In 1809, the Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9 was commanded by Major-Oberstleutnant Baron Carl Göldlin von Tieffenau. Born in 1759 in Lucerne, he came from the old Lucerne patrician family of Göldlin von Tiefenau. His military career began at the age of 19 when he joined the Infantry Regiment No. 16 as an officer cadet.
His early career saw him promoted to Ensign in 1779 and later transferred to Infantry Regiment No. 45 in 1783, where he became a Second Lieutenant in 1787. He served in the War of the Bavarian Succession and in campaigns against the Turks from 1788 to 1790, where he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He continued to serve in the Coalition Wars, and in September 1796, he was promoted to Captain. During the 1805 campaign, he was part of the Austrian army in Italy, and was promoted to Major on September 1 of that year.
In 1808, he was appointed as Lieutenant-Colonel of the newly formed Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9. In 1809, during the War of the Fifth Coalition, he and his battalion were part of the 8th Army Corps. Göldlin von Tieffenau distinguished himself in several actions. On April 23, 1809, with his battalion and the Tyrolean militia, he defeated the French General Fontanelli at Bosco di Velo. The following day, he attacked the French at Ravazzona and Mori, achieving another victory. He was also involved in the defense of the Strub Pass and Kufstein. Göldlin von Tieffenau was later promoted to Colonel and was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa. He died on February 11, 1826, in Graz.
The Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9 was an elite light infantry unit of the Austrian Imperial-Royal Army that saw significant action during the Napoleonic Wars. Formed on September 1, 1808, from the 9th Division of the Jäger Regiment “Marquis Chasteler Nr. 64,” the battalion was primarily recruited from Inner Austria, particularly from Styria and Carinthia, earning it the nicknames “Steirisches” (Styrian) or “Kärnten” (Carinthian) Jägers.
Its organization consisted of six field companies and one depot company, making it smaller than a typical line infantry battalion, with a field strength of about 400-500 men. These Jägers were expert marksmen and skirmishers, often deployed as a screen for the main army’s advance, using terrain and cover to their advantage to deliver precise volleys.
The year 1809 was pivotal for the battalion, as it was a part of the Austrian forces that fought against Napoleon’s Grande Armée in the War of the Fifth Coalition. Commanded by Major-Oberstleutnant Baron Carl Göldlin von Tieffenau, the unit was initially deployed with the corps of Feldmarschalleutnant Chasteler to defend Tyrol. They participated in several key engagements, including the battles at the bridge at Ladritz, Bucco di Vela, Volano, Castelpietra, and Pilcante.
Their tactical role as light infantry was crucial in these battles. Later in the campaign, the Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9 played a role in the major Austrian victory at the Battle of Aspern-Essling in May 1809, which was Napoleon’s first personal defeat in a major battle. They also fought at the Battle of Wagram in July 1809, where they demonstrated their characteristic tactics by taking cover in a drainage ditch to unleash a surprise volley on French columns, successfully capturing cannons and a redoubt.
Following the intense 1809 campaign, the battalion was reinforced with Jäger detachments from the disbanded “Freikorps Corneville.” It continued to serve throughout the subsequent campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars, maintaining its reputation as a skilled and effective light infantry unit. Over time, its designation changed, and it eventually became known as the K.u.k. Feldjägerbataillon Nr. 9, with its home garrison located in Graz, Styria. Its legacy as an elite unit of the Austrian Imperial-Royal Army was firmly established during its valorous actions in 1809.
That finishes the nine 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillons. Next for the Austrians is the completion of the complete Grenadier Corps at Wagram. I think I have six of the sixteen battalions to go! These will be a while though!
Tomorrow I will show off all of the nine Jaeger Battalions together.