France: Regimental flags during the Revolution

Last modified: 2002-01-18 by ivan sache
Keywords: demi-brigade | fasces | liberty cap |
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• Reorganization of the French Army
• 1st Demi-Brigade of Infantry
  • 1st Battalion
  • 2nd Battalion
• 2nd Demi-Brigade of Infantry
  • 1st Battalion
• 6th Demi-Brigade of Infantry
  • 1st Battalion

See also:

• France
• France: Revolution (1789-1799)

Reorganization of the French Army

In 1794 the infantry of the French Army was reorganized in demi-brigades, each with three battalions. The first and third battalions of the demi-brigades were raised from the volunteers of 1791-92 and the conscripts of 1793-94.. The regiments of the old army were disbanded and their battalions became the second battalions of the demi-brigades. Thus the former royal Army was amalgamated with the new Army of the French Republic.

Each demi-brigade received three blue-white-red colors, one per battalion. The first and third battalions were issued identical colors whose design varied by demi-brigade, and the second battalions were issued the standardized color.
The central device and the inscriptions were the same for all, but the colors of the first battalions were different for each demi-brigade. Those of the second battalions were all identical except for the numerical designation of the demi-brigade. The inscription were:

• (obverse) REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE (FRENCH REPUBLIC)
• (reverse) DISCIPLINE ET SOUMISSION AUX LOIS MILITAIRES (DISCIPLINE AND SUBMISSION TO MILITARY LAWS)

Tom Gregg, 24 March 2000

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