Structure and Organization of the Old Army - Cavalry - Dragoon Regiments

In 1914 there were a total of 26 dragoon regiments, including two Mecklenburg (Nos. 17 and 18), two Hessian (Nos. 23 and 24) and two Württemberg (Nos. 25 and 26). No. 19 was Oldenburg.

Dragoons originally developed as mounted infantry. However, the Imperial Army had a unified cavalry, i.e., there were only tradition-based differences in uniforms.

The dragoons wore the black-lacquered leather helmet. It had an angular front visor. Previously the Prussian dragoons had worn the shako.

The smooth spike sat on a cross-shaped plate.

The helmet fittings were yellow or white.

The arched scale chains on the helmet were always yellow.

On the right sat - since 22.03.1897 - the imperial cockade, on the left the Prussian or other regional cockade.

As helmet ornament, the dragoon eagle with the motto ribbon FOR KING AND FATHERLAND was generally used, the latter according to the A.K.O. of 10.05.1860.

The two Guard Dragoon regiments had the guard eagle with a star on the helmet.

The Dragoon regiments No. 1 and 3, however, had the Guard eagle without a star.

On the eagle of Dragoon Regiment No. 2 an unusual oval crowned — with a Kurhut — shield was attached. This had been awarded to the unit by A.K.O. on 16.06.1913. According to Pietsch (Die Formations- und Uniformierungsgeschichte des preußischen Heeres 1808 - 1914l Band 2, Kavallerie, Artillerie ...., Hamburg 1866, S. 84) it was an oval shield crowned with a Kurhut, which was nickel-silver for the ranks and enameled for the officers, namely a blue shield with a golden scepter and a silver border, golden mount and cross-orb, browband white with black ermine tails and red filling.

The Hanoverian Dragoon regiments No. 9 and 16 had special helmet bands on the dragoon eagle that commemorated the military merits of the Hanoverian parent units. These had been awarded to the units by A.K.O. on 24.01.1899.

Among the Baden, Hessian, Mecklenburg and Württemberg dragoons a special helmet ornamentation was worn (see there).

In the Oldenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 19 — according to A.K.O. of 03.03.1870 — a brass star with the state coat of arms in nickel silver was affixed to the dragoon eagle.

For parade a black plume was worn; the Guard Dragoon regiments had white plumes. The same applied to the three Baden regiments.

The trumpeters had red plumes.

The cornflower-blue cap had a trim band and piping (lid-edge piping) in the respective badge color.

The dragoon regiment wore a small eagle on the cap.

It, incidentally, had no visor.

The tunic was also cornflower blue and was cut the same as that of the infantry.

It had a rounded collar, Swedish-style sleeve cuffs, shoulder straps and piping (down the front and on the pocket trims) in the respective badge color.

The badge colors were:

ponceau red: Dragoon Regiment No. 1, 5 and 13

black: Dragoon Regiment No. 2, 6 and 14

rose pink: Dragoon Regiment No. 3, 7 and 15

lemon yellow: Dragoon Regiment No. 8 and 16

white: Dragoon Regiment No. 9 and 10

carmine red: Dragoon Regiment No. 11 and 12

The Dragoon Regiments 17 and 18 (Grand Ducal Mecklenburg) had red and black badges, respectively.

The Dragoon Regiment No. 19 (Oldenburg) had black badges (the shoulder straps, however, were white).

The Dragoon Regiments 20–22 (Baden) had ponceau red (29), light yellow (21) and black (23) as badge colors.

The Hessian dragoons (No. 23 and 24) had, on dark-green tunics, red (23) and white (24) badges.

The Württemberg dragoons (No. 25–26) had white (25) and lemon-yellow (26) badges.

The Prussian Dragoon Regiments No. 13–16 had white piping around the collar and the sleeve cuffs.

Additionally, the buttons were either white or yellow.

On the shoulder straps there were numbers or name lettering.

For further variations or peculiarities, especially regarding the name lettering, see under the individual regiments (below).

The long trousers of the dragoons had ponceau-red piping.

In Dragoon Regiments No. 3, 7 and 15 this was rose pink and in Dragoon Regiments No. 11 and 12 carmine red.

The riding breeches were black-blue mottled and had no piping.

But they had a leather seat insert or leather trim.

The dark blue-mottled cloth trousers had ponceau-red side piping.

In Dragoon Regiments No. 3, 7 and 15 the piping was rose pink; in Dragoon Regiments No. 11 and 12 it was carmine red.

The gray coat was the model for the cavalry and had shoulder straps like those on the tunic.

There were tabs on the collar in the badge color.

If piping was used on the tunic, it was also on the collar tab.

The dragoon regiments No. 13, 14, 15 and 16 had a white edging on the tab.

The Litewka was that of the cuirassiers and had collar tabs and shoulder straps like those on the coat.

The drill uniform corresponded to that of the infantry.

The white saber-belt and the carrying strap were like those of the cuirassiers.

The saber-belt was intended to be slung over the shoulder.

The white bandolier and the cartridge box were also those of the (Prussian) cuirassiers.

The Dragoon Regiment No. 3 had a star on the cartridge box and flaming grenades in its four corners.

There were further variations here, e.g. with the Baden regiments.

Before 1911 the dragoons carried old-Prussian pallasches. These had a brass basket hilt with an eagle-head pommel.

In the Wars of Liberation French chasseurs' sabers were partly carried as trophies.

The 1st Dragoon Regiment received for the officers and sergeants on 07.02.1861 a variant of the saber M 52 with a silver eagle on the basket as a gift.

As a dress weapon it was later carried from the Cavalry Saber 1889 onward. Previously it had been the Cavalry Saber M 52.

From 1819 (25.11.) all dragoons had the carbine.

In 1881 the non-commissioned officers of the dragoons received the Revolver 79 instead of the pistol. This was later replaced by the Pistol 08.

Already in the summer of 1888 some cavalry regiments received the lance; on 01.10.1888 all cuirassier regiments and on 02.06.1889 all mounted regiments. Previously only the uhlans had them.

Initially the lance was made of raw wood, which was blackened at the beginning of the twenties.

At the top the lance had a square iron tip.

Furthermore the lances had lance pennons, which were designed differently depending on the contingent or had different colors.

If the lance was not used, it rested in a shoe at the stirrup.

In 1890 a new lance model made of blackened cast steel was introduced. The tip was still made of iron.

Non-commissioned officers (except in some uhlan regiments) initially had no lance, but from 22.03.1889 they did as well.

The lance pennon of the non-commissioned officers was white and showed the heraldic coat-of-arms eagle.

Die Lanzenflagge der Unteroffiziere war weiß und zeigte den heraldischen Wappenadler.

The fist strap corresponded to that of the cuirassiers.

The shaft of the blackened riding boots reached up to the knees and was higher in front than at the back (at the calf).

The riding boots had no hobnails.

The spurs were attached.

Furthermore, lace-up shoes were worn as in the infantry.

The bridle was the same as that of the cuirassiers, but had no hump.

The parade saddlecloth was cornflower blue and rounded at the four corners.

It had a border in the badge color all around the edge as well as a 4 cm wide trim strip of the same color.

Among the Guard Dragoons there was a Guard star in the rear corner—gilded for the 1st Guard Dragoon Regiment, silvered for the 2nd Guard Dragoon Regiment. For Dragoon Regiment No. 20, a ponceau-red crown.

These cloths were laid over the army saddle and held in place by a surcingle.

The non-commissioned officers had the usual service insignia on their uniforms (as with the infantry), namely plain gold or silver braids.

Among the Guard the braids were patterned.

On the gauntlet strap, the tassel and wreath were made of black-and-white mixed wool.

The trumpeters had the usual swallow's nests on their tunic, with diagonal trim.

A red horsehair plume was affixed to the helmet for parade. The epaulettes and sashes of the bandmasters bore the regimental distinguishing color.

In 1912 the epaulettes of the bandmasters of Dragoon Regiments Nos. 3, 7, and 15 were pink; those of Dragoon Regiments Nos. 11 and 12 were carmine.

The two Prussian Guard Dragoon regiments had kettledrums.

On the officers, all parts of the helmet were gilded (or silvered). The spike sat on a cross-shaped leaf, which was held by a golden star.

On the dragoon eagle of the 1st Brandenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 2 a silvered shield was applied, which had a blue central shield with the Electoral Brandenburg electoral hat in red enamel.

As a peculiarity, a flaming grenade sat on the rosette (of the scale mail) of the Grenadier Regiment zu Pferde Frhr. v. Derflinger (Neumärk.) No. 3.

The cap of the dragoon officers partly had a trim of velvet, namely in the regiments 2, 6, 11, 12 and 14. The facings were then also of velvet.

The cornflower-blue uniform coat was considerably lighter than that of the enlisted men.

In the dragoon regiments 2, 6 and 14 the collar and the sleeve cuffs were made of black velvet.

In the dragoon regiments 11 and 12 the collar and the sleeve cuffs were made of crimson-red velvet; here also the facings and the lining of the passants.

In the dragoon regiments 2, 6, 11, 12 and 14 the epaulette fields were of velvet and the moons of the same were gilded or silvered.

The officers' overcoat had the base color and the collar of the uniform coat. The lining of the breast flaps matched the collar in color.

The facings around the sleeves and in the hip pockets were of the respective distinction color.

The litewka corresponded in cut to that of the infantry, had flaps in the base color of the uniform coat and facings in the respective distinction color.

The paletot had a cornflower-blue collar. This was turned down. In the dragoon regiments 13 and 16 this had white facings.

The Prussian dragoon officers wore dark-blue riding breeches.

The bandolier had gold or silver lace on a cornflower-blue cloth backing.

The cartridge box was that of the Prussian cuirassiers. In Dragoon Regiment No. 3, however, the eagle in the star was rendered black and had green-enameled branches.

The saber belt was of white patent leather with gilded lion heads.

The cavalry officers' saber M 52 served as the drawn weapon; otherwise lion-head sabers were carried.

Dragoon Regiments 1 and 2 had special models.

The parade saddle cloth had a 5 cm wide trimming stripe. In Dragoon Regiments 11 and 12, the front edge and trimming stripe were made of velvet.

The bridle was basically the same as that of the infantry officers.

Below, the regimental history, the garrisons, the deployment of the respective unit in the First World War, the regimental proprietors and commanders, the uniform-related peculiarities, etc., are briefly presented.

The 1st Guard Dragoon Regiment Queen Victoria of Great Britain had its founding day on 15.02.1815 (according to Lynker 21.02.1815).

The unit was formed on 21.07.1815 in Berlin from the Light Guard Cavalry Regiment, the Pomeranian National Cavalry Regiment and the life squadron of the Queen's Dragoon Regiment.

Initially the formation was called Guard Dragoon Regiment, from 1860–67 then 1st Guard Dragoon Regiment (until 1889).

The first regimental commander was Ernst Wilhelm v. Zatroww (from 1815), the last regimental commander was Ludwig v. Staudy (from 1916 to 1919).

The 1st Guard Dragoon Regiment Queen Victoria of Great Britain was garrisoned in Berlin from 1815.

Manpower replacements came from all provinces, but especially from Brandenburg.

After the First World War the unit was dissolved on 01.10.1919.

The regiment had yellow camel-hair braids with Kapellen on each side of the square tunic collar, a single braid for non-commissioned officers and a double braid for enlisted men.

Furthermore, there was a double braid on each coat collar patch.

On each sleeve cuff of the tunic there were two vertical braids.

The badge color was ponceau red.

On the ponceau-red cloth shoulder straps there was a special - crowned - name cipher.

The buttons were yellow.

The 2nd Guard Dragoon Regiment "Empress Alexandra of Russia" had its founding day on May 7, 1860.

The unit was formed on May 7, 1860 in Berlin from men of the Guard Dragoons, the Guard Hussars and the 2nd Guard Uhlan Regiment.

The first regimental commander was Baron Ludwig von Schlotheim (from 1860 to 1867), the last regimental commander was Count Achatz zu Dohna-Lauck (from 1918 to 1919).

The 2nd Guard Dragoon Regiment Queen Victoria of Great Britain was garrisoned in Berlin.

The manpower replacements came from the Province of Brandenburg and the area around Berlin.

On October 1, 1919 the unit was disbanded.

The regiment had white-linen braid on the collar and on the sleeve cuffs as well as on the collar tabs of the coat.

The badge color was ponceau red.

On the ponceau-red cloth shoulder straps there was also a special — crowned — name monogram in white.

The buttons were white.

The Dragoner-Regiment Prinz Albecht von Preußen (1. Litth.) No. 1 had its day of foundation on April 19, 1717.

The unit was formed on October 16, 1807 in Tilsit from the squadrons of the old Prussian Dragoon Regiment D I.

The first regimental commander was Helmut Dietrich v. Maltzahn (from 1806), the last regimental commander was Hermann Osterroth (1918-19).

The regiment was garrisoned in Tilsit and Insterburg.

The replacement personnel came from the northern half of East Prussia.

On October 1, 1919 the Dragoner-Regiment Prinz Albecht von Preußen (1. Litth.) No. 1 was disbanded.

The regimental badge color was ponceau red.

The ponceau-red cloth shoulder straps bore the regimental number in yellow.

The buttons were yellow.

The 1st Brandenb. Dragoon Regiment No. 2 had its foundation day on October 16, 1807.

It was established on October 16, 1807 in Balga from the contingents of the old Prussian Dragoon Regiment D I and the old Prussian Cuirassier Regiment K 5.

The first regimental commander was Carl Leopold v. Stülpnagel (from 1807), the last regimental commander was Count Ernst York von Wartenburg (1918-19).

The unit was last garrisoned in Schwedt on the Oder.

The replacement personnel came from the Neumark.

The 1st Brandenb. Dragoon Regiment No. 2 was disbanded on October 1, 1919.

The regiment's distinction color was black.

On the black cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in yellow.

The buttons were yellow.

On the cap, below the German cockade, a small yellow dragoon eagle was worn.

The Mounted Grenadier Regiment Freiherr von Derflinger (Neumark) No. 3 had its foundation day on 29 December 1704.

The unit was formed on 30 June 1807 in Memel from the remaining elements of the old Prussian Dragoon Regiments D III and D IV.

The first regimental commander was Georg Detloff von Wedel (from 1807), the last regimental commander was Georg von Götz (1919).

Troop replacements originally came from the area around Frankfurt an der Oder and the eastern part of the Province of Brandenburg. From 1821 they came from the Neumark and Pomerania.

The last peacetime garrison was Bromberg.

The unit was disbanded on 1 October 1919.

The regiment's distinction color was pink.

On the pink cloth shoulder straps there was a special yellow monogram with a crown. It was the monogram of King Gustaf V of Sweden, awarded on 29 August 1911.

Since 16 June 1913 a scepter shield with a court hat was worn as a decoration on the helmet ornament.

The buttons were white.

The helmet rosettes bore flaming grenades.

The Dragoon Regiment von Bredow (1st Silesian) No. 4 had its founding day on 07.03.1815.

The unit was formed on 07.03.1815 at Sedan and Donchery from the 2nd squadron of the 1st West Prussian Dragoon Regiment, the 3rd squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 2 and the 2nd squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 3.

The first regimental commander was Frhr. Alexander v. d. Goltz (from 1815), the last regimental commander was Frhr. Ernst v. Gersdorf (1919).

Personnel replacements were drawn until 1849 from the Rhine Province, and after 1849 from Lower Silesia and Lusatia.

The last peacetime garrison was Lüben.

The unit was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

The regiment's distinguishing color was light yellow.

On the light-yellow cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in red.

The buttons were white.

The Dragoon Regiment Frhr. von Manteuffel (Rhine) No. 5 had its founding day on 07.05.1860.

The unit was formed on 07.05.1860 in Salzwedel and Gardelegen from the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 7, from the 4th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 8, and the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 9 and the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 11.

The first regimental commander was Wilhelm v. Schönermark (from 1860), the last regimental commander was Wilhelm v. Harnier (1917–19).

The personnel replacements came from the Altmark from 1860 to 1866, and from the area around Mainz, Frankfurt a. M. and the Taunus from 1866 to 1867.

The last peacetime garrison was Hofgeismar.

The unit was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

The regimental distinction color was ponceau red.

On the ponceau-red cloth shoulder straps the regimental number appeared in yellow.

The buttons were white.

The Magdeburg Dragoon Regiment No. 6 had 07.05.1860 as its founding day.

The unit was formed in Schmiedeberg and Kemberg from the 5th squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 2, the 2nd squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 3, the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 10 and the 2nd squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 12.

The first regimental commander was Thassilo Henrich Krug v. Nidda (1860), the last regimental commander was Baron Walter Schoultz von Ascheraden.

Personnel replacements came from the Province of Saxony.

The last peacetime garrison was Mainz.

The unit was disbanded on 01.10.1819.

The regimental distinction color was black.

The regiment number appeared in yellow on the black cloth shoulder straps.

The buttons were white.

The Westphalian Dragoon Regiment No. 7 had its founding day on May 7, 1860.

The unit was formed in Stendal and Tangermünde from the 5th Squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 1, from the 4th Squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 3, from the 5th Squadron of Hausren Regiment No. 1 and the 5th Squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 5.

The first regimental commander was Hermann v. Kerßenbrock (from 1860), the last regimental commander was Eberhard v. Hymmen (1918–19).

The enlisted replacements came from the Province of Saxony and the Province of Thuringia.

The last peacetime garrison was Saarbrücken.

The unit was disbanded on October 1, 1919.

The regiment's distinguishing color was pink.

On the pink cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in yellow.

The buttons were yellow.

The Dragoon Regiment King Frederick III (2nd Silesian) No. 8 had as its founding date 07.05.1860.

The unit was established on 07.05.1860 in Oels, Kreuzburg, Namslau and Bernstadt from the 5th squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 4, from the 1st squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 2, from the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 4 and the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 6.

The first regimental commander was Baron Friedrich von Krane (from 1860), the last regimental commander was Georg von Roeder (1918-19).

Replacement recruits were drawn from the area east of the Rawitsch–Breslau–Brieg line.

The last peacetime garrisons were Oels, Kreuzburg in Upper Silesia, Bernstadt and Namslau.

The unit was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

The regimental distinction color was brick-yellow.

On the brick-yellow cloth shoulder straps there was, in red, a special - crowned - name cipher (FR III).

The buttons were yellow.

The Dragoon Regiment King Carol I of Romania (1st Hanoverian) No. 9 had as its founding date 25.11.1805. In this way it continued the tradition of the Hanoverian army.

The unit was established on 30.10.1866 from the 5th squadron of the Guard Cuirassier Regiment No. 5, the 5th squadrons of the 1st and 2nd Guard Dragoon Regiments and the 5th squadron of the Guard Hussar Regiment.

The first regimental commander was Eugen von Treskow (from 1866), the last regimental commander was Hans Blecken von Schmeling (1913 - 1919).

Replacement recruits were drawn from the vicinity of Osnabrück.

The last peacetime garrison was Metz.

The regiment was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

On the helmet ornament the helmet band "PENINSULA WATERLOO GÖHRDE" was placed

The regimental insignia color was white.

On the white cloth shoulder straps the regimental number appeared in red.

On 15 June 1914 the regiment was granted the name cipher "C" (Carol).

The buttons were yellow.

The Dragoon Regiment King Albrecht of Saxony (East Pr.) No. 10 had its date of foundation on 27.09.1866.

The unit was formed in Osterode, Deutsch‑Eylau, Lobau and Saalfeld from the 5th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 3, the 4th and 6th squadrons of Dragoon Regiment No. 1 and the 5th squadron of the Hussar Regiment No. 1.

The first regimental commander was Moritz v. d. Goltz (from 1866), the last regimental commander was Wilhelm v. Lewinski (1914 19).

The manpower replacements came 1866-67 from the Osterode area, from 1867 from the Neumark.

The last peacetime garrison was Allenstein.

The unit was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

The badge colour of the regiment was white.

On the white shoulder straps of cloth there was in red a special - crowned - name cipher (AR).

The buttons were white.

The Dragoon Regiment von Wedel (Pomerania) No. 11 had its date of foundation on 27.09.1866.

The unit was formed on 27.09.1866 in Belgard from the 5th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 2, from the 5th and 5th squadrons of Dragoon Regiment No. 3 and the 2nd squadron of the Hussar Regiment No. 5.

The first regimental commander was Hermann v, Schack (from 1866), the last regimental commander was Georg v. Götz (1916 - 1918).

The last garrison was Lyck.

The manpower replacements came from Hinterpommern, West Prussia and Posen.

The formation was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

The regiment's distinction color was crimson red.

On the crimson-red cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in yellow.

The buttons were yellow.

The Dragoon Regiment von Arnim (2nd Brandenburg) No. 12 had 27.09.1866 as its date of foundation.

It was established on that day in Landsberg, Friedeberg, Woldenburg from the 5th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 6, from the 5th and 6th squadrons of Dragoon Regiment No. 2 and the 2nd squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 3.

The first regimental commander was Hans v. Auerwald, the last regimental commander was Gottfried v. Bülow (1914–18).

Personnel replacements came from the Neumark and the area around Frankfurt an der Oder.

The last peacetime garrison was Gnesen.

The unit was dissolved on 01.10.1919.

The regiment's distinction color was crimson red.

On the crimson-red cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in yellow.

The buttons were white.

The Schleswig-Holstein Dragoon Regiment No. 13 had 27.09.1866 as its date of foundation.

The unit was established on 30.10.1866 in Schmiedeberg and Kemberg from the 5th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 7, the 5th squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 6, the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 10 and the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 12.

The unit belonged to the 18th Cavalry Brigade (Flensburg), which was assigned to the 18th Division (Flensburg). The latter belonged to the IX Army Corps.

The first regimental commander was Gustav v. Brauchitsch (from 1866), the last regimental commander was Friedrich Schmoller (1915–1918).

Personnel replacements came from the Province of Saxony.

The standard was awarded to the Schleswig-Holstein Dragoon Regiment No. 13 on 24.06.1867; the presentation took place on 03.07.1867. On 16.06.1871 the Iron Cross was awarded for the standard's finial.

The last garrison was Metz.

The unit was dissolved on 01.10.1919.

The regimental distinction color was ponceau red.

On the ponceau red cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in yellow.

A white piping was visible around the collar and the sleeve cuffs of the tunic, as well as on the rear edge of the collar tabs of the coat.

The buttons were .

The Kurmärkisches Dragoon Regiment No. 14 had its founding day on September 27, 1866.

The unit was formed on October 30, 1866 in Pleschen, Gostyn, Koschmin and Ostrowo from the 3rd squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 5, the 2nd and 6th squadrons of Dragoon Regiment No. 4 and the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 2.

The unit belonged to the 29th Cavalry Brigade (Freiburg im Breisgau) and this belonged to the 29th Division (Freiburg im Breisgau). The aforementioned division belonged to the XIV Army Corps (Karlsruhe).

The standard was awarded to the unit on July 3, 1867 and presented on July 3, 1867.

The first regimental commander was Hermann von Schön (from 1866), the last regimental commander was Baron August Westerweller von Anthoni (1915 - 1919).

The personnel replacements in 1866 to 1867 came from Poland and Lower Silesia. Colmar in Alsace.

The last garrison was Colmar in Alsace.

The unit was disbanded on October 1, 1919.

The regiment's facing color was black.

On the black cloth shoulder straps the regimental number was in yellow.

A white piping was visible around the collar and the sleeve cuffs of the tunic, as well as on the rear edge of the collar tabs of the coat.

The buttons were yellow.

The 3rd Silesian Dragoon Regiment No. 15 had its date of establishment on September 27, 1866.

The unit was formed on October 30, 1866 in Gr. Strehlitz (in Silesia) from the 5th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 1, from the 5th squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 8, from the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 4 and from the 5th squadron of Hussar Regiment No. 6.

The Silesian Dragoon Regiment No. 15 belonged to the 31st Cavalry Brigade (Strasbourg), which was part of the Cavalry Division of the XV Army Corps (Metz).

The first regimental commander was Alexander v. Busse (1866–1871), the last regimental commander was Otto Koch (1918–19).

The last peacetime garrison was Hagenau.

The replacement personnel came from the district southeast of Oppeln.

On the uniform, the collar and sleeve cuffs were pink-red with a white edging. The buttons were white. Also the cap trim and the edging around its top rim were pink-red.

The unit was awarded a standard on April 1, 1867.

The formation was disbanded on October 1, 1919.

The regiment's distinguishing color was pink.

The pink cloth shoulder straps bore the regimental number in yellow.

A white edging could be seen around the collar and sleeve cuffs of the tunic, as well as on the rear edge of the collar tabs of the coat.

The buttons were white.

The 2nd Hanoverian Dragoon Regiment No. 16 had its founding day on 24.03.1813 and thus stood in the tradition of the Hanoverian army.

The regiment was formed on 30.10.1866 in Nordheim and Einbek from the 5th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 4, from the 4th squadron of Cuirassier Regiment No. 8, from the 5th squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 5 and from the 5th squadron of Dragoon Regiment No. 7 and additionally 82 men of the old Hanoverian cavalry.

(1877) the formation belonged to the 20th Cavalry Brigade (Hanover). This in turn belonged to the 20th Division (Hanover), which had been assigned to the X Army Corps.

The first regimental commander was Alexander von Salviatti, the last regimental commander was Carl Anton Seip (1918–19).

The garrison until 1867 was Northeim and Einbek; most recently the unit was stationed in Lüneburg.

The personnel replacements came from the area around Hildesheim and Lüneburg.

The unit received its remounts from the Province of Prussia - Depot Jutgaitschen (as of 1877).

The 2nd Hanoverian Dragoon Regiment No. 16 had lemon-yellow collars and sleeve cuffs with white piping. The buttons were also white. On the cap the trim stripe and the piping around the rim of the crown were also lemon-yellow.

The 2nd Hanoverian Dragoon Regiment No. 16 was presented with a standard on 24.06.1867. This was handed over on 03.07.1867. On 16.06.1871 it received the Iron Cross for the flag finial.

The regiment was disbanded on 01.10.1919.

The typical dragoon eagle bore the helmet band "Waterloo".

A white piping could be seen around the collar and the sleeve cuffs of the tunic, as well as along the rear edge of the collar flaps of the cloak.

The regiment's badge color was brick yellow.

On the brick-yellow cloth shoulder boards the regimental number appeared in red.

The buttons were white.

The Grand Ducal Mecklenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 17 had 01.08.1819 as its founding day.

The regiment had been established as a chevauleger regiment on 01.08.1819, but the 1st squadron was only formed in 1821 (01.06.). The 2nd squadron was added in 1831 and the 3rd and 4th squadrons in 1841.

In March 1837 the unit was converted into a dragoon regiment. In 1867 a 5th squadron was added.

In the Imperial Army (status: 1877) the formation belonged to the 17th Cavalry Brigade (Schwerin) and this to the 17th Division (Schwerin). The latter was subordinate to the IX Army Corps (Altona).

The first regimental commander was (from 1819) Colonel v. Penz; he later (until 1838) also served as the unit's chief.

The regiment had ponceau-red collars and cuffs with gold lace, as well as a gold epaulette panel. The buttons on the tunic were also yellow. The trim of the cap and the edging around the top of the cap were ponceau-red.

The unit received its remounts from Mecklenburg.

The garrison was Ludwigslust.

The Grand Ducal Mecklenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 18 had its founding day on 22.09.1867.

The regiment was formed from personnel of the former Mecklenburg Dragoon Regiment, consisting of 5 squadrons.

The unit belonged to the 17th Cavalry Brigade (Schwerin) and this in turn to the 17th Division (Schwerin), which was part of the IX Army Corps (Altona).

The last peacetime garrison was Parchim.

The uniform of the Mecklenburg dragoons basically corresponded to that of the Prussian dragoons.

However, the helmet was worn with a fluted crest and the helmet ornamentation like that of the I and II battalions of IR 89. This consisted of an ornament in the form of a yellow sun with the Mecklenburg state coat of arms in nickel silver, surrounded by a laurel wreath.

The fittings and scale chains corresponded to the respective button color.

For parade black horsehair plumes were attached.

The distinction color on the cornflower-blue tunic for the 1st Grand Ducal Mecklenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 17 was red. On the collar and on the sleeve cuffs there were yellow guard braids.

The distinction color on the cornflower-blue tunic for the 2nd Grand Ducal Mecklenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 18 was black. On the collar and on the sleeve cuffs there were white guard braids.

On the cartridge box lid there was also a tombac sun with the silvered state coat of arms.

The lance pennant was yellow with a red state coat of arms for non-commissioned officers, and yellow-red for the rank-and-file.

The saddle cloth was made of black sheepskin with red (DR 17) or black (DR 18) trimming stripes.

The Oldenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 19 had its foundation day on 01.05.1849.

From 01.05.1849 the unit was formed, initially under the name Grand Ducal Oldenburg Cavalry Regiment. From 1867 (15.07.) the unit was incorporated into the Prussian Army as a Dragoon Regiment.

The unit belonged to the 19th Cavalry Brigade (Hanover), which belonged to the 19th Division (Hanover). The latter was part of the X Army Corps (Hanover) — as of 1877.

The first regimental commander was Major Rolbek, from 1850 then Major Frhr. von und zu Egloffstein (until 1857).

In 1877 the garrisons were as follows: staff, 1st, 4th and 5th squadrons in Oldenburg, 2nd and 3rd squadrons in Cloppenburg. In 1914 the regiment was fully assembled in Oldenburg.

The personnel replacements came from Oldenburg, East Frisia and Alsace.

The remounts came in 1877 from Treptow and later from Bärenklau and then from Wirsitz.

The uniform of the unit in question was characterized by collars and cuff facings of black velvet for the officers and of black cloth for the enlisted men.

The cap trim and the band around the rim of the crown were also black.

The enlisted men had white shoulder straps with a red name cipher: A. This was intended to commemorate the founder of the regiment: Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August of Oldenburg.

From 1897 the regiment wore the blue cockade with a red ring beneath the imperial cockade.

The lance pennons of the Oldenburg Dragoon Regiment No. 19 were red-blue (from 28.08.1892).

The 1st Baden Life Dragoon Regiment No. 20 had its date of establishment on February 25, 1803.

On July 1, 1871 the Baden troops became a component of the Prussian Army.

The predecessor unit was the (1st) Life Dragoon Regiment, which since January 10, 1855 had borne the designation 1st Dragoon Regiment.

It then received the designation: 1st Baden Life Dragoon Regiment No. 20.

The regiment was garrisoned in Karlsruhe.

In the Imperial Army it belonged to the 28th Cavalry Brigade, and this belonged to the 28th Division. The superior formation was the XIV Army Corps.

On the helmet the national cockade of the Grand Duchy of Baden was worn, and of course the silver Baden griffin served as the helmet ornament. Furthermore, white plumes were worn for parade.

The badge color was ponceau red, the buttons were white or silver. The ponceau-red shoulder straps displayed a light yellow crown.

The 2nd Baden Dragoon Regiment No. 21 had as its foundation day 06.01.1850.

The unit was established in the year 1850 as the second Baden mounted regiment.

In the year 1855 it was renamed the 2nd Dragoon Regiment.

Upon incorporation into the Prussian Army the formation bore the designation: 2nd Baden Dragoon Regiment No. 21.

There it belonged to the 28th Cavalry Brigade, which was part of the 28th Division. The higher troop formation was the XIV Army Corps.

The regiment was garrisoned in Bruchsal.

On the helmet the national cockade of the Grand Duchy of Baden was worn, and of course the silver Baden griffin served as the helmet ornament. Furthermore, white horsehair plumes were worn for parade.

The distinguishing color was light yellow, the button color was white or silver. The light-yellow shoulder straps displayed the regimental number (21) in red.

The 3rd Baden Dragoon Regiment No. 22 had as its foundation day 06.01.1850.

In the year 1850 the establishment of a third Baden mounted regiment was ordered.

From the year 1855 the unit was counted among the dragoon arm. From 1859 the 3rd Dragoon Regiment was called Karl.

Upon incorporation into the Prussian Army the formation bore the designation: 3rd Baden Dragoon Regiment No. 22.

In the Imperial Army the 3rd Baden Dragoon Regiment No. 22 belonged to the 29th Cavalry Brigade and this in turn to the 29th Division. The higher troop formation was the XIV Army Corps.

The garrison was Mühlhausen in Alsace (from 1890).

On the helmet the national cockade of the Grand Duchy of Baden was worn, and of course the silver Baden griffin served as the helmet ornament. Furthermore, white horsehair plumes were worn for parade.

The distinguishing color was black, the button color was white or silver.

The black shoulder straps had a ponceau-red piping and displayed the regimental number (21) in yellow.

The unit had on the cap a ponceau-red piping around the upper and lower edge of the cap trim band and around the rim of the cap, but also around the collar, the sleeve cuffs, the left front of the tunic and its pocket piping. Such piping was also visible around the edge of the saddle cloth.

The Guard Dragoon Regiment (1st Grand Ducal Hessian) No. 23 had as its founding date 06.04.1790, thus tying into old Hessian military traditions.

Its origin was considered to be the cavalry regiment "Chevaulegers" established in 1790.

Already on 07.04.1867 the Hessian troops were incorporated into the Prussian Army. From 1906 (25.11.) it bore the designation Guard Dragoon Regiment (1st Grand Ducal Hessian) No. 23.

The unit belonged to the 25th Cavalry Brigade, which in turn was part of the 25th Division. The superior formation was the XVIII Army Corps.

The Guard Dragoon Regiment (1st Grand Ducal Hessian) No. 23 was garrisoned in Darmstadt.

The unit's uniform consisted of a cap, a tunic (Waffenrock) and a saddlecloth made of dark green kirsey. The latter had a crown of white braid at the rear corners.

The distinction color was red. White guard lace was on the collar, as well as on the Swedish-style sleeve cuffs.

Buttons, braiding, ornamentation (= Hessian heraldic lion in a half-open wreath of oak and laurel) and scale chains were white or silver.

There was no badge on the shoulder buttons; however, the ponceau-red shoulder straps bore the crowned initial "L".

The Hessian national cockade (white-red) was worn on the helmet; the front visor was round.

The saber-knot and bandolier were black.

Attached to the saber-belt was the brass waist-belt buckle used by the Hessian infantry.

The cartouche bore the initial "L" in brass.

The lance pennons were white-red for the troopers; for the non-commissioned officers they were white with the Hessian heraldic lion.

The date of establishment of the Life Dragoon Regiment (2nd Grand Ducal) No. 24 was 01.12.1859.

On 01.12.1859 the "Leib-Chevaulgers-Regiment" was established, formed from the "Garde-Chevaulegers-Regiment".

From 01.01.1872 the unit bore the designation: Life Dragoon Regiment (2nd Grand Ducal) No. 24.

In the Imperial Army it belonged to the 25th Cavalry Brigade, which was part of the 25th Division. The higher-level formation was the XVIII Army Corps.

The garrison of the formation in question was Darmstadt.

The uniform of the Life Dragoon Regiment (2nd Grand Ducal) No. 24 corresponded to the above descriptions, with the following differences:

The unit's distinguishing color was white. White was also the side stripe on the cloth trousers.

The braids were plain.

On the white shoulder straps was the red crowned name cipher "N II".

The Dragoon Regiment Queen Olga (1st Württemberg) No. 25 had its date of foundation on November 17, 1813.

On that date the Jäger Regiment zu Pferde No. 4 Prince Adam was established. This unit is considered the predecessor of the Dragoon Regiment Queen Olga (1st Württemberg) No. 25.

The name of the consort of the King of Württemberg, Queen Olga, was bestowed on the regiment on December 19, 1864.

When the Kingdom of Württemberg joined the German Empire, the Württemberg troops were also integrated into the corresponding numbering of regiments of the respective branch of service.

The Dragoon Regiment Queen Olga (1st Württemberg) No. 25 belonged to the 26th Cavalry Brigade in the 26th Division. The higher formation was the XIII Army Corps.

The garrison was Ludwigsburg.

The Württemberg dragoon regiments commonly wore the cap, the tunic and the saddle cloth in a cornflower-blue base color.

The trim was always in the facing color.

Also the gray cloak with shoulder straps like those on the tunic and collar patches in the facing color.

The Württemberg dragoons wore dark blue-mottled riding breeches or cloth trousers. The riding breeches had a black leather trim. The cloth trousers had a ponceau-red side stripe.

The helmet was essentially the same as that of the Prussian dragoons, but it had the typical Württemberg (nickel-silver) helmet fittings. The motto on this fitting read: FEARLESS AND TRUE. The arched scale chains were made of brass.

The white saber belt was worn across the shoulder. The bandolier was also white.

Footwear consisted of blackened cavalry boots with heel spurs.

The Dragoon Regiment Queen Olga (1st Württemberg) No. 25 had white as its badge color.

White braids were worn on the collar and on the sleeve cuffs.

On the white shoulder straps there was the red - crowned - initial "O".

For parade black horsehair plumes were worn; the trumpeters had red plumes.

The Dragoon Regiment King (2nd Württemberg) No. 26 had its founding day on 06.12.1805.

At that time a Jäger regiment on horseback (Prince Paul) was established.

In 1870 it was converted into a Dragoon Regiment.

On 23.12.1891 the unit received its final designation: Dragoon Regiment King (2nd Württemberg) No. 26.

The formation belonged to the 26th Cavalry Brigade in the 26th Division. The superior troop formation was the XIII Army Corps.

Garrison was Cannstadt (from 25.07.1894).

The Dragoon Regiment King (2nd Württemberg) No. 26 had as its badge color: lemon yellow.

The buttons were made of nickel and the braids were silver.

On the lemon-yellow shoulder straps of the tunic there was a red name inscription.

For parade a black hair plume was mounted on the helmet. For the trumpeters this was red.

On the helmet ornament described above, as well as on the cartridge plate and the saddle cloth, was the star of the Order of the Württemberg Crown made of nickel silver.