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Saxony (Sachsen) Military Records (view source)
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=== The Saxon army === | === The Saxon army === | ||
The army existed as a standing army from 1682 to 1918. During the time Saxony was an Electorate the army was known as the Kurfürstlich Sächsische Armee, then became known as Königlich-Sächsische Armee during the time Saxony was a kingdom (1807-1918). When Saxony was part of the Norddeutscher Bund, the army was the Saxon contingent of the contingent army. Until 1871, Saxony’s army remained legally independent. | The army existed as a standing army from 1682 to 1918. During the time Saxony was an Electorate the army was known as the Kurfürstlich Sächsische Armee, then became known as Königlich-Sächsische Armee during the time Saxony was a kingdom (1807-1918). When Saxony was part of the Norddeutscher Bund, the army was the Saxon contingent of the contingent army. Until 1871, Saxony’s army remained legally independent. | ||
The architect of a standing army in Saxony was the Elector Johann Georg III. He convinced the Saxon lords that it was not such a good idea to raise a mercenary army each time they needed to do battle, and then release the men again. He estimated the cost to be greater than maintaining a standing army. He succeeded, because in 1682 six infantry regiments consisting of eight companies and five cavalry regiments were formed. | The architect of a standing army in Saxony was the Elector Johann Georg III. He convinced the Saxon lords that it was not such a good idea to raise a mercenary army each time they needed to do battle, and then release the men again. He estimated the cost to be greater than maintaining a standing army. He succeeded, because in 1682 six infantry regiments consisting of eight companies and five cavalry regiments were formed. | ||
After the Nordic War (1700-1721) the fighting power of the Saxon army was increased, and an army of 30,000 Saxons formed. Four military divisions were established and for the first time, barracks were built. After the Second Silesian War (1733-1745), the Saxon army was reduced to 17,000 soldiers. | After the Nordic War (1700-1721) the fighting power of the Saxon army was increased, and an army of 30,000 Saxons formed. Four military divisions were established and for the first time, barracks were built. After the Second Silesian War (1733-1745), the Saxon army was reduced to 17,000 soldiers. | ||
To get a better idea of how the Saxon army was organized go to http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A4chsische_Armee | To get a better idea of how the Saxon army was organized go to http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A4chsische_Armee | ||
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More detailed information about the Saxon army can be retrieved here: http://www.gurskis.de/sachsen/sachsen_armee.htm | More detailed information about the Saxon army can be retrieved here: http://www.gurskis.de/sachsen/sachsen_armee.htm | ||
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=== '''A brief military history''' === | === '''A brief military history''' === | ||
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The State Archive Dresden houses a collection of soldiers from the 17th to the 20th century. Their names and documentation is available in alphabetical order independent of their rank and social standing. | The State Archive Dresden houses a collection of soldiers from the 17th to the 20th century. Their names and documentation is available in alphabetical order independent of their rank and social standing. | ||
see reference <ahref="http://www.archiv.sachsen.de/archive/dresden/4666_3131333731.htm">http://www.archiv.sachsen.de/archive/dresden/4666_3131333731.htm</a> An index to soldiers can be found here: <a href="http://www.archiv.sachsen.de/ofind/StA-D/11241/index.htm">http://www.archiv.sachsen.de/ofind/StA-D/11241/index.htm</a> | |||
The Family History Library has some nominal rolls from the Freistaat Sachsen. They can be found under Königreich Sachsen, subject military of the inidvidual towns or in the catalog of the Family History Library <a href="http://www.familysearch.org">www.familysearch.org</a>, Keyword search: Militärstammrollen | The Family History Library has some nominal rolls from the Freistaat Sachsen. They can be found under Königreich Sachsen, subject military of the inidvidual towns or in the catalog of the Family History Library <a href="http://www.familysearch.org">www.familysearch.org</a>, Keyword search: Militärstammrollen | ||