Skip to content
Vestes Bellica Military history archive

Vestes Bellica

Vestes Bellica

Search Vestes Bellica

Find articles from the collection and the blog.

Prussian Soldier Types from the 'Soldatenfreund'

Illustrations of Prussian soldier types from the periodical: Der Soldatenfreund. The publisher and initially sole editor was the military historian Louis Schneider. The periodical was published from the mid-19th century into the First World War. Its final title was: Feld-Soldatenfreund – Journal for the German Soldier.

Recommended Articles

Heeressoziologie

The Prussian Army under Frederick William I (1713 - 40) - Chapter 6 - The Technical Troops

Artillery was, alongside infantry and cavalry, the youngest of the three arms, although its origins in Prussia go back to the 14th century. The handling of the firearms and cannons was initially performed by masters who gradually formed their own guild. Only under the Great Elector (1640–88) was the artillery subordinated to officers and thus turned into a regular military formation. On 1 Jan. 1672 the Great Elector issued an “Articuls-Brieff vor die Artillerie-Bediente in denen Chur-Fürstlichen Brandenburgischen Vestungen” [1], which, in addition to the oath formula for the gunsmith, contained detailed requirements and rules of conduct for the artillery personnel. In 1683 one bombadier and four gunner companies were established, and thus the artillery actually first emerged as an independent arm. King Frederick I also promoted the artillery and on 20 Dec. 1697 appointed Margrave Philip of Brandenburg‑Schwedt (1669–1711) as Generalfeldzeugmeister and Chief of the Artillery. He strove for its organization and training. Under his aegis the artillery received service regulations. These were confirmed by the King on 15 Mar. 1704 and in 12 articles regulated the internal affairs of the arm [2].