Freiwilliges Feldjäger-Korps von Schmidt

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Freiwilliges Feldjäger-Korps von Schmidt


caption=Freiwilliges Feldjäger-Korps von Schmidt
nickname="Schmidtsche Feldjäger"
motto=
colors=
march=
ceremonial_chief=
type= riflemen
branch= Prussian Army
dates= 11/1813-5/1814
country= Prussia
allegiance=
command_structure=
size=company
specialization=
current_commander=
garrison=
garrison_label=
battles=Battle of Paris
notable_commanders=August v. Göckel
Frohwalt von Schmidt
anniversaries=
decorations=

The Freiwilliges Feldjäger-Korps von Schmidt (Volunteer Riflemen Corps von Schmidt) was formed in late 1813, mainly from students of the university of Heidelberg, when the Grand Duchy of Baden had joined the cause of the Allies after the Battle of Leipzig. It was founded on the initiative of a former Prussian officer, August v. Göckel, who until 1807 had been a Sekonde-Lieutenant in the Prussian "Feldjäger-Regiment" (Rifle Regiment). In mid November 1813, v. Göckel, ho had been severely injured by falling off his horse, had to resign, and handed the command over to Frohwalt von Schmidt, a student from the Lower Rhine, who henceforth was to lend his name to the corps.

In contrast to the Baden "Freiwilliges Jägerkorps zu Pferd" (Horse Volunteer Corps), the "Schmidtschen Feldjäger" (Schmidt's riflemen), as they were also called, did not receive official recognition by the Grand Duke of Baden. Thus these volunteers who equipped and armed themselves, had to provide for their own supplies as well, which caused them to be accused at times as plunderes without discipline. However, their proven value in combat and the diplomatic skills of von Schmidt always regained them the goodwill of their superiors.

The corps rose to a strength of 43 volunteers, and on 17th December 1813 attached itself to the volunteer detachment of the Fusilier battalion of the Prussian "1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß" (1st Foot Guards), in whose ranks it took part in the 1814 winter campaign in France. Having been reduced to 22 men, due to losses in combat and through illness, it also saw action in the Battle of Paris on 30th March 1814.

In mid May 1814, the corps was dissolved, and the volunteers returned home or to Heidelberg.

Sources

* Vereinigung der Freunde des Wehrgeschichtlichen Museums Rastatt: "Unter dem Greifen". Rastatt 1984
* Carl von Reinhard: "Geschichte des Königlich Preußischen Ersten Garde-Regiments zu Fuß". Potsdam 1858