WAR OF SPANISH SUCCESSION: ARMY OF THE DUCHY OF MANTUA - REGIMENT (MARCHESE DI) NATTA

 This regiment represented the third regiment raised by the Duchy of Mantua and Monferrato. It took its name from Marquis Giacomo Natta d'Alfiano. Like several other noble families of Monferrato, the Natta family attained noble status through wealth, their earliest ancestors having been prominent bankers in the region.

The ordonnance flag follows the traditional pattern of French regimental colours, while incorporating the colours of Monferrato both in the border and in the central field. These colours also echo those of the coat of arms of the Marquises Natta d'Alfiano, thereby emphasizing both the regiment's territorial identity and its connection with its proprietor.

Ordonnance

The fleurs-de-lis placed in the four corners of the flag are intended as a mark of reverence towards Louis XIV of France. It should be remembered that Marquis Giacomo Natta d'Alfiano originally served as Captain of the Duke's Personal Guards (not to be confused with the Guardes du Duc de Mantoue Regiment) of the Gonzaga-Nevers Duke.

The coat of arms depicted on the flag is an accurate reproduction of the original, which has been faithfully preserved to the present day (see the picture below).

Moreover, it was Louis XIV himself who entrusted the Marquis with the task of raising the Royal-Montferrat Regiment in 1688, the unit that was subsequently reorganised as the Guardes du Duc de Mantoue Regiment. To support this undertaking, the King of France granted the Marquis a special pension of 1,200 doubles per annum.

When the Guardes du Duc de Mantoue Regiment passed under the command of the Duke Gonzaga of Luzzara in 1702, the Marquis raised this new regiment. Like the other regiments of Monferrato, it was disbanded in 1707 following the fall of the Duchy of Mantua.

Like the other Monferrato regiments, it consisted of a single battalion, comprising twelve companies of fusiliers and one company of grenadiers.

The regiment remained under the command of Marquis Giacomo Natta d'Alfiano throughout its existence. His survival beyond 1707 is beyond doubt, as demonstrated by the title page of a book that he himself authored in his later years and published in 1713 (see below).

Colonnella

The uniform followed the standard pattern adopted by the other Mantuan regiments, but was distinguished by its red facings. The wealth and noble status of its proprietor—and consequently his attention to detail and willingness to bear additional expense—may well have enabled this regiment to be equipped with red breeches as well.

The regiment was principally engaged, together with the Beltrambi Regiment, during La Feuillade's campaign in southern Piedmont in 1705. During the summer of 1706, it was deployed in the Luserna Valley, where it was tasked with pursuing Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy, and containing his incursions.

It was subsequently transferred to the garrison of Pinerolo, where it remained until the regiment was disbanded in 1707.

This regiment did not participate in the Battle of Turin, possibly because it was deliberately kept out of action in order to preserve it, in view of its proprietor's close relationship with the King of France.