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Söldnerheere (armies) of the 16th century were primarily hired by warfaring nations through contracts (Kapitulationen). The colonels of such armies administered to their troupes and appointed officers as they saw fit. Since the Swedisch-Polish War of 1655-1660 the Kurfürst of Brandenburg attempted to establish a permanent army. He introduced concepts, directives and commissions to have influence over his troupes and made sure he himself appointed the officers. At first such men were chosen from the ranks of nobility. In the 18th century it became possible for ordinary men to enroll as cadets and officers. Such candidates were listed in so called '''Quartalrollen''', which unfortunately have not survived. | Söldnerheere (armies) of the 16th century were primarily hired by warfaring nations through contracts (Kapitulationen). The colonels of such armies administered to their troupes and appointed officers as they saw fit. Since the Swedisch-Polish War of 1655-1660 the Kurfürst of Brandenburg attempted to establish a permanent army. He introduced concepts, directives and commissions to have influence over his troupes and made sure he himself appointed the officers. At first such men were chosen from the ranks of nobility. In the 18th century it became possible for ordinary men to enroll as cadets and officers. Such candidates were listed in so called '''Quartalrollen''', which unfortunately have not survived. | ||
Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg ordered '''Ranglisten '''to be established and which were first published on a monthly basis, then quarterly, then yearly and lastly in 1911. The information of such lists is sparse as far as genealogical evidence is concerned. | Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg ordered '''Ranglisten '''to be established and which were first published on a monthly basis, then quarterly, then yearly and lastly in 1911. The information of such lists is sparse as far as genealogical evidence is concerned. The recorded facts of the officers have to do with their regiments, hire, release, service and advancement, rather than birth place, names of parents and wife and children. Although from time to time, such information is being revealed but not consistently. Starting in 1858 we do find birth year and -place in Ranglisten as a relevant fact. Since 1874 each officer was listed with all vital dates in a separate file. | ||
In early days regiments had to report directly to the king. Any petition had to be brought to the king's attention, even if an officer was to marry. In so called '''Minuten '''the king responded to the requests. Such minutes existed since 1728 and since 1786 minutes have almost completely survived. They cover the years 1786 to 1811. At year's end '''Conduitenlisten '''were sent to the king and reports given about every officer's qualifications. Such lists were kept until WWI from 1850 on, however, Conduitenlisten have come down to us in fragmentary form. | In early days regiments had to report directly to the king. Any petition had to be brought to the king's attention, even if an officer was to marry. In so called '''Minuten '''the king responded to the requests. Such minutes existed since 1728 and since 1786 minutes have almost completely survived. They cover the years 1786 to 1811. At year's end '''Conduitenlisten '''were sent to the king and reports given about every officer's qualifications. Such lists were kept until WWI from 1850 on, however, Conduitenlisten have come down to us in fragmentary form. | ||