Infanterie Regiment ‘Graf Kinsky’ Nr.47

Regiment History

The Austrian army consisted of troops from many nations, as the Austrian “empire” was a patchwork of personal fiefs and states. Many Austrian soldiers were technically from the Holy Roman Empire: ruled by Francis II (1768-1835), the Empire included 3 million Czechs until 1806. After that date, the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved and Francis became Francis I of Austria.

The Infanterie Regiment ‘Graf Kinsky’ Nr.47 was a veteran Czech regiment serving in the Austrian army during the wars of the 3rd coalition against Napoleon. Forming in 1779, the Regiment was owned by the nobel Austrian house of Kinsky, a family with a long & prestigious military history, the regiment was a gift to the house of Kinsky from the Holy Roman Emperor himself.
The Regiment saw much action & was generally regarded as some of the best fighting men in the Kaiserliche und königlich Armee.

In 1809, the Infanterie Regiment Nr.47 distinguished itself at the Battle of Aspern-Essling, the first battle Napoleon had personally lost in ten years. Using tactics and tricks such as laying down to minimise casualties from artillery bombardments, the Austrians prevented the French from crossing the Danube & several Imperial Eagles were claimed that day.