horses each) and 26 pack animals. Strength of Infantry Regimental strengths fluctuated throughout the period, while general organisation remained standard. The infantry comprised of 63 line regiments, numbered in sequence; 18 Grenz infantry regiments from the Balkan border, - to which were added numerous irregular Frei-Corps, generally raised only in wartime to fulfil the light infantry function. In 1805 the Austrian army totaled 305 line, 3 jager and 51 Grenzer battalions. There was also an additional 10 garrison and 61 reserve battalions, 12 battalions of Tyrolean militia and 12 volunteer jager or free battalions. According to Robert Goetz ("1805: Austerlitz" pp 35-36) the distribution of these forces was as follow: . . . . . . . . Army of Italy (Archduke Charles) - 171 battalions . . . . . . . . Army of Germany (Archduke Ferdinand) - 88 battalions . . . . . . . . Army of Tyrolia (Archduke John) - 65 battalions . . . . . . . . Garrisons/Interior - 45 * battalions (* includes the 5th and 6th Reg., each of 5 btns) In March 1809 Austria had 46 'German' and 15 'Hungarian' infantry regiments. The grenadiers were detached and formed in 21 grenadier battalions. In 1812-1813 there were 52 infantry regiments. The grenadiers were detached and formed in 19 grenadier battalions. Austria also had one infantry regiment (of 10 independent coys) for the guard and escort of staffs. These troops were called Staff Infantry. The 5th and 6th Regiment were disbanded in 1807 and served as garrisons. Quality of Austrian infantry As an army the Austrians lost more battles than won. In general the bigger was the tactical unit the greater chance was for the French to win. French army, corps and even division was better trained in large scale maneuvers and had more battle experience than the Austrian army and corps. The individual Austrian line regiments however were reliable and some fought with great tenacity and bravery. The individual Austrian soldier was well trained and far more disciplined than the Frenchman. There is much exagerration about the "poor Austrians". The white-coats enjoyed many successes on regimental level (but less on brigade and divisional levels). Below some examples: At Marengo the Austrian 63rd Infantry Regiment {Wallons} defended Fontanone, took 443 casualties, their colonel was shot 3 times and they still held ground. The 51st Regiment {Romanians} came from mountainous country of Transylvania where in the past ruled the cruel Vlad the Impaler. It was an unit full of brave warriors and was named Legion Infernale by the French. In 1800 at Marengo the 51st {Romanians} participated in the defeat of Bonaparte's grenadiers of Consular Guard. At Kulm the 54th Regiment {Czechs} captured Color of French 33e Ligne. At Wagram the 32nd Regiment {Hungarians} took Color of III/4e Ligne and the 35th Regiment {Czechs} captured Color of II/106e Ligne. At Caldiero the 7th Regiment {Czechs} captured Color of I/5e Ligne. In 1809 at Neumarkt the 14th Regiment {Austrians} and 39th Regiment {Hungarians} attacked French cavalry with bayonet ! At Aspern-Essling the columns of 17th Reuss-Plauen Regiment {Czechs} advanced forward with great bravery, their band playing, soldiers singing war and religious songs. At the front marched sappers who wielded hatchets to breach village's garden walls. Disregarding artillery fire they entered the village. One of French officer described this fight. It was "without letup, inside, outside, ... the furious combat continued along the streets ..." Their captain Komadina had his feet taken off by a cannonball but continued to encourage his troops and shouted "Long live Austria !" The 47th Vogelsang Regiment {Czechs} also distinguished itself in this fighting. Austrian battalions fought so tenaciously that the French 18e Ligne lost half thousand man in the struggle along Aspern's main street ! The 1st Kaiser Regiment {Czechs}, 4th Hoch-un-Deutschmeister {Austrians}, 12th Regiment {Czechs} and 31st Regiment {Romanians} were also considered as hard men.

. "Then came battalion of Austrian grenadiers, flag unfurled, with their officers on horseback riding at their front. Their attack cleared all the streets." - Battle of Aspern/Essling 1809 Rothenberg - "The Emperor's Last Victory" p 217 Grenadiers - Elite Assault Infantry The Hungarian grenadiers were considered as being good fighters and gripped the enemy imagination. On picture: Austrian grenadiers, reenactment. "The first Austrian grenadiers came into being in 1700, at the height of the European vogue for grenade-throwing heavyweight infantry. The fashion passed soon enough, for the grenades were cumbersome, triccky to ignite, and ... only marginally less perilous to the thrower than to the target. However the grenadiers themselves survived in virtue of being elite troops in their own right, and they were marked out by their stature, their swarthy complexions, their bristling moustaches, their arrogant demeanour, their grenadier marches (characterised by alternate passages on the rim and the skin of the drum), and their grenadier caps ..." (Duffy - "Instrument of War" Vol I p 234) Grenadiers were the elite of line infantry. They were distinguished by stature and large mustache. The requirements for candidates on grenadiers were: valor and marksmanship, at least 5 years' service and one campaign. They were taller than the rest of infantry (by the way, the minimum height for Austrian infantryman was 165 cm, and Archduke Charles was only 153 cm tall). Soldiers of the 3rd rank had the greatest chance to become grenadiers - they were used as skirmishers and therefore frequently mastered their schooting skills and hardened their morale. They were also the most physically fit. Reputation The grenadiers were elite troops and most often were kept in reserve. They were used in decisive moments as a breakthrough force or to stabilize the wavering line. The grenadiers used bayonets on every possible occassion. In 1807 was issued order forbiding them to fight as skirmishers. I don't know how long this order was obeyed. The Hungarian grenadiers were considered as being good fighters and is not surprising that they gripped the enemy imagination. Often a defeated party of Austrian infantry was likely to be reported as battalions of those mustachioed Hungarians. For example, in the official report after the battle of Engen (May 1800) the French claimed to have pushed 8 battalions of the Hungarians out of a wood, although there was none. General Kellerman claimed to have captured 6.000 Hungarian grenadiers at Marengo, yet there were at most 3.000 in the last phase and none were Hungarian. In 1809 at Aspern-Essling Napoleon ordered Young Guard to recapture the village of Essling. Everybody knew what to expect as there were several battalions of Austrian grenadiers. The Guard Tirailleurs "stopped the advance of Austrian grenadiers" but their own impetus was also stalled. Napoleon supported the tirailleurs with Guard Fusiliers. Together they pushed the grenadiers out of village. The Guard however paid a heavy price, Generals Mouton, Gros and Curial were wounded. Approx. 25 % of rank and file were either killed or wounded. Such casualties had been enough to fill all their ambulances. The Young Guard was so enraged at the heavy losses that they bayoneted the wounded grenadiers. Organization In 1805 the grenadier battalions were 4 companies each. Two companies were called Alt-Grenadieren (Old Grenadiers) and wore fur-caps, and two companies were Jung-Grenadieren (Young Grenadiers) and wore infantry headwears. In 1809 were: 19 grenadier battalions of 6 companies 2 battalions of 4 companies In 1813 were: 15 grenadier battalions of 6 companies 6 battalions of 4 companies Below is a list of grenadier battalions in 1809 with battalion commander's name, and regiments that contibuted to the make up of each battalion: Maylblumel - 8th, 22nd, 60th Leinine - 25th, 35th, 54th Hohenlohe - 1st, 29th, 38th Hauger - 40th, 44th, 46th Cappy - 12th, 20th, 23rd Peccaduc - 9th, 55th, 56th Wieniawski - 10th, 11th, 47th Nissel - 15th, 28th, 57th Stark - 7th, 18th, 21st Georgy - 17th, 36th, 42nd Bissingen - 3rd, 50th, 58th Hahn - 2nd 33rd, 39th Puteani - 14th, 45th, 59th Brozeczinski - 24th, 30th, 41st Scovaud - 4th, 49th, 63rd Kirchenbetter - 34th, 37th, 48th Scharlach - 31st, 32nd, 51st Salamon - 16th, 26th, 27th Janusch - 19th, 52nd, 61st Chimani - 13th, 43rd Muhlen - 53rd, 62nd The commanders of six grenadier battalions present at Ratisbon were changed to new named battalions for the Battle of Wagram. Further changes took place after Wagram and in the following years.

. The jägers moved through a hail of bullets and canister fire and leapt into the ditch. They pressed up against the palisade, tearing it down and climbing over and into the redoubt. After a hot bayonet fight the French were defeated and fled into the Hospital Gardens. (Nafziger - "Napoleon at Dresden") Jägers - Light Infantry Austrian generals "don't understand this kind of fighting [skirmishing]" - General Radetzky On picture: Austrian jager, reenactment. Photo from http://fp2k.redshift.com/memirr/index.htm. Unfortunatelly we don't know the author of this photo. "The rise of light infantry formed one of the most significant developments in European warfare in the second half of the 18th century." (Duffy - "Instrument of War" Vol I p 240) The Austrians formed battalions of jagers. General Daun believed that the battalion was the ideal size for a unit of those men, for companies were too small to be kept going for any length of time, while full regiments were nedlessly expensive. General de Ligne wrote: "You should not tell a recruit: 'I will make you into a jager !' You must instead take them from the forests. They know how to perch on a rock, how to conceal themselves in one of those fissures which open in the ground after a great drought, or hide behind a mighty oak. They make their way slowly and softly, so as not to make any sound, and in a such a way they can creep up on a post and take it by surprise, or shoot down the enemy generals." The light troops used terrain, trees and houses as a cover. In 1809 at Wagram entire jäger battalion took cover in a drainage ditch 100 paces in front of the village. When the French columns marched toward this village the jägers rose up and delivered a volley at close range. In 1813 at Dresden the Austrians used skirmishers in an interesting way; the 'Erzherzog' Rainier Infantry Regiment sent skirmishers forward and between flankers (horse skirmishers) drawn from a hussar regiment. On few occassions the jägers were also used to attacking fieldworks. For example in 1813 at Dresden the I and II Jäger Battalion attacked redoubt #3 defended by the French. The jägers moved through a hail of bullets and canister fire and leapt into the ditch. They pressed up against the palisade, tearing it down and climbing over and into the redoubt. After a hot bayonet fight the French were defeated and fled into the Hospital Gardens. The jagers captured 6 cannons and the redoubt. The jagers were superbly trained, at Leipzig "The 5th Jager Battalion formed square at a run (!), delivered a volley, and waited its fate with bayonets at the ready." (Nafziger - "Napoleon at Leipzig" p 229) Organization and Strength "Not until 1798 were regular light infantry battalions formed, from the various Frei-Corps which thus largely ceased to exist. Not surprisingly, given the general inability to recognise the merits of light infantry, all the battalions were disbanded in 1801." (John Stallaert) The Austrian light infantry consisted of 200 Tyrolean Jäger Companies of 50-200 men each (many were hunters), Charles' Legion, Vienna Volunteers and Jägers. The jägers in the 1st and 2nd rank were armed with short muskets, while those in 3rd rank with rifles. The NCOs also carried rifles. The riflemen carried not 60 but 100 rounds of ammunition. In 1801 was formed Tyroler Feld Jäger Regiment. Its Colonel-in-Chief was Marquis Chasteler de Courcelles. In 1805 this unit consisted of 4 battalions of 6 companies each. In 1808 the Tyrolean Feld Jäger Regiment was disbanded and replaced with 9 jäger battalions (9 jäger "divisions" in peacetime increased to battalions in wartime). In 1809 during the Wagram Campaign were 9 Jäger Battalions and 9 depot companies. In 1813 the number of jäger battalions increased to 12. The nationalities were: I, II, III and IV Battalion were Bohemians (today western Czech) V and VI were Moravians (today Czech) VII, VIII, IX, X and XI were Austrians XII were Galicians and Moravians Skirmishers Not only jägers were used as skirmishers. The 3rd ranks of line infantry skirmished too. The first being sent forward were those 3rd rankers taken from both flank companies of battalion. Then, if necessary, went the skirmishers from other companies. The skirmishers were tightly controlled by officers and NCOs and operated with 6 paces intervals 300 paces of their parent battalion. It was estimated that 60-80 skirmishers were sufficient to support a battalion. The quality of Austrian skirmishers varied but generally was below the average French skirmisher. In 1800 Chief-of-Staff General Zach isued instructions opposed the use of swarms of skirmishers, especially in attack. General Radetzky wrote that "too much drill" was the cause of poorer combat effectiveness of the Austrian skirmishers. He also added that Austrian generals "don't understand this kind of fighting." In 1810 was issued "Instruction for Skirmishers." The larger bodies of light infantry were never deployed entirely in skirmish line until 1813. In 1813 at Leipzig the Austrian skirmishers covered the fields between Lauer and Leipzig. "Everywhere, on the roads, on the banks of Pleisse and Elster, was a huge skirmish line." "On the southern portion of the western edge of the Lamboy Woods the 2 battalions of Szekler Grenzer Regiment deployed in skirmish order. Soon they were heavily engaged with French skirmishers." (Nafziger in "Napoleon at Leipzig"). Commanders of jager battalions. RANKS: Ob. - Oberst (Colonel) Ob.-Ltn. - Oberst-Lieutenant (Lieutenant-Colonel) Mjr. - Major Battalion and area of recruitment Commander (Batallionskommandant) 1st Bohemia 1808-1813 Ob.-Ltn. Lutz 1813-1814 Mjr. von Plisnier 1814-1815 Mjr. von Penz 2nd Bohemia 1808-1813 Mjr. von Schneider von Arno 1813-1815 Mjr. Reicht 3rd Bohemia 1808-1815 Mjr. Cavalcado 4th Bohemia 1808-1812 Ob.-Ltn. Graf Piombazzi 1812-1815 Ob-Ltn. von Becke 5th Moravia 1808-1812 Mjr. von Suden 1812-1812 Mjr. Hartopp 1812-1815 Mjr. Graf Sickingen-Hohenburg 6th Moravia 1808-1813 Ob-Ltn. Zaborski de Zabora 1813-1815 Mjr. von Marschall 7th German 1808-1809 Ob. Steffanini di Monte Airone 1809-1810 Mjr. von Steinmetz 1810-1812 Ob. Steffanini di Monte Airone 1812-1814 Ob. Veyder von Malberg 1814-1815 Mjr. Weikersreutter 1815-1815 Mjr. von Saintenoy 8th German 1808-1813 Ob-Ltn. Mumb 1813-1815 Mjr. Flette von Flettenfeld 9th German 1808-1814 Ob.-Ltn. Goldlin von Tieffenau 1814-1815 Captain (acting) de Gobiery 1815-1815 Mjr. Werdt von Teuffen 1813 10th German 1813-1815 Mjr. Casassa di Valmonte 11th German 1813-1815 Mjr. Ensch 12th Moravia and Galicia 1813-1815 Mjr. Beelen de Bertholff

. Battalion of the Italian Guard appeared on Austrian flank and Oberst Milutinovich detached 1 1/2 company to face them. The Grenzers delivered a volley and attacked with cold steel. The one company drove the Guard battalion away ! Combat at St.Marein, September 1813 Grenzers - Border Infantry. "the most enthusiastic troops" and the only ones looking warlike in the entire Austrian infantry. "Far from being passive conscript hordes, the Grenzer had a lively sense of their dignity and what was due to them, and in this respect they may be compared with the yeoman archers of late medieval England." (Duffy - "Instrument of War" Vol I, p 304) Their uniforms and fierce demeanor gave them a brigandlike air that seemed to portend great deeds on the battlefield. The Grenzers came from military frontier between Austria and Turkey settled by Christian refugees. During peacetime the Grenzers spent 7 months of every year guarding the frontier. They were raised as militia but were considered by army officials as something between light and line infantry. The Grenzers were given training in marksmanship and skirmishing and basics of linear tactics. When attempts were made to train the Grenzer as line infantry they turned out to be not as good in this role as the regular regiments. Organization There were 17-18 Grenzer regiments each of two or three battalions. During wartime one battalion of every regiment was left to guard the border with Ottoman Empire. The other battalion or two joined the regular army and were part of advance guards. Regiments: 1. Liccaner / Gospic 2. Otocaner / Otocac 3. Oguliner / Ogulin 4. Szluiner / Karlstadt 5. Warasdiner-Kreuzer / St. Belovar 6. Warasdiner-St.Georger / St. Belovar 7. Brooder / Vincovce 8. Gradiscaner / Neugradisca 9. Peterwardiner / Mitrovitz 10. First Banal / Glina 11. Second Banal / Petrina 12. Deutschbanater / Pancsova 13. Wallachian-Illyrian / Karansebes 14. First Szekler / Csik-Szereda 15. Second Szekler / Kezdy-Vararhely 16. First Wallachian / Orlath 17. Second Wallachian / Naszod (In 1802 the soldiers of Grenz regiments from the regions around Glina and Petrina were mix of Orthodox and Catholics. The regiments from Lika and Petrovaradin were Orthodox, while the regiments from Varazdin, Slavonski Brod and Gradiska were made of Catholics.) Quality of Grenzers The Grenzers lacked weapons, uniforms, training and discipline. For these reasons the Austrian generals considered them as something well below the regular infantry. Despite the shortcomings however they performed quite well in combat (Malgaboreth, Eggmuhl, Wagram). When many Austrian regulars fled at Austerlitz the Grenzers fought hard and suffered 66 % casualties ! According to some experts, including Christopher Duffy, they were "the most enthusiastic troops" of the Austrian army. During retreat after Marengo (1800) when all order broke, two battalions of Grenzers (Warasdin-Kreuz and Ottocac) fended off all attacks and allowed the grenadier battalions to march to the Bormida. Together with the grenadiers they fought one of the last rearguard actions at Marengo. The French had good opinion about the Grenzers and considered them as the only ones looking warlike in the entire Austrian army. Napoleon had no hesitation in using these wild men. After the defeat in 1809 Austria ceded some territories and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th Grenzer Regiment went into French service. They served for Napoleon until 1814. Below are two battles (of several) where the Grenzers deserved greater respect from the French: Combat at Smarje (St. Marein) where the Grenzers defeated Italian Guard. On 12th September 1813 Eugene took the Italian Guard, 2 battalions of Italian light infantry, 2 squadrons of Italian dragoons and horse battery and advanced on Smarje. The Austrians were under Oberst Milutinovich: - 6 companies of Gradiscaner Grenzer - 2 companies of St. Georger Grenzer - 1/2 company of hussars and 2 3pdr light cannons Eugene sent 1 battalion to turn Austrian left and 1 battalion against Austrian right flank. In the center after a short firefight the Austrian skirmishers (1/2 company of Grenzer sharpshooters) were pushed back by Italian skirmishers. Soon 1 battalion of the Italian Guard appeared on Austrian flank and Oberst Milutinovich detached 1 1/2 company to face them. The Grenzers delivered a volley and immediately attacked with cold steel. Although Milutinovich was wounded his Grenzers drove the guardsmen away ! (Nafziger/Gioannini - "The Defense of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Northern Italy, 1813-1814") Combat at Austerlitz 1805 against French infantry defending Tellnitz and vineyards. The village of Tellnitz was a very strong position, there were vineyards, a ditch, the garden walls and two rows of houses. It was defended by 3rd Line Regiment of GdD Legrand's division. The narrow space between the Goldbach stream and the Satchan Pond offered a very limited frontage to the Grenzers, the attackers. At 7 am, the fighting began. General Kienmayer sent forward the II/2nd Szekler Grenz Regiment (approx. 500 bayonets) under Mjr. Diveky "to sweep the French skirmsihers from the vineyards. The Grenzers marched over the hill with band playing. The French voltigeurs (3 companies) fired at them and fell back to the vineyards. The Grenzers continued their advance until the musket fire from the vineyards halted them. Vineyards were defended by the voltigeurs and several companies of fusiliers of 3rd Line. The musket fire was intense, and because the Grenzers were the attackers and in the open they suffered much heavier casualties than the French. The Grenzers fell back. Kienmayer ordered the I/2nd Szekler to support the II/2nd Szekler in a fresh effort. Three remaining Grenzer battalions were kept in reserve. Now the attackers penetrated nearly to the foot of the hill, at the open space between the vineyards and Tellnitz. The French veterans lining the ditch counterattacked and drove them back. The Grenzers rallied and attacked the third time. The French withdrew from the vineyards but made the Austrians pay dearly for their success. The two battalions of Grenzers swept through the vineyards and finally took the ditch. But the French held Tellnitz and its bridges over the Goldbach Stream. Kienmayer replaced the two battalions (they have suffered almost 50 % losses) with three fresh battalions of Grenzers. At 8 am the three battalions attacked Tellnitz but without success. The French pursued them until the vineyards. Kienmayer rallied the three battalions and with two battalions of 2nd Szekler counterattacked. The Austrians took the ditch but both sides were equally exhausted and stayed where they were. Kienmayer reported the situation to his superior and recived support of Russian infantry. The Russian 7th Jagers and two battalions of the Grenzers attacked with a cheer and poured into Tellnitz. They also took a bridge over the Goldbach Stream. (Goetz - "1805: Austerlitz" pp 122-130)

Organization of Ausstrian Infantry. Regiment, Battalion and Company "Hasty reforms were pushed through in 1805, so soon before the army embarked on campaign that they caused only confusion (Archduke Charles realised the danger, and apparently never applied the new regulations for his own forces). The main change was for each infantry regiment to be arranged in one grenadier and four fusilier battalions, each battalion being of four companies of a nominal 160 men each. In the words of one officer, all this achieved was that 'common soldiers no longer knew their officers and the officers did not know their men'. The 1807 regulations, supervised by the Archduke Charles, returned to the previous organisation (three battalions and two grenadier companies per regiment, field battalions of six companies and garrison battalions of four), wartime establishment now being the same as peacetime save for the augmentation of the third battalion to six companies and the detachment of the grenadiers to composite battalions ..." (John Stallaert) Infantry regiment had three field and one depot battalion. Austrian battalion was probably the biggest battalion in Europe. It consisted of approx. 1.200 men, while the French battalion was only 840 men strong. After 1808 each Austrian battalion carried 1 flag. After defeat in 1809 the 3rd battalions were disbanded, all companies were reduced to 60 privates in 'German' and 100 in 'Hungarian' infantry. Austria also lost recruiting areas and 6 regiments recruited of Wallons were moved to Bohemia. When in 1814 some territories were recovered (parts of Northern Italy) new regiments were formed (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Provisional Infantry Regiment and four battalions of light infantry). The provisional regiments became regular units and were numbered: 13th, 23rd, 38th and 43rd. The four battalions of light infantry formed the new 45th Infantry Regiment. Regiment during peacetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Senior Officers: Inhaber, Oberst (colonel) and Oberstleutenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Majors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Regimental adjutant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 'Kaiserliche Kadetten' (Officers' sons selected by Hofkriegsrat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The more competent were appointed as NCOs in companies.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fouriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Drum-major . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-Comb.: provost, chaplain, auditor, accountant, surgeons, musicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenadier Company . . . . . . . Grenadier Company (In wartime the grenadier companies were detached from parent regiments.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Leib Battalion . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II Oberst Battalion . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III Oberstleutenant or Depot Battalion (Until 1809 the Depot Btn. had only 2 companies. In wartime the battalion increased to 6 companies and often served in the field as 3rd Field Battalion.) . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fusilier Company . . Company in wartime . . . . 3 Officers: Hauptmann, Oberleutnant, Unterleutnant . . . . 1 Ensign {Fahnrich} . . . . 2 Senior NCOs {'Prima Plana'}: sergeant-major {Feldwebel} and fourier {Fourierschutzen} . . . . 6 (4 in peacetime) Sergeants {Korporalen} . . . . 12 (8 in peacetime) Corporals {Gerfreiter} According to Dienst Reglement (fur die kaiserliche konigliche Infanterie, Wien 1807) there were 12 corporals (6 in peacetime) in fusilier and Grenzer company, 13 (6) in grenadier company, 12 (8) unter-jagers in jager company. . . . . 7 Vize-Korporals (in wartime they took up the rank of 'Korporalen') . . . . 1 Sapper {Zimmermann} . . . . 2 Drummers . . . . 150-200 privates. 'German' fusilier company had 180 men while 'Hungarian' company 200. 'German' grenadier company had 120 men while 'Hungarian 150-160 men. If the 'Inhaber' wished there were also accepted several educated sons of nobles. These young men served as "private cadets' (Ordinaire Kadet) and served along the rank and file. If they served their time and showed skill they were appointed as NCOs. Deployment of Company (4 'Zugs') with shown positions of NCOs and officers. L ooooooooo c c ooooooooo c f ooooooooo c c ooooooooo C . . ooooooooo . . ooooooooo . . . ooooooooo . . . ooooooooo c ooooooooo . . . ooooooooo c c ooooooooo . . . ooooooooo c . . . . . c . . . . . . . . . . . . c . . . L E . . . . c . . . . . . . . . . . . c C - Captain L - Leutenant E - Ensign F - Feldwebel f - fourier c- corporals In 1809 the jäger company in peacetime consisted of : - 2 officers - 7 NCOs - 10 'patrol leaders' (status of corporals) - 1 hornist - 60 privates. In 1807 the Grenzer company was 200-men strong unit. Grenz regiment during peacetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff (40 men) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharpshooters (256 men) The Karlstadt and Banal regiments had additionally 200 Seressaner scouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Field Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . Sometimes were attached 2 light guns (3pdrs) . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II Field Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . Sometimes were attached 2 light guns (3pdrs) . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III Field or Depot or Reserve Battalion When regiment left for campaign there remained only a reserve of 400 men unsuited for field service. Some battalions however were stronger. I am not sure how many companies it had, 2, 4 or the regular 6. . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grenz Company

. B. Girandoni introduced Repetierwindbusche M 1780 a repeating air rifle with 20-shot magazine ! Weapons. Muskets and Bayonets Repeating Air Rifle Breech-Loading Crespi Each soldier of 'German' and Grenzer regiment carried a musket (+ 60 rounds of ammunition), triangular bayonet and "Fusilier saber" (43-cm long blade). Each soldier of 'Hungarian' regiment and Grenadier battalions carried a musket (+ 60 rounds of ammunition), triangular bayonet and "Grenadier saber" (63-cm long blade). Firearms of Austrian infantry : Infantry musket Infanteriegewehr M 1798 - 150.6 cm long and 4.2 kg heavy Infantry musket Infanteriegewehr M 1807 - 150 cm long and 4.6 kg heavy Carbine for Jägers M 1807 - 123 cm long and 3.55 kg heavy Rifle for Jägers M 1807 - 105 cm long and 3.55 kg heavy Aiming was unusually restricted to pointing the musket in the general direction of the enemy, at which time the trigger was depressed, sending the hammer crashing forwards so that the flint struck sparks upon the 'frizzen'; as the 'frizzen' was forced back on its hinge, the priming-pan was uncovered and the sparks fell on the powder, which burst into flame. The spark was communicated via the touch-hole to the powder in the barrel, which exploded with a loud report, a cloudof thick smoke and a vicious recoil as the ball was fired from the end of the muzzle. The musket was then lowered and the whole process begun anew. "All muskets were muzzle-loading, requiring the charge to be inserted via the muzzle; breech-loading weapons existed only in very small numbers, virtually the only one to see service being the Austrian 'Crespi', equipped with a somewhat bizarre spear-ended bayonet, but again its use was very limited." (John Stallaert, Canada) B. Girandoni introduced Repetierwindbusche M 1780 a repeating air rifle with 20-shot magazine ! This weapon was used by Jägers until 1797-1800 and then withdrawn due to technical problems. Until 1808 the sharpshooters in Grenzer regiments were armed with rifles and with the unusually short double-barrelled over-and-under weapon. It was heavier weapon than musket and was carried in a large bag. In that year it was replaced by new pattern rifle and carbine.

. Archduke Charle's manual of 1807, aimed at producing infantry 'able to fight in every type of terrain'. Tactics of Austrian Infantry. "For charging, the line was considered 'the proper formation for infantry, permitting the best use of its weapons, that is the musket musket for fighting at long range and the bayonnet for close-in'. - John Stallaert According to John Stallaert "... the Austrian army retained faith in 18th century constricted manoeuvre at the expense of the less formalised movements employed by the French, the Austrian regulations until 1807 being based upon the 1769 system. Light infantry tactics remained largely the preserve of the Frei-Corps and Grenzers, and in some cases were actually discouraged in the regular army. Despite the later claim that by 1798 the Austrian army was able to fight in open order (as actually attempted at Novi in November 1799, resulting in defeat), in April 1800 Melas's chief of staff Baron Zach expressed the general reliance on old-fashioned, close and linear formations, an advance 'courageously in closed formation, with bands playing, and keeping their formation' being, in his opinion, a guarantee of success. 'Unnecessary skirmishing can only be detrimental ... a determined charge delivered in close order ... will certainly result in victory with very few casualties'." One eyewitness described how the Austrian line infantry made village a strongpoint: "The Austrians had blocked all the entrances to the village [of Seifertshain]; all the trees in the surrounding fields had been cut down and used as barricades. The streets were blocked with carts, ploughs and other implements. A gun had been set up in the gate of the vicarage and 4 other guns had been placed by the inn at the bridge." (Digby_Smith - "1813: Leipzig" p 126) The Austrian infantry used the following formations: lines, columns, masses and skirmish chain. Lines, Columns and Masses. The 3-rank deep line was considered as the best formation for infantry. The tallest men stood in the first rank, the shortest in 2nd and the ablest in 3rd, each man's elbows touching his neighbours. The distance between ranks was one pace. In 1794 GM Mack's Instructionspunkte recommended that the 3rd rank be used to extend the infantry line and was dictated by circumstances and terrain. The regulations introduced in 1805 (Abrichtungs Reglement für die K. und K.K. Infanterie 1806 ) abolished the practice of kneeling the 1st rank of infantry while firing. It confirmed that during musketry the 3rd rank stood with shouldered arms and only the 1st and 2nd fired. The 2nd rank stepped to the right so that the left shoulder of each soldier was behind the right shoulder of the man to their front. Archduke Charles instructed that musketry was to cease when the enemy was within 50 paces - it was in contrast to several other European armies who insisted on breaking the enemy by delivering a devastating volley at very close range. Archduke Charles considered the 3-rank deep line as the best formation for attack and defence although attack columns were used when needed (for example in 1809 at Wagram.) Schwarzenberg preferred columns and masses. During attack they were screened by skirmishers, during defence the columns or masses stood in checker board formation. The Austrian infantry moved in various speeds: 90-105-120 steps per minute, depending on the situation, terrain and need. When caught in the open and under heavy artillery fire some of the Austrian troops would lay down instead of standing. It greatly lessened their casualties. One of such actions is described by officer Carl Varnhagen von Ense and his 47th Regiment at Wagram. [Source: "Die Schlacht von Wagram."] Such trick was however impossible if the French had a lot of aggressive cavalry. Against cavalry the infantry was formed in battalion-mass as the square on 3-ranks deep was considered not strong enough. The battalion-mass was a closely packed column, one company wide and six companies deep. The mass could manoeuvre, if slowly, either in closed or open order. At Aspern-Essling and at Wagram the battalion-masses withstood repeated charges of Napoleon's heavy cavalry. But these very deep formations were very vulnerable to artillery fire. Another anti-cavalry formation was division-mass. Two companies broke into 4 half-companies, aligned themselves behind the other, and closed their ranks up to about 3 feet between the half-companies. Skirmishers In 18th Century the Austrians were innovators where the use of light troops was concerned. The Austrian light infantry [Pandours during the Seven Year's War ] were the ones, long before the American farmers and French tirailleurs, who showed the tactics of the future. The quality of Austrian skirmishers varied but generally was below the average French skirmisher. In 1800 Chief-of-Staff General Zach isued instructions opposed the use of swarms of skirmishers, especially in attack. General Rosemberg wrote: "[Austrian troops] are not fully prepared and too incapable of helping themselves. they are too used to being in closed lines and to acting automatically on the word of command, but they must be capable of relyin on their own initiative." General Radetzky wrote that "too much drill" was the cause of poorer combat effectiveness of the Austrian skirmishers. He also added that Austrian generals "don't understand this kind of fighting." In 1810 was issued "Instruction for Skirmishers." The Austrian skirmishers were made of jagers, Grenzers, Free-Corps and men drawn from 3rd rank of line battalions. Skirmishing by line infantry was done this way, the first being sent forward were those taken from both flank companies of battalion. Then, if necessary, went the skirmishers from other companies. The skirmish chain deployed in an arc up to 300 paces in front of the battalion and consisted of 3 Züge from the 3rd rank. Approx. 100 paces behind the skirmishers were the supports consisting of 3 further Züge in two ranks. The supports were rotated through the firing skirmish line when needed. Approx. 100 paces behind the supports was reserve consisting of the remaining 6 (centre) Züge of the 3rd rank, also in two ranks. Approx. 100 paces to the rear of the reserve was the battalion in two ranks. The skirmishers were tightly controlled by officers and NCOs and operated with 6 paces intervals and as said above 300 paces of their parent battalion. It was estimated that 60-80 skirmishers were sufficient to support a battalion. This is said that the larger bodies of Austrian infantry were never deployed entirely in skirmish. But as far as we know this is a false assumption. For example in 1813 at Leipzig the Austrian skirmishers covered the fields between Lauer and Leipzig. "Everywhere, on the roads, on the banks of Pleisse and Elster, was a huge skirmish line." "On the southern portion of the western edge of the Lamboy Woods the 2 battalions of Szekler Grenzer Regiment deployed in skirmish order. Soon they were heavily engaged with French skirmishers." (Nafziger - "Napoleon at Leipzig"). At the battle of Tournai in 1794, with the exception of the grenadiers, almost all the Austrian line infantry were in open order, their fire lasting 15 hours. The light troops used terrain, trees and houses as a cover. In 1809 at Wagram entire jäger battalion took cover in a drainage ditch 100 paces in front of the village. When the French columns marched toward this village the jägers rose up and delivered a volley at close range. In 1813 at Dresden the Austrians used skirmishers in an interesting way; the Erzherzog Rainier Infantry Regiment sent skirmishers forward and between flankers (horse skirmishers) drawn from a hussar regiment ! The Austrians formed advance guards made of light troops. The French had good opinion about these troops, General Duhesme wrote: "These advanced guards, well handled, only disputed their ground long enough to make us waste time and men. They brought us from one position to another till they reached that which they really meant to defend. There they let us use up and scatter our last battalions whose ardour generally shattered itself against their intrenchments. Then fresh troops issued from them in the most perfect order; they, in their turn, threw out skirmishers upon our flanks, and thus they charged at advantage troops dispersed and fatigued, corps in disorder and unable to rally most of their men." According to John Cook "It is clear that the Austrian line regiments were perfectly capable of skirmishing, and did so throughout the period. Most first hand accounts either do not mention the source of the skirmishers but a significant number specifically mention the third rank, or sometimes entire sub-units. There are certainly far more general references to line regiments deploying skirmishers than those which specify where they were drawn from, but in the absence of specificity one simply has to assume that they were drawn from the third rank, in accordance with the Exercier-Reglement 1807. In summary, the trends seen in the Austrian service are similar to those seen elsewhere. "

Uniforms of Infantry. "White remained the traditional colour for the Austrian infantry uniform." The Austrian infantrymen wore one of the simplest uniforms in Europe. They were however well made and elegant. The Austrian and British coats were one of the best targets for enemy marksmen as white and red are the most visible colors from the distance. "White stood out in the field, when one of the functions was to make a good show. In the course of time coats of blue faded badly, those of pike gray turned a dirty ashen color, and those of green assumed a tinge of yellow, while repairs were all too evident on dyed coats of any kind, and added to a general look of shabbiness. Coats of white, on the other hand, could always be worked up with chalk to make them look 'new and brilliant." (Duffy - "Instrument of War" Vol I p 130) Jäger's Uniform The uniforms of Austrian jägers were imitated in several European armies. Tests conducted by Hamilton Smith in 1800 suggested that the least-noticeable color and thus best suited for skirmishers was the light iron-grey (slightly blueish) used by the Austrian jägers. The jägers wore grey breeches and black gaiters. During campaign they wore loose white or light grey trousers (as depicted on p 168 in Nafziger's "Napoleon's Dresden Campaign"). Officers were clean shaven, NCOs and privates wore moustaches. Grenzer's Uniform The Grenzers sported skin-tight, much braided, bright blue breeches. White coats were worn in 10 regiments: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th. Brown coats were worn in 7 regiments: 2nd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th. In 1808 all regiments were ordered to wear shakos, brown coats and light blue breeches. The Siebenburgen Grenzer Regiments in cold weather wore a fur klobuk (and not kolpack !) 26 cm high, in summer they wore shakos. Line Infantry's Uniforms All line infantry wore white coats (in fact they were off-white or light grey). The coat was single breasted and closed to the waist. See picture (ext.link) The Austrian coat was that one copied by the British infantry at the turn of the century. During cold day the infantry wore white, light brown, light grey or brown grey greatcoats. The 'German' infantrymen wore white trousers and short black gaiters. The 'Hungarian' wore light blue and tight trousers with yellow-corn braids. No gaiters. In 1806 shako was introduced but only part of infantry wore it. The 'German' infantry fought the campaign in 1809 wearing the shako. The Austrian shako was made of cloth or cloth on leather and was 20.5 cm high. After 1810 new shako was used, it was made of felt. The grenadiers retained the fur caps with metal plate at its front. The fur cap was 30 cm high at the front and 12.5 cm at the rear. In 1805 grenadier battalion of 4 companies had half of their men (2 companies) wearing the fur-caps and other half (2 companies) wearing the helmets of line infantry. Those with fur-caps were the 'old grenadiers' and those with helmets were 'young grenadiers'. During service the grenadiers protected their fur-caps with covers. Uniforms of Austrian Line Infantry (Fusiliers and Grenadiers) ~ post 1798 ~ Regiment (nationality) Breeches Coat Facings & Buttons 1. Emperor Francis Kaiser Franz (Moravian) 2. Archduke Ferdinand 1 Erzherzog Ferdinand 1 (Hungarian) 3. Archduke Charles Erzherzog Karl (Austrian) 4. Hoch-and-Deutschmeister Hoch-und-Deutschmeister (Austrian) 5. served as garrison (nationality ?) 6. served as garrison (nationality ?) 7. Schroeder (Moravian) 8. Huff (Moravian) 9. Clerfayt (Walloon, later Galician) 10. Kheul (Bohemian) 11. Wallis (Bohemian) 12. Manfredini (Moravian) 13. Reisky disb. 1809 (Austrian) 14. Oranien 2 (Austrian) 15. d'Alton (Bohemian) 16. Terzi 3 (Styrian) 17. Hohenlohe (Bohemian) 18. Stuart 4 (Bohemian) 19. Alvinczy (Hungarian) 20. Kaunitz (Silesian, later Galician) 21. Gemmingen 5 (Bohemian) 22. Lacy (Illyrian) 23. Wurzburg disb. 1809 (Austrian, later Galician) 24. Auersperg 6 (Austrian, later Galician) 25. Spork (Bohemian) 26. Schroder (Karinthian) 27. Strasoldo (Styrian) 28. Wartensleben (Bohemian) 29. Wallis (Moravian) 30. de Ligne (Walloon, later Galician) 31. Benjowsky (Transylvanian) 32. Gyulai (Hungarian) 33. Sztaray (Hungarian) 34. Esterhazy (Hungarian) 35. Wenkheim 7 (Hungarian) 36. Furstenberg (Bohemiann) 37. Auffenberg (Hungarian) 38. von Wurttemburg disb. 1809 (Wallon, later Galician) 39. Nadasdy (Hungarian) 40. Mitrovski (Moravian) 41. Sachen-Hildburghausen (Galician) 42. Erbach (Bohemian) 43. Simbschen disb. 1806 (Austrian) 44. Bellegarde (Italian, later Galician) 45. Lattermann 8, disb. 1809 (Austrian, later Italian) 46. Neugebauer 9, disb. 1809 (Tirolean, later Galician) 47. Kinski 10 (Bohemian) 48. Vukassovich (Hungarian) 49. Pellegrini (Austrian) 50. Stain disb. 1809 (Austrian) 51. Splenyi (Transilvanian) 52. Erzherzog Anto Victor (Hungarian) 53. J.Jellacic (Hungarian) 54. Kallenberg (Bohemian) 55. Reuss-Greitz disb. 1809 (Walloon, later Galician) 56. W.Colloredo (Moravian) 57. J.Colloredo (Bohemian) 58. Beaulieu (Walloon, later Galician) 59. Jordis (Austrian) 60. Giulai (Hungarian) 61. St.Julien (Hungarian) 62. F.Jellacic (Hungarian) 63. Archduke Joseph Francis 11 Erzherzog Josef Franz (Wallon, later Galician) disb. - disbanded 1 - later renamed Hiller 2 - later Klebek in 1809 3 - later Erzherzog Rudolf in 1809 4 - later de Aspre in 1809 5 - later Rohan in 1809 6 - later Strauch in 1808 7 - later Erzherzog Max in 1808 8 - later de Vaux in 1809 9 - later Chasteler in 1809 10 - later Vogelsang in 1805 11 - later Baillet-Latour