Västergötlands storregemente
Encyclopedia
Västergötlands storregemente or Landsregementet i Västergötland (Västergötland Grand Regiment, Regiment of the Land in Västergötland) was one of the nine grand regiments organized by Gustavus Adolphus in the late 1610s and split into smaller regiments in the 1620s.
from smaller units of 500 men called fänikor, more specifically from the provinces of Västergötland
and Dalsland
and the counties of Skaraborg
and Älvsborg
, in 1613 and counting 3,000 men. The grand regiment was in turn organized into three field regiments (fältregementen) and a cavalry regiment, thus actually being more like a brigade
in spite of the name.
The regiment did not take part in any campaign during its short lifetime. The grand regiments of Sweden where reorganized during the early 1620s to consist of three field regiments, each of eight companies
of 150 men, thus making the total number 3,600 soldiers per grand regiment. It is unsure whether or not the cavalry regiment was included in the total number.
Between 1621 and 1624, the regiment was split into four smaller regiments, Skaraborgs regemente, Älvsborgs regemente
, Västgöta-Dals regemente and Västgöta kavalleriregemente
.
History
Raised in GötalandGötaland
Götaland , Gothia, Gothland, Gothenland, Gautland or Geatland is one of three lands of Sweden and comprises provinces...
from smaller units of 500 men called fänikor, more specifically from the provinces of Västergötland
Västergötland
', English exonym: West Gothland, is one of the 25 traditional non-administrative provinces of Sweden , situated in the southwest of Sweden. In older English literature one may also encounter the Latinized version Westrogothia....
and Dalsland
Dalsland
Dalsland is a Swedish traditional province, or landskap, situated in Götaland in southern Sweden. Lying to the west of Lake Vänern, it is bordered by Värmland to the north, Västergötland to the southeast, Bohuslän to the west, and Norway to the northwest....
and the counties of Skaraborg
Skaraborg County
Skaraborg County, or Skaraborgs län, was a county of Sweden until December 31, 1998 when it was merged with the counties of Gothenburg and Bohus and Älvsborg to form Västra Götaland County....
and Älvsborg
Älvsborg County
Älvsborg County, or Älvsborgs län, was a county of Sweden until December 31, 1998 when it was merged with the counties of Gothenburg and Bohus and Skaraborg to form the county of Västra Götaland...
, in 1613 and counting 3,000 men. The grand regiment was in turn organized into three field regiments (fältregementen) and a cavalry regiment, thus actually being more like a brigade
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
in spite of the name.
The regiment did not take part in any campaign during its short lifetime. The grand regiments of Sweden where reorganized during the early 1620s to consist of three field regiments, each of eight companies
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
of 150 men, thus making the total number 3,600 soldiers per grand regiment. It is unsure whether or not the cavalry regiment was included in the total number.
Between 1621 and 1624, the regiment was split into four smaller regiments, Skaraborgs regemente, Älvsborgs regemente
Älvsborgs regemente
Älvsborgs regemente , designation I 15 and I 15/Fo 34, was a Swedish Army infantry regiment that traces its origins back 1624. It was disbanded in 1997. The regiment's soldiers were originally recruited from the provinces of Västergötland, and it was later garrisoned there in the town Borås....
, Västgöta-Dals regemente and Västgöta kavalleriregemente
Västgöta kavalleriregemente
Västgöta kavalleriregemente was a Swedish Army cavalry regiment that traced its origins back to the 16th century. It was reorganized into an infantry regiment in 1811. The regiment's soldiers were recruited from the province of Västergötland.- History :The regiment has its origins in fänikor ...
.
Organization
Before being split, the regiment was organized as follows:- 1:a fältregementet (1st Field Regiment)
- 5 companies from Skaraborg County
- 3 companies from Älvsborg County
- 2:a fältregementet (2nd Field Regiment)
- 5 companies from Älvsborg County
- 3 companies from Skaraborg County
- 3:e fältregementet (3rd Field Regiment)
- 4 companies from Älvsborg County
- 4 companies from Dalsland
- Kavalleriregementet (Cavalry Regiment)
- 8 companies from Västergötland
See also
- List of Swedish regiments
- List of Swedish wars
- History of SwedenHistory of SwedenModern Sweden started out of the Kalmar Union formed in 1397 and by the unification of the country by King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century. In the 17th century Sweden expanded its territories to form the Swedish empire. Most of these conquered territories had to be given up during the 18th century...
- Provinces of SwedenProvinces of SwedenThe provinces of Sweden, landskap, are historical, geographical and cultural regions. Sweden has 25 provinces and they have no administrative function, but remain historical legacies and the means of cultural identification....