DUCHY OF MODENA'S ARMY 1702 -1712. THE REGGIO REGIMENT

One of the two regular infantry regiments was the Modena Infantry Regiment. Its existence is explicitly documented in 1700, when its strength is reported as no fewer than 2,700 men. It may reasonably be assumed that the regiment had also incorporated the urban militias of Reggio, as part of a broader programme aimed at making these forces increasingly efficient and placing them on a more regular military footing.

The regiment was therefore organised into four battalions, each consisting of twelve companies, with no separate grenadier companies.

Regiment of Reggio - Captain in parade uniform - 1708
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(Copyright Michele L. SAVASTA FIORE)

The unusually large number of men can also be explained by the fact that the regiment was responsible for garrison duties in the fortresses of the Duchy. (mostly the Fortress of Brescello)

Until the reform of 1742, officers and sergeants of the regular regiments wore uniforms with the colours reversed in comparison with those of the rank and file. The Este Army—that is, the army of the House of Este, Dukes of Modena—placed particular emphasis on elegance, appearance and splendour in military dress.

Reggio Regiment - Bandiera Colonnella

(Copyright Michele L. SAVASTA FIORE)

Regiment of Reggio. Captain

(Copyright Michele L. SAVASTA FIORE)

Regiment of Reggio - Private

(Copyright Michele L. SAVASTA FIORE)

The colonel’s colour followed the general pattern of French regimental flags, replacing the white cross with a cross in the colour associated with the House of Este, while the yellow fields were generally combined with different colours corresponding, broadly speaking, to the regiment’s facing colour.

Reggio Regiment - Ordonnace

(Copyright Michele L. SAVASTA FIORE)

Reggio Regiment - Colonnella Bearer

(Copyright Michele L. SAVASTA FIORE)