It may seem surprising, but there are quite a few historical sources concerning this army and its uniforms, making it possible to reconstruct what it was actually like during the War of the Spanish Succession (WSS).
On the other hand, it must be emphasised that this army, unlike that of the House of Este, was never engaged in combat, as the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza remained within the French sphere of influence and under the protection of the Papacy.
Ultimately, the consequences for the fortunes of the ruling dynasty were decidedly unfavourable.
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| The Piacenza Regiment - 1705 Copyright Michele SAVASTA FIORE |
This regiment, together with its sister unit, the Parma Regiment, was raised in 1701 in response to the emerging threats of war.
In 1704, each company consisted of 3 officers, 3 sergeants, 4 corporals, 1 "under-corporal", 4 grenadiers, 2 drummers and 70 soldiers.The regiment was progressively reduced from 14 companies to 7, and eventually to just 5, its strength declining from approximately 1,200 men to only about 425.
Its duties consisted almost exclusively of garrisoning the two fortified cities of Parma and Piacenza, with the exception of a minor skirmish with troops from the Duchy of Modena and Reggio.
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