Russian Smolensk Musketeer Regiment 1805
Dated: April 3, 2003.
From Peter Styk of Slovakia.
"Here are some pictures of Smolensk Musketeer regiment of 1805 Russian Army. From many musketeers regiment only 2 Line regiments carried at Austerlitz battlefield the 1800 line infantry pattern flag. In 1800 Paul I replaced the existing divisional organisation of the army with military districts called Inspections, and issued new flags of a more Prussian design to the regiments. The size of flag and stave remained unchanged (142x142cm. A second scroll was sometimes added below the eagle bearing battle honours. Silver cords ending in tassels, were knotted just below the finial. Very few of this pattern flag appear to have been issued and most regiments continued to use the 1797 pattern. Alexander I came to power in 1801 but made no immediate changes to the army's flags except for reducing their numbers to one white and five coloured per regiment in 1802. This meant that the first battalion carried one white and one coloured flag, whilst the second and third battalions carried two coloured flags each. Shoulder straps, pompon center was in yellow colour, cuffs and collar was in rose colour, turnback was by all line regiments in red colour. Two of marching soldiers I converted to flag bearers. Officer is from Russian light Infantry 1805. Officer recieved shoulder straps in yellow and brass officers chest shield made from paper. With Best Regards Peter Styk Slovakia"
Many thanks to Mr. Styk.
