Danish Army 1675-79.pdf

DANISH UNIFORMS, COLOURS AND STANDARDS 

1675-1679 

Olaf Hasselager and Torstein Snorrason 

Illustrations - Søren Henriksen 

© Hasselager, Snorrason, Henriksen and Schorr December 2000 

[The illustrations from the Rosenborg Tapestries are used with the gracious permission of The 

Royal Danish Collections and come from the books, Christian den Femtes Rosenborgtapeter fra 

den Skaanske Krig and The Rosenborg Tapestries.] 

This is still very much a work in progress. Rather than wait until we were absolutely certain of 

all aspects, we have decided to present our finds to date. Missing is a detailed study of colours 

and standards, as well as information on the Norwegian Army. Work is in progress on colours 

and standards, and we would to have it available in the coming year. We would like to hear from 

anyone that may have additional information, especially as it relates to the various auxiliary 

corps which were in Danish service, particularly uniforms, colours and standards; and the 

Norwegian Army. 

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Introduction 

Background 

In 1674 the domains of the King of Denmark comprised present-day Denmark and Norway 

together with Schleswig-Holstein [Sleswick-Holsatia] - now a state in the Federal German 

Republic - down to the Elbe about Hamburg. The Duke of Holstein-Gottorp owned nearly half of 

Sleswick-Holsatia. The Danish King owned most of the other half and they both jointly 

administered the remainder. In addition several petty dukedoms, counties and enclaves, while 

technically independent, were dependent on one or the other of the Co-dukes. Also, the Danish 

King by a contested but eventually successful inheritance had recently obtained sovereignty over 

Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, situated to the west of Bremen and the Weser River. 

The domains of the Danish King were not a heterogeneous unit, either administratively or 

language. In Denmark proper German was used fairly much at the Court and in the Army. 

General, routine matters were dealt with in the Danish Chancery [Danske Cancellie] and the 

German Chancery [Tyske Cancellie] leaving court and foreign matters much to the last. German 

was usually common language of command, not unnatural as the greater part of the officers and 

also the mercenary (enlisted) troops were Germans, as well as most of the auxiliary troops. 

Apart from the Kingdom of Norway, of which Christian V also was the king, Denmark proper 

was usually called the "Kingdom", while Schleswig-Holstein and adjoining enclaves etc. were 

lumped together under the title "the Duchies", which depending on the context might mean the 

King's part or both parts together. We shall henceforth use the term in the first sense. Oldenburg 

and Delmenhorst together were usually called the "Counties". 

King Christian 5 (1646-1699), who ascended to the throne in 1670, ruled as an absolute 

monarch. The young, 24-year old King was neither well educated nor very bright, but like many 

of his contemporaries he was very keen to show his bravery and abilities as a military 

commander. He was easily swayed by bad advisors and was too inexperienced. He did not have 

the same independent determination as his counterpart, King Charles XI. On the other hand, he 

could become very stubborn at the smallest preceived slight to his royal dignity. Add to this his 

rather upright and honest character; which made him popular with the ordinary people, but not 

necessarily was an advantage for a ruler those days. 

Over the previous years Denmark had lost some of its richest provinces to its old hereditary 

enemy Sweden. After the so-called Torstenson War (1643-1645) the islands of Gotland and Øsel 

(now part of the Estonian Republic) in the Baltic Sea together with the Norwegian provinces of 

Jämtland and Härjedal were lost, while the province of Halland to the North of Skåne (Scania) 

was to be mortgaged for 30 years to Sweden. 

A few years later war had to be waged again, the so-called Charles Gustav Wars, 1657-1660, so 

named after the Swedish warrior King Charles X Gustav. This war had two phases. After the first 

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phase in 1658 the remainder of the old Danish provinces in present day Sweden: Skåne, Halland 

and Blekinge, together with the Norwegian provinces of Bohus and Trondheim and the Danish 

Island of Bornholm, fell to the Swedes who had invaded and conquered most of Denmark. But 

soon the war raged again, but now the Swedes were not so lucky and the Danish allies supported 

final peace negotiations in 1660. Due to the combined interests of the Netherlands, England and 

France, the two former not liking the thought of having the same nation controlling both sides of 

the Øresund, and the latter being the traditional supporter of Sweden, only the island of 

Bornholm and the Norwegian province of Trondheim were returned to Denmark. Of course 

Denmark longed to regain the lost provinces, and thought a chance cropped up, when Sweden in 

1674 because of its French alliance and subsidies had to go to war against the Grand Elector of 

Brandenburg. 

The real culprit of the European wars in the last quarter of the 17th Century was the French King 

Louis XIV. Time and again through vile diplomacy and an open purse he managed to draw 

almost all of Europe into fighting on one side or the other. This time the French war of revenge 

against the Netherlands pulled Sweden, the ally of France, into the fray against the rest of 

Northern Europe. 

From the midst of the Thirty Years War the Swedish Army was regarded as one of the most 

feared fighting machines in Europe led by the extraordinarily efficient warrior kings Gustav 

Adolf and Charles X Gustav, who were served by outstanding subordinate commanders. In the 

Thirty Years War the Swedes with French financial and military backing had turned the tide by 

beating the Catholic League. After having campaigned through greater parts of the Holy German 

Empire in the years after the battle at Lützen 1632, in which Gustav Adolf fell, the Swedes 

retired from Central Europe taking with them their rich plunder and some possessions in 

Germany like the Prince-Bishopric of Bremen-Verden, the Duchy of Pomerania and the island of 

Rügen with the towns of Stralsund and Wismar in Northern Germany. Henceforth they 

concentrated on their main interest - control of the Baltic. Their ensuing wars were fought for the 

supremacy of the areas bordering this sea. 

All their subsequent wars were costly and without great results (except against Denmark). After 

the death of King Charles Gustav, Sweden started on a downward slope as a result of 

governmental and financial mismanagement combined with bad harvests and starvation. The 

country turned poorer and had difficulties sustaining its former magnificent fighting machine. 

As mismanagement grew, it was decided to put the young, very inexperienced son of Charles 

Gustav on the throne as King Charles XI in the hope of better government, even if he had not 

come of legal age to be crowned. 

In 1674 the Swedes, forced by financial and economic pressure from France, marched into 

Brandenburg. The disastrous and surprising Swedish defeat at Fehrbellin in summer 1675 by the 

Elector of Brandenburg brought all the old enemies of Sweden together in coalition, all intent on 

revenge, recovery of lost land or seizure of new territory. The Coalition counted on the 

inexperience of the young Swedish King in warfare and his alleged lethargy in matters of State. 

An easy prey, it was thought. 

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Sweden clearly saw the pitfalls of being forced into undesired war, and she tried by all means to 

keep Denmark neutral, which included asking for the sister of Christian V in marriage to their 

young King. On the advise of the pro-peace premier minister, Peter Schumacher Griffenfeldt, 

Denmark happily agreed to the marriage. Griffenfeldt was convinced that the lost provinces were 

only to be recovered through the aid of Louis XIV and diplomatic actions with regard to the 

other powers. He didn't want to sever the bonds, slight as they were, to France and in the long 

run to Sweden. But the Danish King was not willing to break an alliance which might lead to 

recovery of the lost provinces - and not least - glory for the Danish King. Accordingly Denmark 

demanded that the Swedish army withdraw from Brandenburg. The Swedes, of course, had to 

refuse. 

Short Summary of Scanian War (Skånske Krig) from the 

Danish Perspective. 

Denmark's participation in the war began in the summer of 1675 with the dispatch of the main 

army of about 19,000 men under command of General Field Marshal Lieutenant Adam Weyher 

marched through the neutral Mecklenburg towards the Swedish province of Pomerania. The aim 

was to support the Elector of Brandenburg while furthering the Danish interests in the region. In 

fact the King was present with the main army thus having a great influence on proceedings and 

did not refrain from meddling in the command. 

At the same time a smaller Danish contingent (2.500 men) participated in the occupation of 

Bremen-Verden. They were under the command of Count Gustavus Adolphus von Baudissin, 

and were based in the "Counties". 

After having forced the passage of the Recknitz River near Damgarten the main army moved 

against the town of Stralsund in Pomerania on the coast. A combined attack of the Danish and 

Brandenburg armies on Stralsund was requested by the Elector but declined by King Christian, 

who saw greater gains from a separate campaign and investing the town of Wismar, a Swedish 

possession strongly fortified on the coast in the middle of the Mecklenburg States. On the 13th of 

December Wismar was assaulted and taken after a very difficult and costly siege, mostly caused 

by the swampy surroundings. This and bad weather caused a serious outbreak of "camp fever" 

which caused much illness and many deaths. 

Meanwhile part of the small Danish force in the 'Counties' had invaded Bremen-Verden, but was 

routed in a combat in the district of Würden to the south of the fortified Swedish model-town of 

Carlsburg, which has disappeared entirely but was situated roughly in present day Bremervörde. 

It is remarkable that King Christian did not declare war on Sweden before 1676, possibly 

through the machinations of Griffenfeldt, who, however, fell from power at the beginning of that 

year - the result of his own venality and the War Party. 

In 1676 the Army was increased to 34,000 men including garrison and recruiting units. Its new 

High Commander was the very able Duke Johann Adolphus of Holstein-Plöen, who was made 

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Supreme Field Marshall. He had recently succeeded to the dukedom after the death of Duke 

Bernhard from camp fever. The plan was to invade Skåne [Scania] and also the Island of Gotland 

in the Baltic, while at the same time Vice-Regent Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve in Norway was to 

attack southwards towards Göteborg [Gothenburg]. 

The Navy was reinforced by the "soldatesque", i.e. detachments from the garrison battalions of 

the Foot Regiments. The largest contingent came from the National Zealand Regiment of Foot of 

the 2nd (New) Levy (T/). The Island of Gotland was conquered early in the campaign by the 

Danish Admiral Niels Juel, who afterwards took possession of the fortified town of Ystad on the 

south coast of Scania. Many of the troops in the "soldatesque" were collected into a battalion, 

called the Gotland (Gulland) Batallion. This was put on a permanent footing for the duration of 

the war 

Gyldenløve soon invested Göteborg. Following these actions, the main army of 14.000 men was 

landed on 29th of June 1676 at Råå, a little to the south of Helsingborg. This was a very well 

planned amphibious landing that succeeded without any mishaps, as it was virtually unopposed. 

To facilitate the landing the transport ships were allocated small flags, roughly similar to the 

colours of each regiment, so ensuring that no confusion arose on embarking and disembarking. 

The Swedish forces abandoned Scania and Blekinge and retreated northwards after having 

garrisoned the fortified towns of Malmø, Helsingborg, Landskrona and Christianstad. 

Helsingborg was taken soon after the invasion, but sadly for the Danes one of the best Danish 

generals, Niels Rosenkranz, was killed in the action. On the 2nd of August Landskrona was 

taken, and on the15th of August Christianstad also was assaulted and taken. Malmø was 

invested. The Danish Navy took the minor towns of Christianopel and Carlshamn on the 

southern coast of Sweden. 

So far everything had succeeded for the Danes. Also a large part of the agricultural population of 

Scania and Blekinge rose in revolt against the Swedish occupation. A very bloody guerrilla war 

ensued. It was called The War of the Snaphances [Danish. Snaphanekrigen] after the word for an 

early type of flintlock, the snaphance [Danish. snaphane] which apparently had been widely used 

by the Scanian and Goinge partisans during this and the earlier wars. 

But in spite of not being as strong as the Danes, the Swedes did not give up, in particular not the 

young King Charles, who at Fylle Bridge south of the town of Halmstad surprised and 

annihilated a Danish force of some 3,000 men under Major General Jacob Duncan. In August 

France declared war on Denmark. 

King Christian would not take the advice of his experienced Army Commander the Duke of 

Plöen, who pushed for active operations against the Swedes. Instead the main army remained 

idle until it went into winter quarters in the area between Helsingborg and Engelholm. The 

Norwegian army also returned to Norway for the winter. The Duke handed in his resignation. He 

found the situation unbearable with the throng of meddling courtiers and, not the least, the King's 

irrational stubbornness and personal overestimation. King Christian assumed personal command, 

not appointing a new high commander to replace the Duke this year. 

5

Once more King Charles took the initiative, and against all odds attacked the Danish winter 

quarters at Lund on the 4th of December 1676. Only by his personal energy and his brave and 

ruthless determination did he turn a certain Swedish defeat into an astounding victory. The 

Danish main army had to retreat to Zealand, and after a short resistance Helsingborg had to 

surrender to the Swedes. 

The small Danish force based in the 'Counties' continued to fight in co-operation with the armies 

of Brandenburg, Brunswick, Lüneburg and Münster against the Swedes in Bremen-Verden. The 

allied force invested and after a long siege seized the provincial capital of Stade in spite of its 

very strong fortifications. (These can still be seen to-day in this little town which still have many 

vestiges of the "Schweden-Zeit".) After that some of the Danish troops were transferred to 

Scania and happened to participate in the defeat at Lund. The Norwegian troops did not regain 

the offensive. Thus ended 1676 - disastrous and disgraceful. 

In the Spring of 1677 the Danish Army, having regrouped and recouped, soon again controlled a 

large part of Scania, but where the Danish army was not in control the Swedes energetically and 

ruthlessly pursued the guerrillas, killing and burning anything and anyone who was connected 

with the "snaphances". These responded in kind, which only served to aggravate the conditions 

of the populace in general. 

In May King Christian disembarked 12,000 men at Landskrona and thus forced King Charles to 

give up his siege of Christianstad. A new high commander of the Danish forces, Baron Joachim 

Rüdiger Freiherr von der Goltz, had been appointed, as the King apparently found his own 

generalship a little flawed. Goltz was an able and brave officer from Brandenburg, but he was 

unable to stop the court intrigues and meddling in the military affairs. 

Malmø was invested, but King Christian ordered a premature attack on the town on the night of 

the 25th/26th of June, which was repulsed with heavy losses. The siege was abandoned and the 

Danish army retreated towards Landskrona. Then, once again, the two Nordic Kings clashed on a 

battlefield Northeast of Landskrona on the 14th of July, and once again the Swedes won the 

field. A strong auxiliary contingent of Imperial, Münster and Hessian troops participated in the 

battle, as the main part of the Danish regiments sent to Güldenløve was not able to reach the 

main army in time. In the battle von der Goltz chose to mix horse and foot units in the first line 

of both the wings and the centre, and to build the second line mostly with horse units. It was a 

novel method not to be used without prior training and in particular not with the configuration of 

this battlefield. The method was detrimental to the coordination between horse and foot. 

The Danes retreated into Landskrona. The Swedes fortified a ring of major manor houses around 

the town. They also blockaded Christianstad. While the Danish foot regiments were in a sorry 

state the Cavalry had strength to make a "cavalcade" from Landskrona to Christiansstad, 

disrupting the Swedish blockade for a few days and strengthening the garrison with some 

dragoons. On the other hand, they accomplished nothing besides this, and beat a hasty retreat to 

Landskrona with the whole of the Swedish army in hot pursuit. 

The Danish High Commander, von der Goltz, was made the scapegoat and sacked, as was 

General Baudissin. Again the King took over personal command. In fact, much of this came 

6

about through the machinations of the General Auditor, Herman Meyer, a very able 

administrator, but apparently the evil genius of the King's Military Administration. 

Admiral Niels Juel won an outstanding victory over a stronger Swedish Force in the Naval Battle 

of Køge Bay in June. This strengthened Danish supremacy at sea and made it possible to conduct 

amphibious operations. 

In September 1677 a combined Danish/Brandenburg force made an amphibious assault on the 

island of Rügen to the north of Pomerania and quickly overran the weak Swedish garrison. This 

also helped the war effort of the Grand Elector. Subsequently the troops quartered on Rügen lost 

many soldiers through illness because of unsound quarters. 

Gyldenløve attacking from Norway had several successes such as the taking of the fortresses of 

Marstrand and Karlsten, and beating a Swedish cavalry force at Uddevalla. He occupied the 

provinces of Bohus and Jämtland, but in the Autumn was forced to turn home by a stronger 

Swedish force. Thus ended 1677, apart from successes from the sideshows almost as dismal as 

1676. 

In 1678 King Christian initially wanted to support the Norwegian Front and a great part of the 

Danish main army (6000) was sent to reinforce Gyldenløve. At the last moment the King decided 

after all to try to relieve Christianstad, but the Danish troops sent to Gyldenløve now were 

already too involved in his operations to be returned to Scania at once. 

The war in Scania had turned into a harsh and brutal war of terror conducted by both Danish and 

Swedish forces at the cost of the hapless population, notwithstanding their great loyalty to the 

Danish Crown. For the most part the operations of the field army had come to a standstill on the 

Danish side because of the ever meddling and faint hearted court, the inefficient councils of war 

and not least the King himself. The High Command was still vested in the King, but actual 

command had devolved on General Frederick Arenstorff, who unwillingly complied with his 

appointment by the King. 

It was decided to seize Helsingborg first and thereafter await the return of the troops from 

Gyldenløve. On the 27th of June the Swedish commandant of Helsingborg was lured by a false 

letter into a quick surrender. After this the field army advanced. King Charles, however, placed 

his army in a strong position covering the approaches to Chrstianstad. Through the fickle advice 

of the courtiers and generals at several councils of war, the army lost its chances of ever beating 

or getting around the Swedish field army, and any hopes of relieving Christiansstad disappeared. 

The army retreated to Landskrona and General Frederick Arenstorff was made the scapegoat of 

the year. No further attempt at action was made this year. The former Münster General, Count 

Wedel, who entered Danish service, now became High Commander, but he was unable to 

convince the King to take agressive action, mainly because of the Court cabals and mistrust from 

the other generals. So the sadly depleted garrison of Christianstad had to surrender on the 5th of 

August, after having consumed all of their provisions. They marched away with full honours of 

war. 

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The Navy still having the supremacy of the Baltic Sea attempted several minor amphibious 

actions on the coast of Scania and Blekinge. The possession of the islands of Gothland and 

Bornholm greatly helped in this kind of war. Also the Swedish Navy had to keep to its harbours, 

thus enabling allied operations on Rügen. Here the experienced Swedish General Königsmarck 

had collected his forces after the allied invasion in September 1677. He retook the island after 

the battle at Alte Fehr on the 8th of January 1678, only to loose it again to a combined corps of 

Danes and Brandenburgians which invaded the island again in the autumn. Thus ended 1678, 

disgracefully and dismally again, in particular where it mattered 

In 1679 the Danish Army repeatedly tried to lure the Swedes into open battle around 

Helsingborg, but King Charles was too clever to take any chances, as he already controlled most 

of Scania and knew the wars in Europe were nearing their end. He knew he could count on 

French support at peace negotiations. The Austrian Emperor and the Elector of Brandenburg 

already had withdrawn from the war. France had long since made peace with its original 

adversaries, Holland and Spain. Now Denmark faced Sweden and France without any allies or 

money. 

In order to help his allies and giving up all hope of regaining Scania, King Christian transferred 

the field army to the 'Duchies' and prepared for war with France. A French army prepared to 

invade the "Counties" and detached a force to attack Delmenhorst. The attacked was repulsed; 

however, superior French forces were bound to prevail in the end. Accordingly a peace treaty 

was signed on the 25th of August. 

On the rebound King Christian wanted to teach the Hanse City of Hamburg a lesson because of 

some economic disagreements of long standing. The neighboring princes did not mind the 

citizens of Hamburg getting attacked, being often in the same situation; but they would not let 

Denmark prevail. So after achieving only insignificant results the conflict was called off and the 

Army returned to home and peace. The King had to return all of the conquered territory to 

Sweden, and had to reinstate the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp to his lands and fortresses, less the 

reduced fortifications of Tönningen, the reduction of which was to be a bone of discontent for 

some time afterwards. 

At last the young Swedish King was able to get his beautiful Danish Princess as his bride, while 

her brother, the Danish King, continued to dream of himself as a great general, a dream that 

waned continuously until his death in 1699. 

8

The Danish Army 1660 to 1670 

In 1660, in the wake of the late war with Sweden, King Frederik III seized power through a 

coup and introduced the absolute monarchy in Denmark. Time had made obsolete the old system 

of government by the Nobility with the King as elected figurehead of state. The Nobility had lost 

its role as defenders of the land to the trained mercenary armies equipped with firearms, and this 

evolution demanded a more powerful and centralized government. So the Crown and the up and 

coming Estate of Burghers - in particular in Copenhagen - banded together and with the help of 

the Army replaced the rule of the Nobility. All power was handed to the King and the job as a 

king became hereditary "given by God". In reality it was a pure, yet mostly benevolent, military 

dictatorship based mainly on the King's tight control of the standing army and navy through his 

commissioning of officers. Furthermore, the King controlled all civil appointments in the Church 

and Administration, and here created a new Nobility solely dependent on himself. Earlier the 

elected kings had to get the approval of the Nobility to declare and finance war. Accordingly the 

country had no standing army available for the King. Soldiers were hired for the occasion. A few 

very weak garrisons in the fortresses, guns in depots without field carriages and a small guard 

were all. The Navy functioned in the same way. 

In January 1661 Krigscollegiet (The War Ministry) was ordered to draw up a plan for how to 

organize the military land forces after the recent war. Not too costly because Denmark was in 

dire straits financially. The forces were required to be efficient all the same. Thus the Army of 

the King was reformed as follows: 

1661: 

The Horse: 

1 squadron of Lifeguards (132 men, all former officers). 

4 enlisted (mercenary) Regiments: Dronningens Regiment (T1658/4), Kronprinsens Regiment 

(T1658/5), Kongens Livregiment (T1657/13) and Trampes Regiment (T?), as well as one independent 

company (Feltherrens). 

Each regiment consisted of six companies, each of 125 men. On their strength they had 1 rotmeister, 1 

lieutenant, 1 cornet, 1 sergeant, 3 corporals, 1 clerk, 2 trumpeters and 126 troopers. 

In times of war a cavalry force, "Rostjenesten" (lit: 'horse service'), was to be called to arms and 

recruited from the retainers of the Nobility. This was in former times the main Danish fighting force of 

heavily armored and professional horsemen with lances. The upkeep of such a force was the equivalent 

to a tax, derived from the original, main reason behind having a tax free nobility. But the introduction 

of firearms had reduced the usefulness of fully armored knights. From 1666 on the force was organized 

into 6 companies each with strength similar to the enlisted (mercenary) horse. 

The Foot: 

5 enlisted ("geworbene") Regiments of Foot: Kongens Livregiment (T1658/9), Dronningens 

Livregiment (T1659/3), Feltherrens Regiment (T1658/8), Lübbes Regiment (T1657/24) and Ebersteins 

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Regiment (T1657/32), each having 8 companies of 150 men. 

9 enlisted Independent ("free") Companies of Foot: (known commanders: Beseler, Bremer, Bolt, 

Eisenach, and Thumsdorf). An independent company originated from a reduced regiment and was 

destined for garrison duty in peace, but usually available as a nucleus for a new regiment in times of 

war. 

4 National (i.e. conscripted) Regiments: Sjællandske (T1627/19), Fynske (T1661), Sydjyske 

(T1658/10) and Nordjyske (T1632) (all named after the provinces from which they were conscripted), 

each with 8 companies of 150 men. To save money the conscripted men were not called to the colours 

for long periods, several years in fact, and the regiments maintained only their officers. When 

eventually called, they were mainly destined to work on the repair of fortresses.In wartime horse and 

foot regiments had to acquire their own field train and coachmen. Dragoons were to be established at 

the outbreak of hostilities. 

The Artillery: 

The Artillery only maintained skeleton crews and a small staff of artisans. Their strength varied 

according to the size of the fortresses in which they served. For the field artillery there were no crews 

in peacetime or for that matter neither field carriages nor train. 

Rostjenesten was in former times the main Danish fighting force of heavily armoured and 

professional horsemen with lances. The upkeep of such a force was equivalent to a tax, derived 

from the original, main reason behind having a tax-free nobility. But the introduction of firearms 

had reduced the usefulness of fully armoured knights. 

But even this small army was too costly. Denmark was entirely bankrupt after the war and 

further reductions were necessary. All Horse regiments were converted into independent 

companies to save money on staff officers' salaries, yet the company strength was raised to 200 

men. Further minor reductions were made. 

In Denmark the kings came from the stock of a minor Northern German House (The House of 

Oldenburg). They were in a constant fear of the Danish Nobility. This is why they relied heavily 

on foreign army officers. Most of the time the officers came mainly from Mecklenburg and the 

many small Principalities in Middle and North Germany. Officers of native Danish origin were 

dismissed for the slightest reasons, and many tried to Germanize their names and manners. To 

their dismay the "Danish" kings still had to rely mainly on Danish officers for the Navy; the most 

efficient and successful part of the Danish military might, as the Germany Nobility apparently 

was unable to supply expertise in this area. Many Dutch officers joined the Navy, however, 

especially in times of war. 

The Army of 1670 

On 9th February 1670 King Christian succeeded to the throne and at once set about to strengthen 

the military. A new, strong and mainly national horse arm was established in 1670. The whole 

enlisted Horse having been reduced to independent companies constituted a weak force and was 

10

adly organized and equipped for the coming war of aggression in the mind of the 23-year old 

King. Five days after coming to power the King ordered a reevaluation of all the armed forces 

and especially asked for suggestions for organizing and raising a national cavalry force. Saving 

money by turning the army into a national force was much to the forefront. An Absolute King 

should not have to ask the Nobility for permission 

1670 

The Horse 

The Horse units were maintained by the means of "ryttergårde" [trooper farmsteads]. A piece of 

farmland free of most taxes was allocated to the single trooper or to a farmer, who in turn sustained a 

trooper. In peacetime the trooper did not receive pay from the Crown and had to maintain his horse and 

equipment himself or through the payments from the farmer. In wartime the trooper was paid by the 

Crown, which also reimbursed for any loss of equipment or horse. If he died a new was to be found at 

the same conditions before the lapse of 3 months. 

Not enough Crown lands were available, so some of the troopers were furnished and paid for by the 

country parishes, accordingly they were called "sogneryttere", [lit: "troopers of the parish"]. Also the 

cavalry officers were paid through farm holdings. All of the old Horse units - except for the Lifeguards 

- were disbanded the officers and troopers being allocated to the new units. 

The new National Horse with a total strength of 4,500 men consisted of 5 regiments: 

Sjællandske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/1) 

Fynske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/2) 

1. (Syd) Jyske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/3) 

2. (Nord) Jyske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/4) 

Slesvigske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/5) 

The first four each consisted of 8 companies with 125 men in each. Slesvigske Nationale 

Rytterregiment only had 4 companies.The 'Rostjenesten' (T1670/6) was reformed into a similar 

regiment of 8 companies of 125 men. 

The Foot 

Only few changes were made to the Foot Regiments. The companies were reduced by 15 men each, 

and two of the independent companies were disbanded. Furthermore, a company of marines was raised 

for guard duty on the river Elbe (Glückstadt). 

The names of the national regiments, the enlisted regiments not being altered, were: 

Sjællandske Nationale Fodregiment (T1627/19) 

Fynske Nationale Fodregiment (T1661) 

1. Sydjyske Nationale Fodregiment (T1658/10) 

2. Nordjyske Nationale Fodregiment (T1632), as well as the newly raised 

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Slesvig-Holstenske Nationale Fodregiment (T?) 

The Artillery 

No changes. 

In the spring of 1670 the King ordered the regiments of the Army to convene in training camps 

and the Navy to start patrolling the surrounding seas. Clear indications of his intentions and war 

preparations directed against Sweden. The worst problem for the King was money to pay for the 

Army and particularly the Navy. But help was near in the form of subsidies. 

All the Northern European nations were clients of the richer nations, or they would never have 

been able to sustain their rather large military establishments. France paid Sweden to keep 

Brandenburg occupied in time of war, while the Dutch, as archenemies of France, subsidized 

Brandenburg and Denmark. At the same time they kept a vigilant eye on the Denmark-Sweden 

relationship, so that neither achieved control of both sides of the Sound (Øresund), the door to 

the Baltic trade, which was a primary source of income for the Netherlands. In case of an attack 

on anyone of the parties, the others in the Coalition were committed against further payment of 

subsidies to take part in the war with an agreed number of troops. On the side of the enemies of 

France was also the Holy Roman Empire headed by the Austrian Emperor 

The War Preparations for 1675 

First it was necessary to secure the southern border by forcing the Swedish ally, Duke Kristian 

Albrekt of Holstein, a vassal of the Danish crown, to hand over for the duration of the war his 

fortresses and armed forces to Denmark. Several months before declaration of war, the army was 

strongly increased - almost doubled in size. 

The Infantry 

The five old enlisted infantry regiments were strengthened each with 4 companies. In addition, 

six infantry regiments were raised in Germany and named after their commanding officer 

(Baudissin, Lütken, Bremer, Degenfeldt, Harlov and Schönfeldt). Several of these foreign 

regiments were reinforced with companies from the former Holstein-Gottorp Army. 

The four old national infantry regiments was doubled to 12 companies of 100 men and 4 new 

regiments were created by splitting the old, reinforced regiments, into new ones each of 8 

companies of 100 men. 

Slesvigske Nationale Regiment was organized with 8 companies. 

A new national regiment, called Plöen after its commander the Duke Bernhard of Plöen, was 

build mainly on some of the former troops of Holstein and had a strength of 6 companies. 

The 21 infantry regiments were: 

Kongens Livregiment 

Dronningens Livregiment 

Feltherrens Regiment 

Lübbes Regiment 

12

Ebersteins (Rosenkrantz') Regiment 

Baudissins Regiment 

Lütkens Regiment 

Bremers Regiment 

Degenfeldts Regiment 

Harlovs Regiment 

Schönfeldts Regiment 

1. Sjællandske Nationale Regiment 

2. Sjællandske Nationale Regiment 

1. Fynske Nationale Regiment 

2. Fynske Nationale Regiment 

1. Jyske Nationale Regiment 




Slesvigske Nationale Regiment 

Holstenske Nationale Regiment 

The Cavalry 

The cavalry was enlarged by increasing the number of companies from 8 to 12, and by doubling 

the number of national regiments from 4 to 8 by splitting the regiments and halving the personnel 

strength from 1.000 men to 500 men. 

Now a regiment should consist of 6 companies each of 80 men, but still with the old number of 

officers and noncommissioned officers. Two companies made a squadron. 

Rostjenesten was split into two regiments, each with 6 companies. 

Both the Hestgarden and Slesvigske Nationale Rytterregiment were put on a war footing with 6 

companies à 80 men. The hvervede cavalry regiment Livregimentet received the same strength. 

Three new cavalry regiments were hired in Germany (Baudissin, Rauch and Geveke). 

Also three regiments of dragoons were raised (Walter, Örtzen and Rantzau) together with a 

company under the Scotsman Duncan. 

The 16 cavalry regiments were: 

Hestgarden (The Horseguard) 

Sjællandske Rostjeneste 

Jyske Rostjeneste 

Livregimentet 

1. Sjællandske Nationale Rytterregiment 

2. Sjællandske Nationale Rytterregiment 

1. Fynske Nationale Rytterreiment 

2. Fynske Nationale Rytterreiment 

1. Jyske Nationale Rytterregiment 




Slesvigske Nationale Rytterregiment 

Baudissins Rytterregiment 

13

Rauch Rytterregiment 

Geveke Rytterregiment 

The 3 dragoon regiments were: 

Walter Dragoner 

Örtzen Dragoner 

Rantzau Dragoner 

Artillery 

For the first time the field artillery was organized as an independent service with a staff of 19 and 

4 companies of 111 men. The field park consisted of 58 guns (58 pieces - 12-pds, 10-pds and 3pds.). 

Each infantry battalion was served by 2 three-pounders. 

Introduction 

Infantry 

The T-numbers next to the regimental name are Tessin numbers after Georg Tessin's, Die 

Regimenter der Europäischen Staaten im Ancien Regime des XVI bis XVIII Jahrhunderts. Biblio 

Verlag. Osnabrück 1986. As not all units are mentioned by Tessin, some units have been given 

new numbers after the Tessin system. The V-numbers refers to the page where the single unit is 

described in O. Vaupel: Den Danske Hærs Historie til Nutiden og Den Norske Hærs Historie 

indtil 1814. København 1872. 

The regimental names are given in modern Danish version, as translation would be almost 

impossible. Mostly, the regimental names of the time were written in an often highly original 

German version and often too, the units are known under several names, sometimes the same 

name belonging to different units at different times. Next the names of the regimental 

commanders are provided. Regiments very often are referred to by the commander's name. Here 

again there is some difficulty, as battalions often were separated from their regiment and then the 

units were named after the battalion commander. 

Regimental Organization 

As of January 1676 infantry regiments of 12 companies were reduced to 8 companies each of 

107 men and 4 garrison companies each of 100 men. The infantry regiment, including staff, had 

a strength of 1,265. In the field the normal tactical unit was the battalion, normally of 4 

companies. 

A regiment of 8 companies had a staff consisting of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major 

(these three officers were also called senior officers and each normally had a company, a sort of 

financial reward). In addition there were staff personnel consisting of a regimental quartermaster 

(normally an officer), an adjutant (normally a noncommissioned officer), a judge advocate, a 

field priest, a provost with two assistants (the military police), a wagon master with assistants 

and horse drivers, a regimental clerk, 1 military "doctor" with assistants, normally one per 

company. These were not military doctors in today's sense, but came from the guild of barbers. 

14

Their trade in wounds and amputations they learned on the battlefield, as there were no schools 

for surgery. A doctor at that time we would call an apothecary today. 

A company at full strength had a Captain (when the company belonged to the colonel or 

lieutenant colonel, daily, routine duties were supervised by a lieutenant-captain), 2 Lieutenants, 

an Ensign (fähnrich) who was a kind of officer cadet, 3 Sergeants, Führer, 1 Captain des armes 

(the weapons and ammunition sergeant), 1 Fourer (also a bodyguard to the captain), 3 Corporals 

and 23 Lance corporals, 2 drummers and 1 Fifer, and 113-122 privates. Actual numbers varied 

throughout the period, and was generally lower, for example a Captain, a Lieutenant, an Ensign, 

6 Noncommissioned Officers, a Clerk (mønsterskriver), 3 Corporals, 3 Musicians, together with 

10 Lance Corporals and 74 Men. 

Grenadiers were first introduced in France in 1667, and other armies soon followed suit. On 31 

January 1676, prior to the landing at Råå at the beginning of the Scanian Campaign, it was 

ordered that all infantry companies should be organized with 4 files of pikemen (24), 10 files of 

musketeers (60) and 1 file of 4 grenadiers and 2 carpenters (pioneers). Eventually the carpenters 

were transferred to a special pioneer company in the Spring of 1677, and the number of 

grenadiers was raised to 6. Grenadiers were paid the same as Lance Corporals (gefreiters) 

Battalion Artillery. Each infantry battalion was given two 3-pounders as fire support, rather 

effective against infantry, as the musket and fusil fire was not effective over a distance of more 

than a hundred meters or so. One gun was normally handled by 1 artilleryman, if any, assisted by 

4-5 privates of the battalion and possibly the sappers who were introduced in 1676. The guns 

were painted red with yellow iron fittings. 3 horses were assigned to each 3-pounder. 

Weapons 

Officers carried half pikes, straight infantry swords and pistols. A cuirass was only worn at 

sieges. 

The noncommissioned officers carried halberds, infantry swords and perhaps pistols. 

The men were separated into musketeers and pikemen. In the beginning 1/3 were pikemen and 

2/3 were musketeers, later the number of musketeers increased at the expense of pikemen (as it 

was easier to train a musketeer than a pikeman, and they were more useful). 

In 1675 musketeers were uniformly equipped with matchlocks, but following the Battle of Lund 

in December 1676 flintlocks began to be introduced. The main problem with matchlocks was the 

glowing fuse which was difficult to handle in all weather conditions. In an attempt to solve this 

problem muskets with a doublelock (match and wheelock and match and flintlock) were 

introduced, but the matchlock continued to be the dominant infantry firearm throughout the war. 

Normally 12 or more charges were carried hanging from a bandolier. Flintlocks were gradually 

introduced and the cartridge bandolier was replaced by a cartridge box. Musketeers were also 

armed with a straight infantry sword. Initially, musketeers in a few units, for example Plöns 

Regiment, were also armed with so-called svinefjer (Schwein Feder)or swine feather (a heavy, 

short spear used for hunting wild boars). This was useful in close combat and trench warfare, and 

15

which could also be used in the construction of "Spanish Riders" or chevaux de frise. In October 

1678 Christian 5 decreed that pikes should be abandoned, and instead infantry should be armed 

with muskets and svinefjer. The extent to which this was implemented before the end of the war 

is unknown. 

Pikemen were armed with pikes, which were about 16 feet (4.52 meters) in length and made of 

ash. The pike heads could be in various shapes and were made of steel. In addition pikemen were 

armed with straight infantry swords. 

Grenadiers when they were introduced in late 1676 and early 1677; although, a special grenadier 

unit was set up by a Captain Ziegler at the siege of Wismar in 1675. Grenadiers were armed with 

flintlocks (fusils) and three grenades which were carried in a special leather box or canvas bag. 

Grenade launchers were tested beginning in 1676 and in 1677 began to be distributed. 

Uniform Generalities 

The uniform information provided here is a compilation based on various sources in the archives, 

and an analysis of the paintings by Möinichen and the Rosenborg Tapestries. The bulk of the 

work comes from the very profound studies in Rigsarkivet (The National Archives) by Olaf 

Hasselager who has spent the last 30 years in this study. 

Headgear: Usually a hat whose brim could be turned up in different shapes. Normally black in 

color, but other colors like gray also were used. The hat band and/or trim on the brim was usually 

in the regimental facing color, but other colors such as white and yellow could be used. Another 

item that often appears on the hat in the Möinichen paintings and rosenborg Tapestries is a brass 

C5 and crown. It is usually shown holding one side of the brim up; however, these were not 

introduced until after the war. Caps wese also worn, although it was not as usual as the hat. One 

type was called a spidshue which was similar in appearance to a nightcap with tassel. Another 

type was called a kabuds. It was a round cap with flaps that could be turned down to protect the 

ears, neck and eyes. Normally the cap was in one color and lined in another. The latter color 

would show when the flaps were turned up. 

Neckcloth: Neckcloths could be white, black or in the regimental facing color. White 

predominated, and black was probably reserved as a noncommissioned officer distinction. 

Coat: Appeared in a variety of colors depending on the regiment. The lining was in the 

regimental color as were the cuffs, which were large, often measuring over 20cm. Both coat and 

facing colors are given under each unit. The coat normally reached to just above the knees, but 

this varied depending on the height of the man. The coats were seldom sown according to 

individual measurements, but were delivered to the unit in two or three standard sizes. The coat 

appears to have had two openings in the back. 

Buttons: Brass or pewter. Normally three dozen (36) buttons on each coat; although, four and 

five dozen (48-60) also occur. The exact placement of buttons on the coat cannot be stated 

exactly, but for 36 buttons one could figure that 12-18 buttons were used on the front of the coat 

in a single row, 3 buttons on each pocket, 2-3 buttons on each cuff and 6-12 buttons on the back 

16

coat slits. For the larger number of buttons, in all probability, more would appear on the pockets, 

coat front and back openings. The number on the cuffs remained at 2-3 buttons. 

Breeches: Yellowish/buff leather lined with linen. Cloth breeches also were used, especially 

towards the end of the war, and these were in the same color as the coat. 

Stockings: Normally in the regimental facing color, white or gray. 

Belts, Cartridge and Grenade Boxes, Scabbards and Powder Horns: Belts and bandoliers 

were yellowish/buff leather. If a cartridge bandolier was worn, the powder containers were wood 

wrapped in braid and a shot bag would have been worn. Cartridge and grenade boxes were black 

leather, and in some cases may have had a C5 and crown in brass on the flap. Scabbards were 

natural leather or black, and the sword had an iron hilt. The sword could either be carried on a 

waist belt or a shoulder belt. Powder horns were made of wood with iron fittings. 

Shoes: Normally black leather with brass or pewter buckles, but shoes could also be in natural 

leather color. 

Drummers and Flutists (Fifers): Wore the same uniform as the other ranks. There was no 

tradition in Denmark of drummers wearing "reverse colors". The coats, however, were often 

richly provided with lace along the coat seams, pockets, front edge of the coat and as stripes on 

the sleeves. This lace was either yellow, white or in the regimental facing color. The amount and 

type of lace often depended on the personal wealth of the colonel. Drums were wooden and 

painted; although the colors are unknown. They probably bore the arms of the province, the 

colonel or the Royal monogram and crown. 

Grenadiers: Appear to have been uniformed differently from the rest of the regiment, at least 

initially, usually in gray coats faced red or blue. They seem to have worn the normal hat, but they 

could also have worn a special cap, possibly in the form of a spidshue, which was like a nightcap 

with a tassel. Caps of this type are known to have been worn by the Kongens Livregiment and 

Dronningens Livregiment. Because of their "elite"status, they may have had shoulder ribbons, 

aprils. 

Lance Corporals: Wore the same uniform as the other ranks. The only special distinction that is 

known is the use of shoulder ribbons called aprils in some regiments. These could be in yellow 

or in the regimental facing color. 

Noncommissioned Officers: These were responsible for providing (paying for) their own 

uniform. In principle they wore the same uniform as the other ranks; however, it often occurs in 

sources that they were uniformed in "reverse colors". The rank distinction appears to have been 

shoulder ribbons , aprils, in yellow or the regimental facing color, together with buttons of 

yellow fabric or covered with yellow fabric, such as silk. Possibly brass buttons appeared in 

certain regiments. 

Officers: Officers' hat bands and trim were in the same color as the coat lace, and the hats 

themselves were not necessarily in the same color as those of the men. Officers' coats were 

17

normally in the same colors as those of the men, but there was even a greater possibility for 

variations than for the noncommissioned officers because officers uniformed themselves after 

their own discretion and that of their tailor. As a result, officers' coats could be in "reverse 

colors" or in coats in which the coat, lining and cuffs were in a single color. A common 

distinction for officers was lace trim along the seams and edges of the coat, in single or double 

width, in silver or gold embroidery or silver or gold ribbon, or in white or yellow silk. Buttons 

were often silver-plated or gilded. . Another officer distinction was the gorget, probably gilded 

with the C5 monogram and crown. Sashes were not normal wear for officers; however, they may 

have been worn in some regiments. From 1668 there are two examples: Kongens Livregiment 

had sashes of white taffeta with mixed gold and silver fringes, and Feltherrens Regiment had 

blue sashes with mixed gold and silver fringes. 

Colours 

The subject of infantry colours will be taken up in greater detail later, as the subject is large and 

complex, and will require a large number of drawings to make it understandable (anyone wishing 

to volunteer, please contact me). Descriptions alone do not suffice. A number of infantry colours 

are provided here, but without explanation. Some are taken from the book, Dannebrog, by Helge 

Bruhn, while others are computer drawn reconstructions. They are the best that can be provided 

at this time. 

The Regiments 

Kongens Livregiment (T1658/9 (V.600)). 

1658 Kongens Livrergiment, 1684 Garde zu Fuss. 

1.7.1672 Niels Rosenkrantz, 4.7.1676 Siegfried Bibow, 

27.6.1677 Renard Keller, 15.1.1678 Jobst Scholten, 25.6.1679 

Georg Wallis, 

Uniform: December 1669 red coat with yellow cuffs and 

lining. NCOs had 48 buttons covered with red-yellow silk. 

NCOs and Gefreitere (Lance Corporals) had "aprils", colored 

ribbons on the shoulders. Gefreitere and guardsmen had 48 

pewter buttons. Uniform for officers above the rank of 

lieutenant was in red velvet with yellow lining. 1671 the 

making of uniforms for two lieutenants is mentioned with two 

rows of gold and silver lace with a width of about a finger on the breast. Quartermaster and 

corporals also red coats with yellow and gold-silver lace, but only with the width of a little 

finger. April 1676 the number of pewter buttons are reduced to 36. Stockings were red. Black hat 

with red lace. In May black cartridge boxes and special black grenade boxes which held 3 

grenades were delivered along with 25 red grenadier caps with yellow lining. The uniforms of 

the grenadiers were not the regimental. They received gray coats with red lining. The company 

sappers and artillery drivers for the regimental guns, which were raised at the same time also 

received gray coats faced red. The drivers wore a yellow crown on the right sleeve to show that 

18

they were a part of the artillery. Reinforcements arriving in December were given a red coat with 

yellow lining, a gray overcoat, a black hat with red lace, leather breeches and red stockings. July 

1677 brass buttons stamped with C5, black lace for the hats, red velvet ribbons and red 

stockings. Blue shirts. 1678 the cartridge boxes were in red leather with a yellow cloth lid cover 

on which in brass (other sources say that it was painted in red) a crowned C5, while the grenade 

boxes were black. Neckties yellow. Red stockings, but also white and yellow ones are 

mentioned. (The yellow ones are an emergency measure for the guardsmen in Christianstad 

under Krüger.) 1678 November white stockings. Drummers red with yellow lining and possibly 

rich lacings in gold-silver or yellow. The drums were wood and painted. Officers wore gilded 

gorgets and a white sash with mixed silver/gold fringes. Buttons were silver. 

Dronningens Livregiment (T1659/3 (V.666)). 

24.5.1658 Eiler Holck, 2.9.1675 Joachim Schack, 27.6.1677 

Hans Georg Schulenburg. 

Dronningens Livregiment had been an infantry regiment since 

1659. Originally it was raised 1644 as a dragoon regiment under 

the name Ulrich Gyldenløves Dragoner and so continued to 

carry their old dragoon colors up to 1674. 

Uniform: December 1669 red coat faced yellow. On the front 36 

and on the back 12 pewter buttons NCOs had silk covered 

buttons, possibly yellow.. NCOs and Gefreitere had yellow 

"aprils". In May 1676 25 red grenadier caps with yellow lining 

were delivered, even if the number of regimental grenadiers 

should be 32. Their uniform was gray coats with blue lining. Sappers (16) and artillery drivers 

(16) had gray coats faced red. On the right arm the artillery drivers was a yellow crown. 1676 

black grenade boxes in leather. In addition the grenadiers were equipped with bayonets and hand 

axes. 1676 it was ordered that the coat should have 36 pewter buttons. November 1677 this was 

changed to brass buttons with a crowned CA stamped on them. These were delivered in April 

1678. All five of the royal regiments were to have similar buttons, stamped with the initials of 

their royal commander. 1677 black hats delivered together with red coats with yellow lining and 

cuffs. Brass buttons. Red stockings and gray overcoats (piekjoler) were delivered. 1678 yellow 

shoulder belts, cartridgebox in red leather, black grenade boxes for the grenadiers. In April the 

regiment receive gray hats trimmed with yellow, and in May more gray hats with yellow edging. 

September 1679 the regiment delivered 576 "red soldier caps with yellow lining" to Tøjhuset 

(The Armory in Copenhagen), these caps can be interim caps, so-called kabudser. The 

appearance is guesswork, but something similar to a Swedish karpus - a cap with flaps that could 

be turned down to protect the neck, ears and face. 

19

Feltherrens Geworbne Regiment (T1658/8 (V.637)). 

from 1676 Prins Jørgens (Georgs)Geworbne Regiment 

5.2.1658 Hans Schack, 2.3.1676 Didrik Busk (killed in the 

attack on Malmø 26.6.1676), 27.6.1676 Aanton Gynter 

Pottendorf, 1678 Hartvig Asche Schack, 

Uniform: 1670 blue coat with yellow lining and cuffs. 48 pewter 

buttons. Possibly silk covered buttons for NCOs and Gefreiters. 

Gefreiters had "aprils". April 1676 the numbers of buttons was 

reduced to 36 and were made of brass, blue hat bands were 

received. In May regimental grenadiers were introduced, who 

were uniformed in gray coats faced blue and with black grenade 

boxes and doublelock muskets. The sappers and artillery drivers were in gray faced red, the 

drivers had a yellow crown on the right sleeve. In the first half of 1677 the coat color is changed 

to blue with orange lining and pewter buttons. In the Autumn the hat bands are changed to 

yellow or blue. 1678 (January) gray hats with red and blue bands, black cartridge boxes. White 

stockings. Part of the regiment still seems still to have brass buttons, but only pewter buttons 

were delivered in the future. Hats with yellow bands. 1679 white stockings. 

Feltmarskalløjtnantens Regiment (T 1657/24) 

from 1676 Prins Frederiks Regiment 

1.10.1673 Adam Weyher, 3.10.1676 Thomas Meldrum, (The 

regiment was known as "The Black Regiment" after its black 

colours.) 

Uniform: December 1670 blue coat white lining and cuffs. 

Pewter buttons. Otherwise uniformed like Feltherrens Regiment. 

April 1675 black hat and 60 brass buttons on the coat. May 1676 

grenadiers were uniformed gray coats faced blue. Sappers and 

artillery drivers in gray faced red, and gray overcoats (pierocks). 

December 1676 the color of the lining is changed to red and in 

June blue coats with red were delivered. Red stockings. Black hats with red lace. Brass buttons 

stamped with a crowned F. May 1677 leather breaches. January 1678 blue breeches. Black 

cartridge and grenade boxes. Gray hats with red lace. Blue stockings, pewter buttons, red 

necktie, brass buttons, gray overcoat, white stockings. 1679 pewter buttons. 1679 blue stockings. 

20

Maximilian Rosenkrantz Regiment (T1657/32 (V.627) 

from 1676 Prins Christians Regiment 

1.11.1671 Fredrik Vilhelm Warnstädt, 2.4.1672 

Maximillian Rosenkrantz (killed at Halmstad 16.8.76), 

(11.12.1676 Prince Christian), 27.6.1676 Johan Anton 

Elnberger and Kristoffer Bjelke, 

Uniform: June 1672 yellow coat faced red. May 1676 the 

coat is changed to blue with yellow lining. Pewter 

buttons. Grenadiers gray coat faced blue, sappers and 

artillery drivers in gray faced red. Black grenade boxes. 

September 1676 36 pewter buttons for a coat and 

"Icelandic", knitted in Island, stockings, probably white. 

April 1677 both leather and blue cloth breeches were in 

use together with the blue coats. Breeches were often in 

the color of the coats. White stockings. April 1677 200 

red coats were delivered to the regiment possibly for the 

men of Neubauers battalion (from Bremers Regiment), 

who were to be amalgamated into Regiment Prins 

Christian, but still wore their old uniforms. Lid cover for 

14 cartridge boxes of blue linen. February 1678 black 

grenade boxes. March: "pijkjoler" (overcoat), blue 

breeches and gray hats. April: gray hats with yellow lace. 

Yellow stockings. May: leather breeches. November: 

white stockings. 

1. Sjællandske Nationale Regiment or Sjællandske Nationale Regiment af 1. udskrivning 

(T1627/19 (V.620)) from 1.11.1679 Sjællandske Geworbene Regiment. 

30.3.1666 Niels Rosenkranz (killed at Helsingborg 3.7.1676), 16.3.1672 Carl von Osten, 1676 

Jean de la Haye (killed in sortie from Landskrona 30.7.1676), 30.6.1676 Kristian Lange 

(wounded at Landskrona 14.7.16779, 27.6.1677 Balthazar Knoblauch, 1.11.1679 Julius Ernst 

Tettau. 

Uniform: 1675 red coat with yellow lining and cuffs. 36 pewter buttons. In May grenadiers are 

uniformed in gray coats faced blue, sappers and artillery drivers wore gray coats faced red. July 

1677 "pijkjoler" (overcoat). The men of the company belonging to captain Spormann wore red 

coats with blue lining, as the company was detached as a frikompagni (independent company) 

and sent to Korsør as garrison. In the second half of 1677 the lining changed from blue to yellow. 

October 1678 the uniform for the battalions of Knoblauch and Teutmann are changed to light 

gray faced blue. 48 pewter buttons for Knoblauch and 60 for Teutmann. The battalion of 

Vittinghof remained in red coats faced blue and with 48 pewter buttons. 1679 leather breeches 

and possibly white stockings. 

21

2. Sjællandske Nationale Regiment or Sjællandske 

Nationale Regiment af 2. udskrivning (T1675/15 (V.694 

and 622)) 

1.7.1675 Martin Bertelsen (Barthold Märtens), 7.2.1677 

Duke of Croi, 27.6.1677 Andreas Fuchs, (1677 Jacob 

Stuart?). 

After the battle of Landskrona 1677 strengthened with the 

remainder of Regiment Stuart (T1676/9). After the capture 

of Rügen amalgamated October 1678 with the Regiment 

Knoblauch (T1629/19) under the name Sjællandske 

Nationale Infanteriregiment. 

Uniform: Autumn 1675 red coat with yellow lining. Pewter 

buttons. May 1676 grenadiers gray coats faced blue. 

Sappers and artillery drivers gray faced red. Autumn 1677 the coat were changed to red with 

blue lining and blue breeches. Pewter buttons. 1678 red coats with blue lining and cuffs. Gray 

hats without edging. White stockings. Yellow leather breeches. 1678 Battalion Viettinghoff in 

Wismar: 48 pewter buttons, blue breeches and possibly white stockings. 

1. Fynske Nationale Regiment or Fyenske Nationale Regiment af 1. udskrivning (T1661/1 

(V.615)) 

1.12.1671 Johan Kasper Cicignon, 11.12.1676 Hans Schack, 1677 Andreas Fuchs, 1.11.1679 

Edmund Esche. 

Raised 1661 as Fynske Nationale Regiment. 15.6.1675 split into the 1st. (T1661/1) and the 2nd. 

(1675/16) Fynske Nationale Regimenter. 11.12.1676 the regiments are amalgamated again under 

the name of Fynske Regiment (T1661/1). 

Uniform: 1675 green coat faced yellow. Pewter buttons. May 1676 Grenadiers, sappers and 

artillery drivers like Feltmarskalløjtnantens Regiment. Black grenade boxes. 1676 gray coat 

faced green? 

2. Fynske Nationale Infanteriregiment or Fynske 

Nationale Infanteriregiment af 2. udskrivning (T1675/16 

(V.694 and 616)) 10.8.1675 Siegfred Bibow, 31.6.1676 Hans 

Schack. 

Amalgamated 24.12.1676 with the 1. Fynske Nationale 

Regiment, after the former was ruined in the Battle of 

Halmstad. Then called Nye Fynske Nationale Regiment 

Uniform: 1675 green coat with yellow lining. Pewter buttons. 

May 1676 grenadiers gray coats with blue lining, sappers and 

artillery drivers gray coats with red lining. Autumn 1677 

light gray coats faced green. 

1. Jyske Nationale Regiment or Sydjydske Nationale Regiment (T1632 (V.689 and 648)) 

1674 Karl Arenstorff, 20.5.1675 Kristof Otto.Schack, 25.5.1675 Hans Georg Schulenburg, 

27.5.1677 Harvig Levetzau. 

22

1670 called 1. Nordjyske Nationale Regiment - from 1675 1. Sydjyske Nationale Regiment. 

1.11.1679 amalgamated into the Regiment Prins Kristian (T1657/32). 

Uniform: 1675 blue coat faced red. Pewter buttons. September 1676 blue coat faced yellow. 

Pewter buttons. 1677 light gray faced blue? 

2. Jyske Nationale Regiment or Nordjydske Nationale Infanteriregiment (T1658/10 (V.650 

and 689)) 

1666 J. Schack, 1675 Prins Georg, 1676 H. Walter, 1677 J. Voigt. 

26.6.1677 one battalion amalgamated into the regiment Prins Frederik (T.1657/24). 1.11.1679 

the remaining men, called the Battalion Voigt, were amalgamated into the regiment Prins 

Christian (T1657/32). 

Uniform: 1675 blue coat with red lining. Pewter buttons. September 1676 the color of the lining 

changed to yellow. Pewter buttons. 

3. Jyske Nationale Regiment or Sydjyske Nationale Regiment af 2. udskrivning (T 1675/17 

(V.651 and 694)) 

1675 Bartold Bülow 

1.11.1679 amalgamated into Sydjyske Nationale Regiment af 2. udskrivning. One company 

under Bülow remains independent until 5.2.1685, when it is amalgamated into Kongens 

Livregiment. 

Uniform: 1675 blue coat faced red. Spring 1677 blue coat faced yellow. 

1679 blue breeches. Drummer: blue coat faced red and blue breeches 

4. Jyske Nationale Regiment or Nordjyske Nationale 

Regiment af 2. udskrivning (T1675/18 (V.648)) from 

1676 called Sydjydske Nationale Regiment. 

20.8.1675 Egedius Kristof Lützow, 4.1.1679 Hans 

Steensen. 

Uniform: August-December 1675 red coat with blue 

lining. 48 pewter buttons. The buttonholes sewn with 

white and blue thread and "remmer (to strenghten the 

buttonholes or to color them?). May 1676 grenadiers, 

sappers and artillery drivers like Feltmarskalløjtnantens 

Regiment. 

1677 change to gray coat faced yellow and 48 pewter 

buttons. One battalion (Puttkammer) received 72 pewter 

buttons. 1678 cartridge boxes made of seal skin are 

mentioned. 1679 one battalion is mentioned clad in red coats faced yellow, blue breeches and 

white stockings. 

23

Slesvigske Nationale Infanteriregiment (T1664/1 (V.691) 

raised 1661?) 

1664 Wittemacke, 20.8.1675 Duke Bernhard of Plöen, 

20.1.1676 Johan Adolf of Plöen. 25.11.1676 Konrad Brinck . 

Disbanded 1677 

Originally called Slesvig-Holstenske Nationale 

Infanteriregiment. June 1675 doubled and then split into two. 

The companies of Slesvig formed into one regiment called Plöen 

after its commander, the Duke of Plöen. The companies of 

Holsten formed a new regiment called Holstenske Nationale 

Regiment (1675/21). 

Uniform: 1667 according to Vaupel - gray coats faced yellow. 

1676 gray faced red. 1670 The companies of Slesvig perhaps wore blue coats with red lining, but 

a source 1674 gives the companies gray coats with unknown lining. The companies of Holstein 

had red coats with blue lining. May 1675. The "new" regiment of Plöen got red coats with blue 

lining and 60 pewter buttons. White hats? Grenadiers, sappers and artillery drivers had gray coats 

with red lining as Kongens Livregiment. 1677 light gray coat faced red. Leather breeches. Some 

companies in May 1676 - two raised by von Blakenstein - perhaps had gray coat faced blue. 

Leather breeches, blue stockings, black hat with blue edging. 

Bremers Geworbne Regiment (T1674/1 (V.690)) 

1656 Johan Otto Bremer 

Raised 1674 around the former Frikompagni Bremer. 1674 it 

reached the strength of a battalion. 1675 it had the strength of a 

full regiment with 12 companies. The battalion of Kardorff (4 

companies) was destroyed at Halmstad 16.8.1676. 

11.12.1676 the battalion of Neubaur (four companies) was 

amalgamated into the regiment Prins Kristian (T1657/32). With 

the army reductions of 1 October 1679 Bremer was allowed to 

retain one company as frikompagni from the 3rd battalion, 

while the other three companies were amalgamated into 

Dronningens Livregiment (T.1659/3). In 1684 Frikompagni Bremer was also amalgamated into 

Dronningens Livregiment. 

Uniform: March-October 1675 red coat faced yellow. 48 brass buttons for some companies, 

others got 60 buttons of pewter. 1676 the four oldest companies received 48 brass buttons for 

each coat coat. Late 1676 changed to red coats with blue lining. 1676 gray coat faced red. 

20.10.1677 Bremers Regiment received red cloth for 174 men, yellow cloth for "underkiol" 

(small clothes) and 522 dozen brass buttons. Perhaps the battalions were uniformed differently. 

24

Degenfeldts Geworbne Regiment (T1674/2 (V.695)) 

20.4.1675 Hannibal Baron von Degenfeld, 25.7.1676 Duke of Croi. 

Following the Battle of Lund 1676 the survivors were amalgamated 

into Kongens Livregiment (T1658/9). 

Uniform: February 1675 red coat with blue lining and 60 buttons. 

NCOs blue coats with red lining and red breeches. Privates had blue 

breeches and stockings. 1676 36 pewter buttons for the coat. May 

1676 grenadiers gray coats with blue lining, sappers and artillery 

drivers gray coats with red lining. (as T.1657/24). In April/May 1676 

the "turning" of the old coats is mentioned, meaning that the coat was 

reversed to blue with red lining. 

Lüthkens Geworbne Regiment (T1675/13 (V.691)) 

1675 Detlef Lüthken, (Christian Juul - battalion commander in Christianstad) 

From April 1675 raised around the Frikompagni Lüthken. In July 1675 six companies from the 

former Holstein-Gottorp forces were amalgamated into the regiment. In 1676 the men of the socalled 

Hollandske Eskadron (The Dutch Squadron - a small mercenary force raised in Holland) 

was amalgamated into the regiment. After the battle of Lund 1676 the remainder of the regiment 

were amalgamated into Dronningens Livregiment (T1658/3). 

Uniform: July 1675 the six companies from Holstein-Gottorp had red coats. Lining unknown. 

The men of Regiment Lüthken when formed had sky blue coats faced red and 60 pewter buttons. 

The men from the Hollandske Eskadron seem to have arrived from Holland in gray coats with 

black lining. December 1677 the Battalion Juul received cloth for red coats with yellow lining. 

The uniform for the whole regiment should in reality have been light gray with red lining, but 

this was never achieved before it was disbanded. 

Detachment of von Keller 

Keller (Renard?) 

Raised 1671 from Maximillian Rosenkrantz Regiment (about 150 men) and different 

independent companies. The men of the independent companies kept their old coats, but all 

received yellow lining. The men of the regiment Maximillian Rosenkrantz seem to have kept 

their old regimental uniform. 

Summer 1675 the men of the detachment were amalgamated into Baudissins Geworbne 

Infanteriregiment. 

Baudissins Geworbne Infanteriregiment (T1675/14 (V.695)) 

June1675 Gustaf Adolf von Baudissin, June 1677 Renard Keller. 

Raised 1675 in the Grevskaberne (the German counties of Oldenborg and Gottorp?) based on 

Kellers Detachment, five independent companies of Oldenborg and further enlisted men. The 

battalion of Haxthausen (later named Krüger) encircled (trapped) at the siege of Christianstad. 

The rest of the regiment after the expedition to Rügen 1678 was amalgamated into Fynske and/or 

Kongens Livregiment. 

Uniform: Autumn 1675 red coats with blue or yellow lining. December 1676 the Battalion 

Haxthausen in Christianstad received red coat faced yellow. Spring 1677 the Life company and 3 

companies are clad in light gray coats with blue lining. The rest of the regiment is still being 

25

aised and not yet uniformed. Late 1677 the battalion in Christianstad still in red coats with 

yellow lining. (Vaupel gives light gray with red 1676?) 

Harloffs Geworbne Regiment (T1675/20 (V.694)) 

12.8.1675 Henrik Harloff, 27.7.1676 Jakob Vilhelm Stuart. 

Amalgamated 24.12.1676 into the Regiment Prins Georg (T1658/8). 

Uniform: August-September 1675 red coat with blue lining. 60 pewter buttons. White hat. 

May 1676 grenadiers in gray faced blue, sappers and artillery drivers gray faced red. (As 

T1657/24) 

Holstenske Nationale Regiment (T1675/21 (V.692)) 

15.8.1675 Johan Witmacke, 15.2.1676 Johan Voigt, 20.9.1676 

Hartvig Otto von Deden, 1679 Jobst Scholten. 

Spring 1676 between three and five companies were enlisted 

with Frikompagni Behrend as the basis. April 1677 six 

companies were transferred to Kongens Livregiment (T1658/9) 

and six new companies were raised. One battalion was destroyed 

at Halmstad 1676. 

Uniform: 1675 red with blue lining. Spring 1676 60 buttons are 

mentioned. The enlisted companies, among those the 

Frikompagni Voigt, blue coats faced yellow, four companies in 

red coat faced blue and four companies under Cudo Behrends in red coats faced yellow. Spring 

1677 the uniforms were still a mixed bag caused by the heavy losses at Halmstad and Lund 

combined with the ongoing recruiting. The regiment ought to have been uniformed in blue with 

yellow lining, but in the Autumn only Dedens (the Life company) is so uniformed, the newly 

raised companies should have had light gray coats faced blue, and black hats. In one capitulation 

red faced yellow is mentioned. 6.3.1677 the capitulation says gray coats faced blue, but nothing 

was yet decided. May 1679 gray coat faced blue. 

Schönfeldts Geworbne Regiment (T1675/22 (V.694)) 

1675 Gregor Alard Schönfeld 

4.12.1676 the regiment was amalgamated into Prins Georg (T1657/8). 

Uniform: 1675 Blue coat faced red according to the capitulation. 

1676 Blue coat faced red. Pewter buttons. 

Oldenburgske Nationale Regiment (T1675/19 (V.692)) 

from 1679 named Oldenborgske Landregiment 

20.7-1675 Anton Gynter Ellebracht, 11.12.1676 Johan Voigt, 19.1.1677 Ditlev Lütken, 

14.10.1678 Anton Gynter Pott. 

Uniform: 1675 red coat with blue lining. (The source for this information is secondhand and 

hardly probable, as the regiment was not uniformed 1675.) 13.6.1677 700 red coats with blue 

lining are delivered to Tøjhuset for Oldenborgske Nationale Regiment. 

Den Hollandske Eskadron (T1675) 

This unit (The Dutch Squadron) was raised in Holland by the Danish Ambassador Klingenberg. 

It was meant to become a regiment, but never reached that far, instead being broken up at the 

26

start of 1676 and the men put into the regiments of Lüthken and Baudissin. The military term of 

squadron was in this period used for both cavalry, infantry and naval units. 

Uniform: 1675 Gray coat with black lining. Black and white shoulder "bulbs" or "pads" ( like 

those of the Dutch infantry/artillery in 1815?) The men arrived in Oldenborg not yet properly 

clad, coats yes, but no shirts for instance. 

Gullandske Bataillon (T1676/5 (V.696)) 

Also known as Gotlandske or Visbyske Bataillon 

1676 Martin Bertelsen (Barthold). 

Raised in the beginning of June 1676 among the line infantry detachments serving on the Danish 

warships. The men belonged to the regiments Kongens Livregiment (T1659/3), Dronningens 

Livregiment (T1658/7), Prins Georg (T1629/19) and 2. Sjællandske (1675/15). The battalion was 

disbanded September 1679, when the Danes left Gotland. 

Uniform: 1676 red coats with yellow lining. August 1677 gray breeches. October privates and 

Gefreiters red coat faced green, while most of the NCOs had brown coats faced black, some 

brown coats faced gray. 1679 gray breeches.6.6.1676. 

Gotlands three nationale kompagnier 

Three locally raised companies, each with about 600 men, conscripted among the islands 

"tremænninger". Possibly no uniform. 

Nimpfens Geworbne Regiment (T1676/7 (V.695)) 

Thilo Henrik Nimpfen 

Raised 1676, but 1.3.1676 the 8 full companies together with 4 not yet full companies were 

amalgamated into Dronningens Livregiment (T1659/3). 

(In Vaupel it says instead: Raised with 8 companies in Krempe from 20.6.1676. 14.11 four 

companies marched to Nyborg, shortly after followed the last four. 19.12.1676 the whole 

regiment reached Copenhagen. 1.3.1677 amalgamated into Dronningens Livregiment.) 

Gray coats faced yellow and brass buttons. Gray cloaks. Black hats. 

Schönbergs Geworbne Regiment (T1676/8 (V.694)) 

1676 Bartolomeus Veit Henrik Schönberg 

Originally raised as new battalions for the regiment Duke of Plön (T1664/1), but 1.9.1677 

amalgamated into regiment Prins Frederik (T1657/24). 

1676 light gray coats with red lining. Brass buttons and black hats. Sashes for privates red with 

yellow. 1676 grenadiers gray with red. 

Stuarts Geworbne Regiment (T1676/9 (V.694)) 

Jakob Vilhelm Stuart 

Amalgamated 4.12.1677 into regiment Prins Frederik (T1657/24). 

Uniform: According to the capitulation the coat should be light gray with red lining. Autumn 

1677 the regiment is described as wearing gray coats with red lining and cuffs, a pair of good 

leather breeches, shoes and red stockings, a broad sword belt and a good sword (rapier is a little 

wrong, but still perhaps better), a "pijrock" to be used in rainy weather (raincoat) together with a 

rucksack of leather. 

27

Ellnbergers Geworbne Regiment (T1676/) 

Andreas Henrik Ellnberger 

Partly raised from spring 1677, but it was decided to stop recruiting in the Autumn of 1677. Two 

companies amalgamated into Holstenske (T1675/21). 

The uniforms should have been light gray coats with green lining. Black hat. Never uniformed. 

Plöns Bataljon (T1677/2 (V.696)) 

also known as Plönnies Bataljon 

Poul Henrik Plönnies. 

4 companies raised in summer 1677. Amalgamated September 1677 into Regiment Prins 

Christian (T1657/32) 

Uniform: According to capitulation of 1677 light gray coat with red lining. Black hat. In the 

Autumn still under recruiting and a pair of leather breeches have been issued to the men. 

Lehnsdorffs Geworbne Regiment (T1677/1 (V.696)) 

8.6.1677 Lehndorff, 1678 Pflanz. 

Raised in Brandenburg with 1,800 men in 12 companies. October 1677 on Rügen from there 

marched to Pomerania where it took part in the siege of Stettin loosing 2/3 of its strength. After 

the fall of Stettin it refilled its ranks in Brandenburg and then was sent to Scania (Skåne). Here it 

took part in the recapture of Helsingborg. 1679 sent to Holstein and 

1.11.1679 amalgamated into Sjællandske (T1629/19) 

Uniform: Blue coat with gray lining. 1678 514, probably red, so called "bådsmandshuer" 

(boatswain caps) with white crosses were delivered. Blue breeches. 

Kalneyns Eskadron (1678/ (V.696)) 

Vulf Henrik Kalneyn 

Raised with two companies in the summer 1678. 1679 amalgamated into Sjællandske Regiment 

(T1629/19). 

Uniform: 1678 gray coat with blue lining. Blue breeches. 

The Naval battalions at Lund 1676 

In the battle of Lund about 1.500 sailors took part, 

fighting as infantry and destroyed almost to a man. The 

nice old military historian O.Vaupel in his "Den 

danske hærs historie" has made these poor fellows into 

Dutch sailors brought by admiral Tromp as 

reinforcements. This is incorrect, as Vaupel admits in a 

letter to Løvenskjold (Rigsarkivet). A few Dutchmen 

could have been a part (at the most a few hundred) of 

the battalions, but otherwise the battalions were made 

up primarily of Danish and some Norwegian sailors, while the navy lay in winter station. 

The sailors were divided into 3 battalions, which in turn were divided into 24 so-called "crowds" 

and led by naval officers. They were armed with spiked maces, pistol and cutlasses, the weapons 

they were trained on in the navy. This was not a very proficient detachment for fighting a land 

28

attle, which is why they were placed in the second line of battle. When the Danes were routed 

by the Swedish cavalry, the sailors fought courageously, but with their poor weaponry they did 

not stand a chance during the effective and efficient Swedish pursuit which followed. The 

Swedes allowed the Dutch sailors who became prisoners to return home in the hopes of 

obtaining peace with Holland. Of the Danish and Norwegian sailors only some 60 ever returned 

home. 

The battalions are known by the names Kongens Eskadre, Dronningens Eskadre and Prins 

Georgs Eskadre and in addition there was a further detachment of Norwegian sailors. 

In order for the sailors to look like soldiers 1,186 red coats were sent to them in Scania. 

Uniforms: Possibly 986 red coats faced blue and 200 red coats faced yellow. Stockings possibly 

white. 

Frikompagnier (Independent Companies) 

Independent companies were small units raised for special purposes, such as guarding strategic 

points or fortresses. 

Frikompagni Detlef Lüthken 

Raised 1661 as a independent company by Lieutenant Colonel Isenach together with the 

Independent Company of Johan Otto von Brehmer from Brehmers Geworbne Infanteriregiment 

(T1658/7) which was reduced at the time of the army reduction in 1661. The Independent 

Company Isenach in July 1673 was taken over by Ditlef Lüthken. The company garrisoned 

different fortifications in Holstein. In 1675 it served as the garrison company in Rendsburg with 

Colonel Lüthken as the commandant. April 1675 the company became part of newly raised 

regiment of Lüthken (T1675/13). 

Uniform: Sky blue coat faced red. Possibly possibly buttons. 

Frikompagni Johan Voigt 

Possibly (?) raised 1672 from some men on detached service from Rüses Regiment (T1659/ ). As 

Princes of Holsten-Gottorp, the Danish Kings were from time to time obligated to provide troops 

to the Holy Roman Empire. Independent Company Voigt was originally provided as part of the 

regimental strength to the Niedersächische Rote Kreisregiment (The Lower Saxony Red County 

Regiment, but this was cancelled, and instead the company was sent to Hildesheim, Germany, 

where it was in garrison up to 1676. Frikompagni Voigt returned home to Denmark in 1676. 

15.2.1676 the company became part in Holstenske National Regiment (T1675/21). At the same 

time Johan Voigt was appointed regimental colonel. 

Uniform: Blue coat faced yellow. Possibly pewter buttons. 

Frikompagni Albert Allard 

After the army reduction of 1661 Frikompagni Erdwein Thumsdorff was raised from men from 

his old regiment. Captain Albert Allard took over the company in March 1673. February 1675 

the company became part of Degenfeldts Regiment (T1674/2). 

Uniform: Red coat faced blue. Pewter buttons. 

29

Poul Rantzows Kompagni 

also called Kredskompagniet 

Raised 1674 and meant as a contingent for the above mentioned Rote Kreisregiment of the Holy 

Roman Empire. (See Frikompagni Voigt.). However other arrangements were agreed with the 

Empire and the company never was sent. Originally it was raised from men from Weyhers 

Geworbne Regiment (T1657/24), the three independent companies of Holstein, together with the 

contingent of the Duke of Gottorp. Possibly the uniform should have been a gray coat faced red, 

the color should have been red. For a short while the company remained as a sort of 

Frikompagni, but in July 1675 it was incorporated into Lüthkens Geworbne 

Regiment(T1675/13). 

5 Independent Companies from Oldenborg 

The identity of these companies is unknown. Together with the Detachment Keller, they formed 

the garrisons of the fortifications in the counties Oldenborg and Delmenhorst. Spring 1675 all 

were incorporated into Baudissins Geworbne Regiment. (T1675/14). 

Uniform: Almost unknown, except that some or all the companies did not wear red coats. Instead 

they are known to have had red sashes and neckcloths. 

Frikompagni Johan Berendt 

This company was detached from the Slesvig-Holstenske National Regiment (T1664) in June 

1675 and then formed the guard at the Gottorp Castle/Palace. 

January 1676 the company became part of Holstenske National Regiment (T1675/21) and 

formed the basis for the creation of three new enlisted companies to the regiment, but under 

command of Lieutenant Colonel Behrendt, as the companies were earmarked for the field army 

in Scania. Something, among that the uniform colors, seems to indicate that they were to be 

amalgamated into Kongens Livregiment (T1658/9) 

Uniform: 1675 Red coat faced yellow. Pewter buttons. 

Frikompagni Detlef Andersen 

This independent company was in February 1676 detached from Holstenske National Regiment 

(T1675/21) and took over from Frikompagni Behrendt the responsibility of guarding the Gottorp 

Palace. Soon after this guard service was abolished and the unit was sent to the field army in 

Scania, where it is ruined. At the end of 1676 it is disbanded. 

Uniform: 1676 Red coat faced blue. Pewter buttons. 

Frikompagni Just Ebel 

Formed at the end of 1676 from men from the national regiments on Zealand to make up a 

garrison for the fortifications at Korsør. Spring 1677 Captain Hans Højer takes over the company 

and stays with it as commandant of Korsør until the end of the war 1679. Then the company is 

disbanded and the men transferred to Sjællandske Geworbne Regiment (T1627/19) 

Uniform: 1676 Blue coat faced yellow. Pewter buttons. 

1679 Gray coat faced green. Pewter buttons. 

Frikompagni Steen Andersen Bille 

The main part of the company was detached February 1676 from Nordjydske Nationalregiments 

2. udskrivning (T1675/17) and strengthened by further enlistments. It formed the garrison of 

30

Kastellet, the Citadel of Copenhagen and at the same time served as guard on the magazines in 

Copenhagen. Over time the company became the place to send young soldiers, considered not 

mature enough to take part in the campaigns. The company was retained after the war and in 

1683 became part of Battalion Schack (T1683/4). 

Uniform:1677 (capitulation of February) Blue coat faced red. Pewter buttons. 

Summer-Autumn 1677 light gray coat faced yellow. Pewter buttons. 

November-December 1677 light gray coat faced red. 

Frikompagni Ulrich Dewitz 

Raised Spring 1677 primarily from conscripted Norwegians. Served during the war as garrison 

of the Fredericia fortifications. 1678 Johan Canstler took over command, which at the end of the 

year is given to Johan W. Auerswaldt. After the war the company is retained and 1683 it is 

incorporated into Fynske Geworbne Regiment (T1661/1). 

Uniform: Light gray coat faced red. 48 pewter buttons. 

Frikompagni Carl Gustaf Küchenmeister 

Raised Winter 1677 as part of a contemplated regiment under Colonel Kregel. This regiment was 

never completed. The company having no parent unit, Küchenmeister by the capitulation of 

April 1677 took over command. End of 1677 it was incorporated into Regiment Prins Christian 

(T1657/32). 

Uniform: According to the capitulation: gray coat faced blue. It is unknown if the company had 

been uniform before it was transferred. 

Frikompagni Lorentz Willemann 

Like Frikompagni Küchenmeister, see above. 

Frikompagni Jacob Gewecke 

Raised Summer 1678 as garrison of the Nakskov Fortification. Colonel Jacob Gewecke was 

commandant and company commander. 1684 it was incorporated into Regiment Prins Frederik 

(T1657/24). 

1678 light gray coat faced blue. 

Foreign Regiments in Danish Service 

Hesse-Kassel 

Infantryregiment Ufm Keller (1677/4) 

Originally contracted 11.6.1677 from Hesse-Kassel as an 

infantry regiment of 8 companies with 33 officers, 240 NCOs 

and Gefreiters, and 1,170 men. The regiment was destroyed 

on Rügen in January 1678, and a new was one raised (or the 

old one replenished) in Hesse by contract of 20 July 1678 by 

Colonel Ufm Keller, incorporating those remaining from the 

old one. This time 1,400 men in 8 companies armed with 

fusils and pikes and a separate unit of 50 grenadiers under 

special command. 

31

A company should be 3 officers, 3 sergeants, 1 Führer, 1 

Capitain des armes, 1 fourér (functioned also as the 

bodyguard of the captain), 3 corporals, 2 drummers and 2 

fifer, 23 Gefreiters and 113-116 men. Separate 45 grenadiers. 

Staff personnel 20 (regimental quartermaster - normally an 

officer, ADC - normally a NCO, judge advocate, preacher, 

provost with helpers, wagon master with helpers and train 

drivers, Landgräfliche Commisarius - the representative of 

the Landgrave of Hessen-Kassel, the barber with his helpers 

(the were no military doctors at that time, the work was taken 

care of by the members of the barbers guild, musterscribe - 

regimental clerk. All in all this was a normal infantry 

regiment of the time. The uniform is given as "the customary blue of Hessen, not as dark as 

today (1882) by the author C.von Stamford in Die Feldzüge der Regimenter Umf Keller und von 

Hornumb von Hessen-Cassel. 1882. To be quite frank, it seems a rather unsubstantiated guess by 

the author. The regiment returned to Hesse-Kassel 1679. 

Robert Hall illustrates the uniform as blue coat faced blue with tin buttons, grey hat and white 

stockings and black shoes. For more details on the unit see Hall’s “Uniforms and Flags of the 

Army of Hesse-Kassel under Landgrave Carl 1670-1730”. The flags of the unit are used with the 

permission of Robert Hall. 

Münster Auxiliary Corps 

Grandvilliers (T1677/7) 

Part of the first contingent in 1677. Disbanded 1678 

Uniform: unknown 

Netzow (Nitzau or Nitzow)(T1677/8 see Münster 1672/33 ) 

Part of the first contingent in 1677. 

Gaugreben (Gogreve) in 1678. Part of the second contingent in 1678. Disbanded 1679. 


Tecklenburg (T1677/9 see Münster 1673/3) 

Part of the first contingent in 1677. Disbanded 1678 . 


Braun (T1677/9 see Münster 1673/4) 

Part of the first contingent in 1677. Disbanded 1679. 


Wedel (T1678/6 (V.648 and 696) see Münster 1672/20) 

1678 Gustaf Vilhelm Wedell 

Part of the second contingent in 1678. On 1.11.1679 amalgamated with Sydjyske Nationale 

(T1675/18), and then known as Jysk Wedelske Regiment (T1678/12) 

1679 gray coats with blue lining. (Guess by Vaupel?) 

32

Esches (Esch) (T1678/7 (V.615 and 696) see Münster 1672/21) 

Part of the second contingent in 1678. 1679 Erdmund Esche 

Entered Danish service after the war and amalgamated into Fynske (T1679/3) 

Uniform: unknown. 

Schwarz (Schwartz) (T 1678/8 see Münster 1674/1) 

Part of the Second Contingent in 1678. 


Frankenstein (T1678/9 see Münster 1677/4). 

Part of the Second Contingent in 1678. Disbanded 1679. 


Note: Münster infantry appear to have worn gray coats faced in various colors with red being the 

most common. 

Austrian Auxiliary Corps 

Strasoldian or Strassaldo Infantry Regiment (T1659/4) 

3 battalions (1,422 men) 


33

Cavalry and Dragoons 

Uniforms, Colours and Standards 

Cavalry 

In contrast to the infantry where it is possible to reconstruct infantry uniforms rather well from 

clothing receipts and other official papers, the archives do not reveal much about cavalry 

uniforms. We do know that the cavalry regiments at least had different colored regimental 

facings and shabraques. These are illustrated in many of the paintings by Möinichen (ca. 1683) 

in Frederiksborg Castle. It is only with the Regulations of 1692-1699 that regimental facing 

colors for the cavalry are officially established. 

The 1670 Regulations for the National Cavalry only mentions that the troopers should show up 

in gray or blue coats with colored linings. Light gray coats seemed to have predominated, but 

blue coats could have been worn by some. The headdress was either a gray or black hat - 

sometimes with a colored edging on the brim. Helmets may also have been worn by some; 

however no cuirasses, except perhaps by some officers and a single regiment, the 1. Jyske 

Nationale Rytteregiment. Collets (buff coats) made of elkskin were also worn, and considered 

quite sufficient, more practical and modern; but they were expensive and might have been only 

worn by the Hestgarden (The Horseguards). They were worn over the regular coat. 

A list from January 1677, following the disastrous battle at Lund (December 1676), when the 

army had to be totally refurbished, describes the items to be provided for a "sognerytter" 

(mounted man provided by a parish). He should report with horse, 2 pistol holsters with holster 

covers, a shabraque, 2 pistols, one carbine with bandolier, cartridge box, hat, coat, cloak, boots, 

sword, sword belt, horse bits, spurs, stirrups, clasps and flint stones for his firearms. Firearms 

were no longer provided by the farm holder (who was compelled to deliver a mounted man as a 

kind of tax), but were now supplied by the crown to achieve uniformity in armament. 

Organization 

In 1670 the entire cavalry force was reorganized and turned into primarily a National force, in 

contrast to the infantry. The organization was identical for all cavalry regiments, national 

(conscripted) and geworbene (enlisted). A regiment was 1,000 men in 8 companies. 

In preparation for the coming war the number of companies in each regiment was increased to 

12, but the strength of the regiment remained 1,000 men. Each regiment was then split into two 

separate regiments with 500 men in 6 companies. Each new regiment in battle could be 

organized into 2 or 3 squadrons to be led by the staff officers - the colonel, lieutenant colonel and 

major. The first company, livkompagniet (the life company), belonging to the regimental 

commander, had 94 men, while the other companies had 81 men plus officers. 

34

Each company had a 1 ritmester (captain), 1 lieutenant, 1 cornet, 5 NCOs, 3 trumpeters, 2 

artisans and 71 troopers, a total of 84 men. In 1678 the regimental strength was reduced to 6 

companies with 453 men, except for Hestgarden and Livregimentet.) In 1679, with the arrival of 

peace, the companies were reduced to only 75 men of which 62 were troopers, except for 

Hestgarden and Livregimentet which retained their original strength. These strength figures are 

not that important because for the most part during the war all units were under strength as a 

result of sickness and casualties. 

Weapons 

Cavalry were armed with a straight, thrusting sword, wheellock pistols and carbine. 

Uniforms 

For most regiments only the color and appearance of their standards are known. However, it is 

generally assumed that the cuff and lining colors were the same as the colors of the standards. 

There may have been different hues on the schabraques when two regiments had the same color 

standard, which resulted from the splitting of regiments in 1670. Although this cannot be 

verified, it is perhaps the best that can be determined at this time. The archives are silent on 

cavalry facing colors. The color of the standards for the old regiments followed the traditional 

coloring of the different provinces, and there is the possibility that the regimental facing colors 

followed suit. The coats appear to be single breasted on the pictures by Möinichsen and were 

usually light gray, almost white in color; but blue was also possible. Buff coats, collets, were also 

worn by a few. Buttons were either pewter or brass. Hats varied in color from a white-yellow, 

gray to black with black being the dominate color over time. A few of the hats appear to have a 

C5 and crown, probably in brass, pinned to one side. Some hats had a border around the brim, 

while others are without it. Neckcloths could be white (common), red-yellow striped and black. 

Black neckcloths appear to have been a sign of recognition for trumpeters, kettledrummers and 

noncommissioned officers. Carbine and sword belts were a yellowish, natural leather. The sword 

scabbard was black and the sword hilt was iron (a few regiments could have had brass). 

Cartridge boxes appear to have been in different colors. In the Möinichen paintings they are red 

(possible red leather), while in the Rosenborg tapestries they are shown in red and white with 

gold embroidery (possibly Hestgarden). Schabraques and holster covers were in the regimental 

facing color and could be trimmed in the button color or without trim. Certain regiments may 

have had C5 embroidered on both the schabraque and holster covers. Breeches were a yellowish 

leather. Boots were black. Gauntlets were in various shades of brown. Horse furniture was black. 

Officers: Coats in the same color as the men of the regiment with similarly colored cuffs and 

lining, or red (or regimental facing color) with facings also in red or the coat color of the men 

(white/light gray). The coat was richly embroidered in the button color (gold or silver) or the 

regimental facing color. The embroidery usually appeared on the coat seams, on the cuffs, 

pockets and coat front edges. The hat was edged in the button color The hair was worn in many 

different forms, often a wig, but seldom white. On the neck one often sees a bow tie, usually red, 

in addition to a neckcloth, which was white. The schabraque and holster covers were in the 

regimental color with rich embroidered trim in the button color. All leather equipment (belts) 

35

were also richly embroidered in the button color. There is no doubt that the uniforms of officers 

were to a high degree dependent on individual taste and wealth. 

Trumpeters and Kettledrummers: The same coat and facing color as the rest of the regiment. 

Coat seams were decorated in braid of the regimental facing color sometimes mixed with gold or 

silver. The sleeves were decorated with horizontal stripes, pockets, cuffs and coat front edges 

were also trimmed in braid of the regimental facing color sometimes mixed gold or silver. 

Trumpet cords and tassels were probably in the regimental facing color. Trumpet and kettledrum 

colours were probably decorated with the same colors and appearance as the standards. There is 

no indication that the horses for trumpeters and kettledrummers were white or dapple-gray. In 

general their horses appear to have been browns or blacks. 

Standards 

Each company had its own standard. All standards had the Dannebrog, a red field with white 

cross, in the upper, inner corner. The standard of the livkompagni (Life Company) was always 

white. The standards of the time had a very practical and important role as markers of direction 

during movement and tactical evolutions. The white life (liv) standard, furthermore, served to 

mark the location of the whole regiment. The role of standards as regimental symbols, which 

were bitterly fought over in battle, cannot be underestimated. The victorious side always proudly 

presented any captured colors and standards together with kettledrums and cannons. Even 

publications were produced, reporting what had been taken. In Sweden (and France) all captured 

standards were drawn and colored in an "official" book, and in this way we know the basics of 

many of the Danish colors, even if the original perhaps has gone to pieces. These spoils of war 

belonged to the King alone. 

With the increase in the number of National cavalry regiments by raising the number of 

companies to 12 from earlier 8 and splitting the regiments it was of course necessary to provide 

new standards. Generally the "old" regiments seem to have received new standards together with 

one or two old ones, while the new regiments used the old standards. 

There were three main models of standards, all made of double-layered damask. Two models had 

the provincial arms and were in the old provincial colors, differing only in the design of the 

shield around the arms and the location of the mottoes or inscriptions. The new standards had the 

inscriptions in a bow around the shield, while on the old standards the inscriptions were in one or 

two horizontal lines in the lower half of the standard. The arms of (Zealand) (Sjælland) were red 

with 3 blue lions and 9 red hearts, those of Funen (Fyn) were green with a "lindorm"(a very old 

mythical monster (dragon) originating from the "heathens" on Rügen in Northern Germany), 

Jutland (Jylland) were yellow or blue with the 1 blue lions and 9 red hearts of North Jutland, 

Southern Jutland (Slesvig) had 2 blue lions. On the standards the different mottoes or 

inscriptions were in Danish or German, and in Latin for the enlisted regiments. In some cases 

only some of the arms were on the standard, for example those of the 1. Sjællandske had only the 

three blue lions. The hearts are missing. 

36

The models of 1670 and 1675 differ in their shields and their surroundings, and the artists also 

made minor variations. A third "plainer" and more royal model was introduced for the enlisted 

regiments. It was made of heavy damask, which had a flower pattern, in the regimental color and 

with the King's monogram, a crowned C5. All the standards had fringes, often gold or silver 

mixed with a silk color, or a mix of the regimental and a company color. They measured 

approximately 50 cm x 50 cm. Standards could be either embroidered or painted. 

The standard's staff could be very elaborate with carvings and painted for instance blue with gold 

or very simple, almost like a broomstick. On the top of the staff a finial, often a gilded C5. Today 

most of the surviving standards are those captured by the Swedes and are beautifully preserved 

in the Army Museum in Stockholm, while the inscriptions (mottoes) of now non-surviving 

standards are known through the Danish archives. 

The Regiments 

Hestgarden (The Horseguards) (T 1675/5 (V.592)) 

From 18.1.1661 Frederik Arenstorff, 1678 Samuel Kristof Plessen. 

Uniform: red coat with yellow facings and lining. Buttons gold-silver. Shabraque red with gold. 

1677-78 cloaks red (1677) with 18 buttons and possibly with yellow lining and could have been 

embroidered with the King's monogram. Red and yellow were the colors of the Royal House. 

The guard also had "Carabinermanteln" (overcoats or cassocks), which were also red with yellow 

lining with buttons covered with silk, possibly with the kings crowned monogram C5. In 1677 

breeches made of leather and some in cloth were delivered. 426 sets of the crowned royal 

monogram, C5, were made to be placed on the overcoats of the guardsmen.The Hestgarden 

possibly may have worn collets (buff coats) faced red. A number a cavalry in this dress appear 

prominently in the Möinichen's paintings. 

Trumpet banners appear vertically striped from right to left white, red, blue, white. Red trumpet 

tassels. 

Standards unknown (very possibly white with gold and silver embroideries as shown by 

Möinichsen) 

Livregiment Ryttere (enlisted) (T. 1672 (V.556)) 

1672 U.F.Gyldenløve, 11.12.1672 Ditlev Rantzau, 1.3.1676 Hans Vilhelm Meerheim, 1.7.1677 

Adam Hans Bars, 1697 K.D.Reventlow. 

Raised 25.10.1672 as an enlisted regiment in Mecklenburg under the name Holstenske Ryttere or 

Gyldenløves Regiment. 1673 the name was changed to Livregiment Ryttere. 

Uniform: Light gray coat faced red (?) 

Life Standard: totally white "made of silver Moor, called "Xalet" (names for special cloth) with 

embroidery and fringe all in gold. 

The other 5 standards in white pearl-Moor with gold embroidery and with crimson cloth for 

Dannebrog in the upper, inner corner. The companies seem to have been distinguished by 

different colored silk fringes mixed with solid gold fringes on the standards. The fringe 

37

combinations mentioned are: crimson with gold, white with gold, green with gold, citrus yellow 

with gold and bleumourant with gold. All standard staffs made of oak painted white and gold. 

Finials in gilded brass with CF (possibly C5?) Further it seems that the tassels were gold silk 

cords. The nails to fasten the standards to the staffs were gilded. A cover for each standard also 

was issued. 

Sjællandske Rostjeneste (T 1675/1 (V.1675/1)) 

1675 K.K. Holck, 1676 H. Schilden (J.S. Halle), 1678 J. 

Rantzau 

The Rostjeneste formed 1670 was divided into two 

regiments: Sjællandske Rostjeneste (including the companies 

of Fyn (the island Funen) and Jyske Rostjeneste. Each 

regiment was on the normal cavalry footing of 500 men. 

After the battle at Landskrona 1677 the regiments are 

amalgamated and strengthened by a newly recruited 

company of 84 men of which 71 were troopers (some sources 

says two companies) under Lieutenant Colonel H. Meyer. 

They were equipped with horse, saddle, horse furniture, 

carbine, 2 pistols with flints, sword, cloak, collet, coat and 

boots (Rockstroh II, p.188). This company was destroyed 9 January 1678 on the island of Rügen 

together with a further 50 troopers from the regiment. In the spring 1678 four companies under J. 

Rantzau are sent to Wismar, while the rest did patrol duty on the southern border of Jutland. In 

May 1678 Rostjenesten was sent to Scania strengthened by a newly raised squadron under J.S. 

Halle. Dissolved 31.10.1679. 

Uniform: Light gray faced red. (?) More likely in buff coats (collets) and with helmets. 

The regiment carried kettledrums made of copper. 

Their standards are known and exist today in Stockholm, as some were captured at the Battle of 

Lund in 1676, not during the battle but when the Swedes captured the train as the regiment at 

that time was to weak in manpower to carry all of them in battle. They were made in red damask 

with red fringes. In the center was a silver Maltese cross and in the upper, inner corner a crowned 

C5 in gold. Both sides were alike. 

Mottoes 1670: 

1. NAAR TIID KOMMER, KOMMER OCH RAAD. 

2. STRAX PÅ LIUNET FÖLGER OCH TORDENSLAG. 

3. HÖDER DU SAA SLAAR JEG. (Taken by Lund) 

4. DRISTIG BEYLE FÖR BRUDEN HIEM. (Taken by Lund) Belonged to Lieutenant Colonel 

Holcks company. 

5. KOM I RETTE TIID. 

6. BLAND KORTET VEL. 

7. GOOD SEEGER RETTET VEL ET OND LAST (?) 

8. I MORGEN ER OCH EN DAG. 

Up to 1677 it is known the regiment carried standards with these mottoes: 

1. BLAND KORTET VEL 

38

2. KOM I RETTE TID 

3. I MORGEN ER OG EN DAG 

Jyske Rostjeneste (T1675/2) 

Mogens Kruse 

Uniform: Light gray faced red. (?) 

Mottoes: 

MIT VERSTAND UND MACHT (lost at Lund) 

EIJ ROF MEN LOF (lost at Lund) Belonged to the 5th or 6th company under Ritmester 

Brockdorf. 

Skånske Rostjeneste (T1676/3) 

H. Steensen 

Raised summer 1676, disbanded March 1677. 


1. Sjællandske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/1 (V.584)) 

1670 F. Arenstorff, 1.8.1677 Holger Trolle 

Uniform: Light gray coat faced red. (?) 

Kettledrums of copper. 

Standards 1670 of red damask decorated with a yellow field in which 

are 3 blue lions. A white Danish cross in the upper, inner corner. 

Mottoes: 

1. Alting har sin Tiid. 

2. Hvor intet wofves, intet windes. 

3. Faar, der bräger möget mälker lit. 

4. Frisk mod, half Rytertæring. 

5. Nöd bryder Jern. 

6. Atterdag. 

7. Fælles fare fastest Baand. 

8. Lenge betenckt, hastig fuldendt. 

These standards was divided 1675 between the 1. and 2. regiment (T1675/4). 

The following mottoes are known for 1. Sjællandske Regiment after 1675: 

1. White with the arms of Seeland, the 3 blue lions on a yellow field framed by stylized leaves in 

gold with silver ornaments. In the upper, inner corner corner a red Dannebrog with silver cross 

and framed by a thin red border. Motto: RIEN SANS DIEU. Belonged to the Life Company. 

2. ALT FOR VOR KONGENS ÆRE 

3. LYCKEN BÆR MANDEN OFVER BÆCKEN (belonged to 2. company.) (Stockholm) 

4. HAAB TIL HIERTET BRIISTER 

5. EFTER REGEN SOLSCHIN 

6. LENGE BETENCKT HASTIG FULDENDT 

39

2. Sjællandske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1675/2 (V.585)) 

1.8.1675 Ditlev Rantzau, 26.7.1677 Burchard Münchhausen, 1678 Georg Trop 


The standard of the Life Company was lost at Lund. 

The other standards must be some of the old ones with the mottoes mentioned under 1. 

Sjællandske Nationale Rytterregiment 1670 above. 

1. Jyske Nationale Rytteregiment (T1670/3 (V.571)) 

1.8.1670 Ditlev Rantzau, 12.7.1675 H.F.Levetzau, 21.6.1677 Frans 

Schwanewedel 

Uniform: Light gray faced yellow(?) 

Standarts yellow with a white shield in which there is a blue lion, 

beneath the lion 9 red hearts. Dannebrog in the upper, inner corner. 

Mottoes 1670: 

1. I TIIDE ELLER ALDRIG. 

2. SVÆRDET SKILLER TRÆTTE. 

3. BEDRE AT STAAE, END SKAMMELIG AT FLYE. 

4. SAMDRÆGT FÖDER, TVEEDRAGT ÖDER. 

5. MAND AGTER, DÖED SKIFTER. 

6. FORLAD DIG PAA GUD. 

7. GAMMEL WANE BIDER BEST. 

8. SEYREN STAAR I GUDS HAAND. 

1675 the 1. Regiment receives 4 new estandards with the following mottoes: 

1. SNART NOCH, NAAR KUN VEL NOCH 

2. TIDEN SKAL LÆRE DET 

3. RÆD MAND GILLER EY FRUER (this motto is also given for the 6.th company of the 2. 

Regiment.) 

4. GAMMEL STUD HAR HARDEST HORN (Stockholm) 50 x 50 cm. Fringes 5 cm. Painted. 

2. Jyske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1675/4 (V.568)) 

12.7.1675 P. Juel, 2.3.1676 Jakob Bülow, 11.8.1677 Hartnach Bibow 

Uniform: Light gray faced yellow. (?) 

1. the life company had a flowered white silk standard (damask) with fringes in white and silver. 

On the standard a crowned wreath and inside the wreath a gold embroidered lion and beneath it 9 

gold embroidered hearts. Motto: TROE TIL DØDEN. 

The other companies had yellow standards on which a blue lion interwoven with silverthreads 

with 9 golden hearts beneath. Surmounted by a golden crown. A round laurel wreath 

embroidered in silver. 

2. Company.: GAMMEL WAHNE BODER BEST. 

3. Company: EN KNIV HOLDER DEN ANDEN I SCKEDEN. 

4. Company: FRYCHT GUD. 

5. Company.: SE?EREN STAAR I GUDS HAAND. 

40

3. Jyske Nationale Rytteregiment (T1670/4 (V.565)) 

1.8.1670 A.Sandberg, 10.5.1677 Lorenz Styrke 

Uniform: Light gray faced blue. (?) Another possibility, although less likely, is a blue coat faced 

red. 

Standard mottoes 1670: 

KNIF HOLDER ANDEN I SKEDEN 

SEYER ELLER DØDEN 

BLOD ER TROSKABS BESEIGLING 

VEL BEGYNT ER HALF ENDT 

IBLAN TORNE ROOSER 

HER GIELDER INGEN SNACK 

SEYER HØR HERREN TILL 

KNEP ELLER KORN. 

The new standards received 16.5.1674 were of blue damask with a blue lion on a yellow field. 

Mottoes: 

TRO VEL VEED HESTEN BORT 

TIDEN HAFVE A..(?) 

STORE SØER, STORE BØLGER 

SICHT METT AGT 

4. Jyske Nationale Rytteregiment (T1675/5 (V.573)) 

5.5.1675 Karl Arenstorff, 1.1.1677 Hans Walter (killed at Landskrona 16.7.1677), 16.7.1677 

Hans D.Steensen, 23.10.1677 Adam Kristof Holstein 

Uniform: Light gray faced blue. (?) Another possibility, although less likely, is a blue coat faced 

red. 

At Lund 1676 the 2nd Company lost an standard with the motto: SEYER ELLER DØDEN. (Is 

curiously described as of red damask with red fringes. Shield edge in arcantus leaves.) 

Dannebrog with the cross in silver. The arms of Jutland? 

1. Fynske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/2 (V ?)) 

1.8.1670 Johan Liebrecht, 1671 Hans Valdemar Schultz, 1672 J.Duncan, 1676 Kristof Otto 

Schack, 4.8.1677 Siegfried Rathlou, 27.11.1677 Otto Rantzau. 

Uniform: Light gray faced green. (?) 

Standards 1670 green with a yellow "lindorm" on a red field with crown above. Dannebrog in 

the upper,inner corner.. 

Mottoes: 

1. ALTID LIGE FÆRDIG. 

2. KIECK OG U-FORFÆRT. 

3. GIERNINGEN PRIISER MESTEREN. (Lost as belonging to 2. Fynske). Of green double 

damask with green silk fringes. On the standard is embroidered in a red shield a dragon of gold 

in red field with a crown above. Dannebrog in the corner. Motto: Gjerningen prieser Mesteren. 

Has belonged to the new raised regiment, the 2. Fynske. The estandard original from the old 

Funen. 

4. LÖFTE GIÖR SKYLDIGHED. 

41

5. UNGDOMS MÖDE, ALDERDOMS FËDE. 

6. DÖD HUND BIDER EJ. 

7. STILLE VAND, DYB GRUND. 

8. KLOCKEN KIENDES AF KLANGEN. 

The new estandards 1675 had the mottoes: 

ANSLAG MED RAAD BESTAAR 

GUD ER EN HERRE OFUER STYRCKE 

HVO LEGE VIL, SKAL SETTE TIL 

VAAGEN MAND ER OND AT VÆKKE 

2. Fynske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1675/3 (V.567)) 

5.7.1675 Konrad D.Rewentlow, 4.1.1677 Baltasar Arenstorff, 1678 

Kristof Lorenz Reitzenstein 

Uniform: Light gray faced green. (?) 

Standards 1675: green with a yellow "lindorm" on a red field. 

Dannebrog in the upper, inner corner. 

Life company: motto VANDSKELIGHED PRISER MANDEN and 

two company standards with the mottoes: ARRET BLOD, FANGER 

MAND and WAAGEN MAND ER OND AT VÆKKE. The rest must 

be from the old regiment. 

4 standards are known, as they were lost at Lund 

2. Company: motto: KIECK OCH UFORFERT. Dannebrog in the corner. Middle green damask. 

A closed crown over the insignia, which shows the "lindorm" turned against the staff and without 

a crown. 

3. Company: motto GIERNINGEN PRIESER MESTEREN. Green damask with the "lindorm" 

on a red field turning away from the staff. Green fringes. The edges of the field in silver and 

gold. Golden crown. Motto in gold. The whole standard embroidered. 

4. Company: only the staff remains. 

Mottoes known for 2. Fynske 

LÖFTE GIÖR SKYLDIGHED 

DÖD HUND BIDER EY 

KLOCKEN KIENDES AF KLANGEN 

Slesvig-Holstenske Nationale Rytterregiment (T1670/5) 

1.5.1670 Henrik Sehested, 24.12.1676 Konrad Rewentlow, 1.11.1678 Otto Fr. Gamm 

Uniforms: 1670 and 1675 light gray with orange. Another possibility, although less likely, is a 

blue coat faced red. 

Standards 1670 all red. The companies from Rendsborg had in the upper, inner corner a little 

white Danish cross (Dannebrog), a nettle leave (symbol of Holstein) and the mottoes in German. 

The companies of Schlesig had the Danneborg in the upper, inner corner, the arms of Slesvig - 2 

yellow or golden lions in a blue field with the mottoes in Danish. 

Mottoes: 

Rendsborg companies 

1. EIN KECKER MUTH IST GUTER HARNISCH. 

42

2. ZEIT BRINGT ROSEN, NICHT DER STOCK. 

Slesvigske companies 

3. TIIDEN ER LIGE LANG, MEN ICKE LIGE NYTTIG. 

4. MERE I GIERNING END I ORD. 

5. HVO TÖR. 

6. BED OCH ARBEID. 

7. SNACK HAR VI NOCK AF. 

8. KIØR SAGT. 

Christian Juuls Rytterreiment 

Four companies of newly raised dragoons were converted to cavalry in the Summer of 1677. 

This regiment wore dragoon uniforms until it was broken up at the end of 1677, and the men 

divided among the Livregiment and the Nationale regiments. 

Uniform: gray faced blue? 

Örtzens Rytterregiment 

Uniform: gray faced red? May be same as Baudissins below. 

Baudissins Geworbne Rytteregiment (enlisted) (T1675/7 (V.578)) 

1675 Baudissin, 1677 Örtzen, 1679 Bernstorff 

Uniforms: Løvenskjold gives the uniforms at Lund as gray with white. 

Light grey with red (Vaupel). Also possibly light gray faced green.(?) 

Standards: 12.12.1677 the regiment deposits to Tøjhuset (the Armory in Copenhagen) 6 

standards - 1 white and 5 blue - all without mottoes. New standards were given to the regiment 

under Örtzen, who writes that the regiment is missing one standard and asks for a design or 

permission to make one after an enclosed (no longer existing) design. 

Geweckes Geworbne Rytterregiment (enlisted) (T1675/9 (V. )) 

1675 Gewecke 

The regiment was disbanded in 1677 and the troopers transferred to the Sjællandske (regimental 

number?). 3.11.1677 the regiment deposits at Tøjhuset 1 white and 5 red standards with 

"Bögelder"(?) crown. Possibly the model with the kings crowned monogram within a wreath. 

Uniform: light gray faced black.(?) 

Mottoes 1675 

SIC SOTENT CIMBRI (?) 

OCCURRORE DISCIPLINEM 

ET MORI POTIUS 

QUAM INTUTA ...(?) 

HOC AMOR IN PATRIAM 

HOC RES IUBET 

Rauchs Geworbne Rytterregiment (enlisted) (T1675/8) 

1675 Gottfried Rauch (killed at Christianstad 21.5.1677), 1.6.-1.9.1677 Joachim Rüdiger Goltz. 

The regiment was disbanded in March 1677 and the troopers transferred to Baudissins Geworbne 

43

Rytterregiment (1675/7). 

Uniform: Light gray faced brown or violet. (?) 

Standards: red (Vaupel gives brown) with the kings crowned monogram. 

The red standard of 2. company was lost at Lund. 

Mottoes: 

PRO REGE 

PRO FOIX 

PRO SOCIIS 

PUGNABIMUS 

ET DEO JUVANTE 

DEROLLEMIS(?) ADVERSA 

Gullandske Ryttere (T1676/) 

1676 Martin Bartelsen (inf?) 

Raised by Admiral Niels Juel on the island Gotland with 3 companies in June 1676. Disbanded 

1679. 

In 1676 Bartelsen was given 2,000 alen of yellow cloth and 1,600 alen of red baize (for lining) 

for his troops, which included both cavalry and infantry. 

Meyers Geworbne Eskadron (enlisted) (T1677/) 

Raised as a squadron with 2 companies (each with 84 men of which 71 were troopers.) They 

were equipped with horse, saddle, horse furniture, a carbine, 2 pistols, sword, cloak, collet, coat 

and boots. 1677 the squadron took part on Rügen. In 1678 it had a strength of 3 squadrons. 

Uniform: Light gray coat faced ?. 

Organization 

Dragoons 

Dragoon organization was essentially the same as that of the cavalry. In 1677 the dragoon 

regiments converted their lance corporals (gefreiters) into grenadiers (ca. 10 per regiment). 

Weapons 

Dragoons were armed with a sword suitable for both thrusting and cutting, a matchlock or 

flintlock musket, a pistol and an axe or pickax. 

Uniforms 

Dragoon uniforms were essentially the same as the infantry with the exception of dragoon boots, 

which were lighter and softer than the normal cavalry boot. This allowed for dismounted action. 

44

The Regiments 

Detleff Rantzaus Dragonregiment (T1675/11) 

1676 Claus H. Rambstett (Ramsted), 1676 Georg Brochenhuus (Brockenhaus). Rambstett began 

to recruit another regiment, possibly with some men from this regiment as the basis. 

Brochenhuus died in July 1677. No new colonel was named as the regiment was designated to be 

consolidated with George Tropps Regiment, but it was cut off in Christianstad at the time. 

Eventually combined with Tropps Regiment late in 1678. 

Uniform: gray faced red? 

Detleff Örtzens Dragonregiment (T1675/10) 

1677 Thilo H. Nymphii (Nympffen). In 1677 the regiment was designated to be consolidated to 

be consolidated with Georg Brochenhuus and Claus Rambstetts Regiments in a combined 

regiment under Georg Tropp, but the consolidation did not take place until late 1678. 

Uniform: gray faced yellow, brass buttons? (Gray with white - Løvenskjold?) 

Colours: yellow (Vaupel) 

Georg Tropps Dragonregiment (T1675/12) 

Originally created with 6 companies beginning in January 1676. Generalmajor Hans Walter was 

to be the colonel and recruit a company. In March Colonel Georg Tropp took command of the 

assembled regiment. The regiment suffered heavily at the Battle of Halmstad in August 1676. 

The remaining two companies created a squadron under Balthazar J. Knoblauch. Was designated 

to be consolidated with Christian Juuls Regiment, but was cut off in Christianstad. The 

consolidation never took place, and the unit remained independent. After Christian Juuls 

Regiment was disbanded, it was designated for amalgamation with the second Georg Tropps 

Regiment. 


Colours lost at Halmstad 1676. 

One blue with blue fringes. On it C5 surrounded by 2 palmleaves. 

The devise in gold: AUT NUNC AUT NUNQUAM. 

One like the above but with the devise: MIT GOTT WOLLEN 

WIR TATEN THUN. Further a gilded finial. 

One as above with the devise: DEO DUCE OMNIA FELICITER. 

One white, possibly from the Liv Squadron. with C5 surrounded 

by palm leaves. Devise in gold: 

WAN DIESER WELT GEBEU WIRD GANTZ ZU DRÜMMER G(EHEN) BLEIBET DOCH 

DER TUGEND PREIS AUFF FESSTEN FUSS(EN) STEHEN on one side and on the other DIE 

TUGEND NUR ALLEIN KAN DIESE WELT AUS LACH(EN) UND DAS WAS STERBLICH 

IST AN UNS UNSTREBLICH MACHEN 

In addition there are in Sweden four blue colours with light colored fringes. On them above a 

dark band with the devise PIETATE ET JUSTITIA, the motto of Christian 5. Beneath a round 

badge with C5, above a large closed crown. Around the badge 2 palm leaves tied with a large 

ribbon. 

45

Jacob Duncans Dragonkompagni 

In April 1676 incorporated in Claus Rambstetts Regiment (Detleff Rantzaus Regiment, see 

above). 

Uniform: Gray faced green? 

Claus H. Rambstetts Dragonregiment (T1676/1) 

After Rambstett's death in the Summer of 1677 the regiment did not receive a new colonel. The 

regiment was designated for amalgamation with Brochenhuus and Nymphiis Regiments, but the 

regiment was cut off in Christianstad. The amalgamation occurred in second half of 1678. 


4th Company Colour lost at Landskrona in 1677: 

No Dannebrog. Dark field. A laurel wreath with light berries. The 

wreath was tied at the bottom with a ribbon. The colour is split. 

95cm on the staff. Inside the wreath C5 under a closed crown. 

Beneath the devise: NIHIL PULCHERIS (probably should be: 

NIHIL PULCHERIUS) 

Another description: Single colored red cloth with a closed crown 

above a C5,surrounded by 2 laurel branches tied with a ribbon at the bottom. Fringe in the field 

color. Devise: NIHIL PULCHRIUS. 

Steen Brahes Skånske Dragonrgiment 

This regiment was never completed. Disappears from the rolls in the second half of 1677. 

Uniform: gray faced red 

Christian Juuls Dragonregiment 

Raised early in 1677. Converted to a cavalry regiment in the Summer of 1677 (see under cavalry 

above). Only 4 newly recruited companies were converted to cavalry. The two old companies 

remained dragoons and formed a squadron under Johan W. Auerswald. 


Philip Fleichers Dragonregiment 

Raised in the second half of 1677. In December 1678 reduced to a squadron of four companies 

under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Dehn. 

Uniform: Gray faced ? Possibly blue faced white. 

Georg Tropps Dragonregiment 

Originally planned as a consolidation of Brochenhuus, Nymphiis and Rambstetts Regiments in 8 

companies. Because of the siege of Christianstad the consolidation was delayed. Tropp set about 

recruiting a new regiment or at least a part of one. In August and September 1678 the three 

original regiments and Auerswaldts Squadron were consolidated in the regiment under Tropp. In 

December 1678 Tropp departed and the regiment was split in two independent squadrons each of 

four companies under Hausmann and Lieven. Hausmanns Squadron appears to have had men 

from Nymphiis Regiment as its basis. 


46

Caspar Hausmanns Eskadron 

Uniform: gray faced yellow, brass buttons. 

Hans Georg Lievens Eskadron 


Note: In 1679 sent to the contribution manager in Kiel, Peter Wichman, to deliver to Lieutenant 

Colonel Hausmann's 4 companies and Lieutenant Colonel Lieven's 4 companies four standards 

of red taffeta with fringe and a laurel wreath with C5 within along with the proper staffs, and 4 

standards of yellow taffeta with a laurel wreath, crowned C5 and staffs. It is unknown which unit 

received the red standards and which received the yellow. 

Foreign Cavalry and Dragoons in Danish Service 

Hesse-Kassel 

Ufm Keller (T1677/) 

Also known as Hornumb (Hornung) after the unit commander. 

Raised in 1677 in Hesse-Kassel by Colonel Ufm Keller with 2 

squadrons (4 companies). 

Each company with 1 ritmester, 1 lieutenant, 1 cornet, 1 

wachtmeister, 1 quartiermeister, 3 corporals, 1 trumpeter and 66 

troopers. In addition there were officers and NCOs reformé, that is 

with lower pay and only a commission for the duration of the war. 

That puts the total in each company to about 80 or more. 

Robert Hall illustrates the uniform of this unit as grey faced grey with brass buttons, black hat 

and plain blue schabraque. For more details on this unit see Hall’s “Uniforms and Flags of the 

Army of Hesse-Kassel under Landgrave Carl 1670-1730. The illustration of the standard is used 

with permission of Robert Hall. 

Münster Auxiliary Corps 

Bassem (Grandvilliers) Rytterregiment (T1677(5) Münster 1672/10) 

Part of the 1677 Münster contingent. 300 men. 

Uniform: gray faced? 

Wedels Rytteregiment (T1678(1) Münster 1672/6) (T1678/11) 

Part of the 1678 Münster contingent. 400 men? At the beginning of 1679 taken into Danish 

service. 

Uniform: gray faced green? 

Bassem Rytterregiment (T1678(2) Münster 1678/1) (T1679/2) 

Part of the 1678 Münster contingent. 400 men? At the beginning of 1679 taken into Danish 

service. 

Uniform: gray faced blue 

47

Wendts Rytterregiment (T1678(4) Münster 1678/3) 

Part of the 1678 Münster contingent. 400 men? 


Raves (Rabes)Rytterregiment (T1678(3) Münster 1678/2) (T1679/1) 

Part of the 1678 Münster contingent. 400 men? Entered Danish service 1679. 


Schumacher (Schönemaker) Dragonregiment (T1677(6) Münster 1672/18) 

Part of the first Münster contingent in 1677. 200 men in 2 companies. 


Hötensleben Dragonregiment (T1678(5) Münster 1672/17) 

Part of the 1678 Münster contingent, 650 men. 


Note: Münster cavalry wore gray or brown coats faced in various colors with red being the most 

common. 

Austrian Auxiliary Corps 

Krain (Lesly or Leslie)(?) Kuirassier (probably elements of KR Metternich T1674/1) 

2 squadrons 


Schultz Dragoon Regiment (T1631/16) 

Arrives in Scania (Skåne) in June 1677 with 2 squadrons. In 1677 the regiment takes part in the 

Rügen Campaign with 3 squadrons, each of about 100 men. Returned in March 1678. 


Croats 

In 1677 a Colonel Dubsky raised a company (83 men - later increased to 120 men or more) of 

Croats, so-called krabater. Following a mutiny in 1678, a Lieutenant Colonel Disnoldt took over 

the unit. The unit was sent home in May 1679 because it was uncontrollable. The unit was 

apparently placed under the Hestgarden or Livregiment. The unit might have been larger. In the 

archives the list for the "Military State" in 1678 lists besides Colonel Dubsky a lieutenant 

colonel, a major, a ritmester, a captain-lieutenant, 4 cornets and a priest. 

The unit's standards, which were issued on 20 May 1678, were of red taffeta with cords and silk 

fringe. It had a white cross on it. The cross was small and free standing similar to the modern 

cross on the Swiss national flag. 

48

The unit might have worn the same uniform as the Austrian Collalto-Croaten zu Pferde (T1673) 

of which Dubsky was Oberstwachmeister. However, on 6 May 1678 cloth was issued to make 

coats for 80 croats. 

In May and June 1678 the unit was issued 80 lances with iron points and pennons, 24 carbines 

with matchlocks and 16 carbines with flintlocks. 

Organization 

Artillery 

For the first time the field artillery was organized as an independent service with a staff of 19 and 

4 companies of 111 men. The field park consisted of 58 guns (58 pieces - 12-pds, 10-pds and 3pds.). 

Each infantry battalion was served by 2 three-pounders. 

To serve these artillery pieces the following manpower was assigned: 

12 pd gun or 50 pd. Mortar - 2 gunners (konstabler) and 4 crewmen (håndlangere). 

6 pd. gun or 25 pd. Mortar - 2 gunners and 2 crewmen. 

3 pd. Gun - 1 gunner and 2 crewmen. To move the gun 3 horses. 

The field artillery was reorganized 14.3.1676 in this way: 

A staff with 19 personnel. 

Two Company of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants (stykjunkere), 18 gunners (konstabler) og 

18 crewmen (håndlangere). 

One Company of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 12 pyrotechnics, 4 gunners (konstabler) og 9 crewmen 

(håndlangere). 

One Company of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant (stykjunker), 1 wheel maker (hjulmager) 

with 4 apprentices, 2 cooper (bødkere), 1 skæfter, 1 farrier (beslagsmed) with 4 apprentices, 1 

blacksmith (grovsmed) with 4 apprentices, 1 gunsmith (bøssemager), 1 swordsmith (sværdfeger), 

1 saddle maker (sadelmager) with 3 apprentices and 1 rope maker (rebslager) with 1 apprentice. 

During the war these numbers increased. 

At the same time as grenadiers were introduced also pioneers became part of the infantry 

companies. This arrangement stopped in the Spring of 1677, when the pioneers were instead 

amalgamated into a special pioneer company composed of pioneers and grenadiers. At the same 

time a special company of pioneers was formed with the artillery. 

The guns and ammunition wagons and carts were painted red with yellow fittings. 

Uniforms 

The situation with artillery uniforms is confusing. The archives indicate the following: 

49

1675 - April-May 1676: 

Green coat with yellow facings and lining. Buttons possibly pewter. The number of buttons is 

unknown but possibly 4½-dozen for gunners and 3-dozen for crewmen. Since the artillery was 

considered a "Royal regiment", the artillery uniform probably included a C5 and crown or just a 

crown in yellow on the left, upper sleeve. 

Drivers: red coat with blue facings. Pewter buttons, 3-dozen. Unknown if they wore the arm 

badge. The men were taken from the 2. jyske udskrivning which is why they received the 

clothing of the conscripted men from Southern Jutland. 

May-June 1676 - Autumn 1678: 

Artillerymen, gunners and crewmen together with drivers: gray coat with red lining and facings. 

Red collar is mentioned for drivers. Buttons pewter. Arm badge as earlier, also for the drivers. 

The artisans possibly had the same colours. 

Autumn 1678 - to the end of the war. 

Artillerymen, gunners and crewmen with the field artillery: green coat with yellow lining and 

facings. Possibly still arm badges, but uncertain. Brass buttons. Artillerymen in the fortresses 

possibly all gray coat faced green with pewter buttons. 

Drivers: unknown, possibly gray faced green? 

The Möinichen paintings, however, show artillery crews dressed in blue coats faced blue, some 

in gray coats. Stockings appear to be white or gray. Hats generally black, but in one painting hats 

appear to be light gray or white. Generally, in these paintings the artillery crews are in the 

background and specific detail is lacking. 

50

Danish Infantry Uniforms 1675-1676 

This plate by Søren Henriksen represents infantry uniforms from the first year of the 

war. This includes the first campaign in Northern Germany and preparations for the next 

campaign in Scania (Skåne). 

In 1677 an undertaking was begun in the direction of a more standardized uniform plan, 

an effort towards a national uniform. It was somewhat of a completely new fashion 

inspired by Louis XIV around 1670 and coincided with the introduction of the absolute 

monarchy in most of Europe. The King now "owned" the regiments, no longer the 

colonels. 

The infantry normally formed in 6 ranks. Usually the pikes were placed in the center. 

Each company had a colour in the regimental color and with decorations, which varied 

from regiment to regiment. The Life (Liv) or Colonel's Company, however, had a white 

colour. The colours were usually carried by Ensigns. 

In 1675 the regiment consisted of 12 companies, each with 10 files of musketeers and 4 

files of pikemen. A company had a Captain, a Lieutenant, an Ensign, 6

Noncommissioned Officers, a Clerk (mønsterskriver), 3 Corporals, 3 Musicians, together 

with 10 Lance Corporals and 74 Men. 

For combat the companies were divided in battalions, normally of 4 companies each with 

the Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel or Major as the commanders. In addition the regiment 

had a small, subordinate staff, which was composed of individuals, not of officer rank, 

who took care of the regiment's normal, routine matters. 

Musketeers were armed with the matchlock musket. For this they had a cartridge 

bandolier with a bag for balls and a powder horn. All wore the sword on a shoulder belt 

as a personal close combat weapon. Bayonets had not yet been introduced. Pikes were 

normally of ash, 16 feet long with a steel pike head. The musicians had two drums and a 

reed flute resembling an oboe, together with swords in shoulder belts. 

Noncommissioned officers and corporals carried the halberd. Officers carried the half 

pike. Proper officer distinctions had still not been introduced. In some regiments the 

noncommissioned officers wore so-called "apriler", or shoulder ribbons, as distinctions. 

Noncommissioned officers' buttons could also been made of special material. Officers 

and noncommissioned officers, including musicians, were responsible for their own 

uniform. The material was typically of finer quality, especially for officers. Likewise, 

they could decorate clothing with lace and other finery such as embroideries, gold and 

silver lace more buttons, etc. on pockets, seams, cuffs and coat edges. 

The figures illustrate from left to right: 

Musketeer of Weyhers Gevorbne Fodregiment, which for one reason or another has not 

replaced his matchlock for the flintlock and cartridge box, like that of the rest of the 

musketeers in the regiment. Adam Weyher was Field Marshall Lieutenant and in reality 

the senior general because of the Commanding General's, Hans Schack, illness. 

Musketeer of Maximilian Rosenkrantz' Gevorbne Fodregiment. The musketeer here has 

procured for himself a doublelock musket, a weapon which otherwise was first 

introduced in 1676 and then only in small numbers. A more correct weapon would be the 

matchlock musket. The regiment was the only one in 1675 that had yellow coats. 

Noncommissioned Officer of the Gamle Nationale Sjællandske Fodregiment (Colonel van 

Osten). He has supplied his own uniform. It is a little early for the waist belt for the 

sword and elaborate pockets, for which he without doubt had need for more buttons than 

were issued to the common soldier. Normally, he would have had a shoulder belt, but 

sword belts were also used, which can be seen in one of Möinichsen's paintings. 

Officer of Feltherrens Gevorbne Fodregiment. The Commanding General (Feltherren), 

Hans Schack, was very sick and did not participate in the campaign. The regiment was 

taken over early in 1676 by the King's brother, Prins Georg (Jørgen), who transfered his 

previous regiment (Gamle Sydjydske Nationale Fodregiment) to the former general of

Holstein-Gottorp troops, Hans Walther. Notice the gorget, which was common, but not 

yet a regulated officer distinction. 

Officer of Kongens Livregiment. This regiment, whose name was later changed to 

Kongens Livgarde, must not be confused with the Livgarden, which was the guard 

cavalry regiment. 

Musketeer of Kongens Livregiment with an (un) regulated cloak. Possibly this type was 

introduced a little later, but in any case it can be seen in pictures of Christian 5 in 

Supreme Court and at his anointment; however, it is most probably the Drabantkorpset 

which is illustrated. That the Kongens Livregiment had "cassocks" of the same type is 

evident from the Swedish Ambassador's account of the Livregiment's new uniforms in 

1686. See Chakoten 1994/4. 

Pikeman of the Gamle Fyenske Nationale Fodregiment (Colonel Caspar Cicignon). The 

Colonel fell into disfavor and was arrested after having problems replacing the large 

losses during the campaign in Germany. The regiment was at the point of being 

disbanded, but was activated again when the Colonel was released. 

Drummer of the Gamle Nordjydske Nationale Fodregiment. The coat braiding was 

common, but the exact colors are unknown. Musicians had with few exceptions the same 

coat color as the common soldier. Reverse colors are known in only a few cases, for 

example in Hannibal Degenfeldts Gevorbne Fodregiment. 

In the background a company of Feltherrens Regiment has formed up for parade in usual 

battle order with the four pike files in the center. For battle all of the participating 

pikemen were collected in the center, while the musketeers were divided on each side of 

the pikemen. In battle the colour was normally placed in with the pike, the officers took 

position in the space between the pike and musketeers or out on the flanks. In combat it 

was normal to have a large space between the musketeers so that they could countermarch 

after giving fire. 

Apart from the officer of the Kongens Livregiment, which is taken from one of 

Möinichsen's paintings showing battle scenes from the Scanian War (painted ca. 1683) in 

the Audience Hall, Frederiksborg, the rest are pieced together from text material and the 

few contemporary pictures, which are know from the time. This of course results in 

different interpretations of the known material. If anyone can contribute to the cloak and 

cassock question around 1670-1709, please contact the author.

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