As well as working on the Austrian Grenadiers, I also plan on completing (well starting) The Vienna Freikorps which fought with distinction during the 1809 campaign. I have four of the six battalions that were raised.

The uniform of the Austrian 1809 Vienna Freikorps (Volunteer Corps) was simpler and less standardized than that of the regular army, as they were hastily raised volunteer units. For those raised in Vienna and Lower Austria, the basic infantry uniform usually included a grey jacket. This grey was similar to the color worn by the Austrian Jäger (light infantry), though the style varied and sometimes resembled a civilian coat or peasant smock. The distinctive color for the Vienna and Lower Austrian region was red, used for the facings on the collar and cuffs of the jacket.

The headgear was typically a black “Corsican hat” (Korsikanerhut), a round hat with one side of the brim turned up. It often had a national black and yellow cockade or a pompom. Due to local supply, variations were common; some units received regulation-style shakos, while others wore civilian hats with a cockade. Equipment like cross-belts and cartridge boxes was usually made of black leather, similar to Austrian light infantry. The lack of proper uniforms resulted in mixed items; while officers wore complete regulation outfits, the rank and file often used their civilian clothes with just the essential equipment added.

It is worth noting that the six battalions of the Vienna Volunteers (Freiwillige) were generally better equipped than the basic Landwehr militia, especially the First Battalion. This unit was raised from the upper classes of the city and was able to afford to supply its own uniforms to a higher standard. They followed the basic pattern of the grey coat with red facings, but as a marker of their volunteer status, they were sometimes permitted to wear pointed cuffs instead of the standard round cuffs found on the ordinary Landwehr coat. In contrast, other Vienna volunteer battalions, such as the 3rd, wore a simpler uniform that was closer to the standard Lower Austrian Landwehr issue. The wide variations and non-regulation items used by the Freikorps and Landwehr in the 1809 campaign are well-documented, making it a challenge to pin down a single definitive uniform for every corps.

One web site shows the first battalion with white trousers.

I have decided to paint the first battalion as above with the 2nd to 4th as the Austrian Jaeger but with red facings.

The figures are from Elite Miniatures Australia – here, here, and here.

Undercoated and ready to start on.

This is the first of the eight battalions of the First Grenadier Division.

The 1809 Austrian Grenadier Battalion Puteani was an elite infantry unit that served as a shock troop reserve in the Habsburg army during the War of the Fifth Coalition against Napoleonic France. Named after its commander, Major Puteani, the battalion was temporarily formed for this campaign.

The Austrian army often combined the grenadier companies—its elite troops—from different regiments to create strong battalions. The Puteani Battalion was made up of the grenadier companies from three regiments: Infantry Regiment (IR) No. 14, IR No. 45, and IR No. 59.

The Puteani Grenadier Battalion, part of the elite reserve, saw significant action during the campaign, showcasing both its valor and strategic importance. At the conflict’s start, it was placed in Major General Konstantin d’Aspré’s grenadier brigade within the II Reserve Armeekorps, which was skillfully led by the experienced Feldmarschall-Leutnant Michael von Kienmayer.

The battalion was actively involved in the early fighting along the banks of the Danube, where its disciplined troops displayed remarkable resilience and tactical acumen. They fought valiantly in the pivotal Battle of Abensberg on April 20, 1809, facing tough adversaries in fierce combat, and later, during the arduous and challenging circumstances of the Austrian retreat, the battalion played a crucial role as rearguard.

This was particularly notable at the Battle of Landshut on April 21, where the Grenadier Battalion worked tenaciously to cover the withdrawal of the main forces, ensuring their safe passage through hostile territory while enduring heavy enemy pressure.

The Puteani Grenadier Battalion played a key role in the important battles near Vienna. During the Battle of Aspern-Essling (May 21–22, 1809), it was part of the general grenadier reserve, ready to be used at critical moments.

It was ultimately deployed in the two-day Battle of Wagram (July 5–6, 1809), serving in d’Aspré’s Grenadier Division under General der Kavallerie Prince Johann Liechtenstein. As the army’s final reserve, the grenadiers often carried out counter-attacks or defended against intense French assaults, gaining a reputation for bravery among Austria’s elite forces.

After Major Puteani, the battalion was led by Major Jambline and is sometimes called the Puteani/Jambline Grenadier Battalion.

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.

The Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 7 in skirmish order

The Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 7 was a part of the light infantry arm of the Austrian army during the Napoleonic Wars. Jäger, which means “hunter” in German, were skilled light infantrymen, often recruited from foresters and hunters in provinces like Bohemia, Moravia, and Tyrol. They were trained for skirmishing, sharpshooting, and operating in difficult terrain, providing a valuable contrast to the slow-moving line infantry.

In the pivotal year of 1809, the 7th Jäger Battalion participated in the War of the Fifth Coalition, a conflict in which the Austrian Empire attempted to challenge Napoleon’s dominance in Central Europe. The battalion’s service was particularly noteworthy in the major campaigns of that year.

Oberst (Colonel) Josef Steffanini Count di Monte Airone was a senior and highly decorated Austrian officer with a long and distinguished career. He was the commander of the 7th Jäger Battalion in early 1809. His career extended well beyond this command, as he held numerous important positions throughout the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Steffanini was a highly respected officer, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Military Maria Theresian Order in 1799. After his command of the 7th Jäger Battalion, he went on to command an army corps and other significant formations. He was a general officer who distinguished himself in various campaigns, including the 1813-1814 War of the Sixth Coalition, where he commanded a wing of the Army of Italy. His career concluded with high-ranking administrative and honorary roles, including being a Commanding General and Captain of the Trabanten Life Guard.

While Steffanini was the Oberst of the battalion, a Major Freiherr von Steinmetz also appears in records as a commander in 1809. This suggests he may have been the battalion commander (as opposed to the regimental commander, which would be the Oberst) or a temporary replacement. It’s important to distinguish him from the much more famous Prussian Field Marshal Karl Friedrich von Steinmetz, who was a much younger officer at this time and served in the Prussian army.

The 7th Jäger Battalion’s primary engagement in 1809 would have been the major battles of the War of the Fifth Coalition. The battalion was part of the Austrian army that invaded Napoleon’s client state of Bavaria in April 1809.

Battle of Aspern-Essling (May 21-22, 1809): The battalion was part of the forces under Archduke Charles that dealt Napoleon his first significant defeat in a major battle. Jäger units played a crucial role in the skirmishing and fighting in the villages and broken ground around the battlefield.

Battle of Wagram (July 5-6, 1809): This was the largest battle in European history up to that time and a decisive French victory. The 7th Jäger Battalion, under the command of Generalmajor Carl von Schmuttermayer, was part of the 3rd Corps, commanded by General Kolowrat-Krakowsky. Jäger units were often used as part of the vanguard or in light brigades to screen the main force. Their role at Wagram was to engage in skirmishing on the flanks and in the lead-up to the main assault.

This just leaves the 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr.8&9 to finish off.

During the 1809 campaign of the Napoleonic Wars, the Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 6 was commanded by Oberstleutnant Zaborsky de Zabora. As was the custom, the unit was often referred to by the commander’s name, so they were known as the “Zaborsky Jägers.”

The Jäger battalions were an elite corps of light infantry within the Austrian army, prized for their skirmishing skills, marksmanship, and ability to operate independently on the battlefield.

The Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 6 drew its recruits from the region of Moravia, located in what is now the eastern Czech Republic. Their regimental depot was established in Mährisch-Neustadt.

As part of their duties, they acted as the army’s eyes and ears, conducting reconnaissance and screening the main force from enemy skirmishers. Their deployment in 1809 saw them involved in several key moments of the War of the Fifth Coalition, though specific records of their actions are not as detailed as those of larger infantry regiments.

Oberstleutnant Zaborsky de Zabora’s unit fought in several key battles, including Aspern-Essling and Wagram, demonstrating the crucial role of Jägers in the Austrian army’s tactical doctrine.

Their ability to hold ground in the face of larger forces or to harass and delay the enemy was essential to the Austrian strategy during the 1809 campaign. The unit’s service under Zaborsky de Zabora highlights the professionalism and resilience of the Austrian Jäger corps during a period of significant military reform and conflict.

There are three more battalions to complete. The 7th and 8th in “skirmish order” and the 9th in “open order”.

Major Freiherr Georg von Suden was an Austrian officer who commanded the Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 5 during the 1809 campaign of the Napoleonic Wars. The battalion, sometimes known as the “Suden Jägers,” was a unit of light infantry highly valued for their marksmanship and ability to operate independently.

Von Suden’s leadership during the War of the Fifth Coalition was critical, and his unit saw action in some of the most significant battles of the campaign.

The Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 5 fought in several key engagements. At the Battle of Eckmühl in April 1809, the battalion was part of an autonomous brigade on the far right wing of the Austrian army, where they engaged in skirmishes against French forces. Later, they participated in the Battle of Urfahr-Linz on May 17, occupying the hills near Linz as part of the Austrian defensive line.

Their most notable contribution, however, came during the monumental Battle of Wagram in July. Here, a portion of the 5th Jäger-Bataillon was deployed to reinforce the heavily-battered 2nd Jäger Battalion, providing crucial support in the face of intense fighting.

Von Suden’s military career extended well beyond the 1809 campaign. He entered the Austrian service in 1788 and participated in multiple campaigns against France until 1815. His bravery and sound judgment earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa in 1799 for his actions in the Swiss campaign.

Promoted to Major in 1805, he would continue to rise through the ranks, eventually achieving the rank of General-Major and Brigadier. Freiherr Georg von Suden was a seasoned and highly respected officer who played an important role in the Austrian army’s light infantry corps during the turbulent Napoleonic era.

Tomorrow the first of the Jaeger in “skirmish order”

Jakob Anton Piombazzi, a Major-Oberstleutnant in 1809, rose through the ranks of the Austrian military, earning a reputation for bravery and competence. Born in 1761 in Triest (now Trieste, Italy), he was the son of Count Giacomo Piombazzi. Jakob Piombazzi joined the Austrian army in 1782 and by 1805 he was a Major in the Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 4, becoming its commander two years later. His leadership was particularly noted during the 1809 campaign against Napoleon’s forces.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Oberstleutnant Graf Jakob Anton Piombazzi commanded the Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 4 in the 1809 campaign of the War of the Fifth Coalition. The term “Jäger” translates to “hunter” in German, and these battalions were an elite type of light infantry in the Austrian army, prized for their skirmishing abilities, marksmanship, and resilience.

The Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 4 was an active and respected unit. In the 1809 campaign, it was part of the V. Army Corps under Feldmarschall-Leutnant Erzherzog Louis. The battalion fought in several key engagements, including the Battle of Wagram, where it distinguished itself.

The Jägers were vital for reconnaissance, screening the main army’s movements, and disrupting enemy lines with precise fire. Their role was to engage the enemy’s skirmishers and harass their main formations, often leading the way in difficult terrain.

The unit’s service was part of a larger Austrian effort to reform its army after the devastating losses in 1805. The Jäger battalions were a key part of these reforms, as they provided the kind of flexible, well-trained light infantry that was essential for modern warfare.

For his service, Piombazzi was promoted to Oberst (Colonel) and continued his military career after the 1809 campaign. He passed away in 1845. His command of the Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 4 remains a notable point in the history of the Napoleonic Wars.

1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 2,3 and 4 have been based on close order as they often fought as front line troops. Also as I have and still play a variety of rules they base their ‘skirmishers” differently. I intend to build three battalions in close order (now completed), three in open order (two more to complete) and three in open skirmish order.

In 1809, the Austrian Empire, a long-standing rival of Napoleonic France, seized an opportunity to strike back. With a significant portion of Napoleon’s forces bogged down in the Peninsular War, Austria believed the time was right to reclaim territories lost in previous conflicts.

This campaign, while ultimately unsuccessful for the Austrians, was a testament to the significant military reforms that had been enacted since their crushing defeat at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805.

Led by the able Archduke Charles, the Austrian army sought to modernize its structure, training, and tactics. A key part of this modernization was the establishment of professional light infantry, the Jäger battalions, which were designed to counter the mobility and marksmanship of French troops.

There is some dispute over the name of the Commander of the 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 3.

While the name “Freiherr Cavalcado” is an accurate reference to a noble title and family name, precise historical records from the period identify the commanding officer of the 3rd Jäger Battalion as Major Daniele Baroni-Cavalcabò. This slight variation in the name is likely due to the complexities of noble titles and name conventions of the era.

The title “Baroni” is the Italian equivalent of “Freiherr” or “Baron,” and the family name “Cavalcabò” has a long history, particularly in northern Italy and the wider Habsburg territories. This individual and his unit were recruited from the region of Bohemia, today’s Czech Republic, which was a core part of the Austrian Empire at the time. This detail provides an important insight into the multinational composition of the Habsburg army.

Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 3 and its commander, Major Baroni-Cavalcabò, were not a mere footnote in the campaign; they were at the heart of the action. As part of the Austrian I Corps, they were deployed on the front lines, often serving as the vanguard of the army. Their primary duties would have included screening the main force, scouting ahead, and engaging in skirmishes with French and allied forces.

Their marksmanship and ability to operate in broken terrain made them invaluable. The battalion saw action in several key engagements, including the pivotal and bloody Battle of Wagram in July 1809. While the battle was a decisive victory for Napoleon, the Austrian Jäger units, including the 3rd Battalion, were widely recognized for their performance and discipline. Their resilience and fighting spirit demonstrated the effectiveness of the Austrian military reforms and provided a glimpse of the improved army that would eventually contribute to Napoleon’s downfall in later campaigns.

A report on “Victorious” tomorrow

This is the second of nine battalions that I am putting together. This one the 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 2: Major Freiherr Schneider von Arno has four companies in open order and two in skirmish order. They were among my first figures painted and required a touh up and re-basing.

Major Freiherr Schneider von Arno, a distinguished Austrian military officer, served in Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 2 before rising through the ranks to become a k. k. Generalmajor and Brigadier. Born in 1810, his career was marked by his participation in several key military campaigns, where he distinguished himself with his leadership and bravery.

He was instrumental in quelling the 1848 unrest in Vienna and later played a significant role in the Hungarian Revolution, earning a reputation as a highly capable and respected commander.

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, Schneider von Arno’s military acumen was particularly evident. In the winter campaign of 1849, he was ordered to capture the town of Kápolna, a mission he accomplished successfully, earning him the Military Merit Cross. His exemplary service continued at the Battle of Raab in June 1849.

After his commanding officer was killed, Schneider von Arno was promoted to colonel and given command of a brigade. He led his troops to secure a crucial river crossing and flank the enemy, a strategic maneuver that earned him the Order of the Iron Crown Second Class. His valor and strategic foresight led to his promotion to Generalmajor in 1852.

Throughout his career, Joseph Freiherr Schneider von Arno was awarded numerous honors for his service to the Austrian Empire. In addition to the Military Merit Cross and the Order of the Iron Crown Second Class, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Austrian Imperial Leopold Order and the Russian Order of Saint Anna Second Class with the Crown.

His life of military service ended prematurely in 1857 at the age of 47 while serving as the city commander of Bologna. He is remembered as a highly decorated and respected officer who made significant contributions to the Austrian military.

More Jaeger tomorrow.

In 1809, the Austrian Imperial-Royal Army (Kaiserliche-Königliche Heer) fielded nine regular Jäger battalions as its primary light infantry. These units were highly specialized, trained for skirmishing, reconnaissance, and sharpshooting.

Unlike the rigid line infantry, Jäger operated in open formations and were crucial for screening the main army, harassing the enemy, and fighting in broken terrain. Their effectiveness in the Napoleonic Wars was a testament to their training and role, with even Napoleon himself reportedly acknowledging their skill.

Based on historical sources, the commanders of the Austrian Jäger battalions in 1809 were as follows:

• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 1: Oberstleutnant Lutz
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 2: Major Freiherr Schneider von Arno
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 3: Major Freiherr Cavalcado
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 4: Oberstleutnant Graf Piombazzi
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 5: Major Freiherr Georg von Suden
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 6: Oberstleutnant Zaborsky de Zabora
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 7: Oberst Josef Steffanini di Monte Airone
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 8: Oberstleutnant Mumb
• Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9: Oberstleutnant Freiherr Karl von Tieffenau

These officers were typically of the rank of Major or Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-Colonel), as a battalion was a smaller, more independent formation than a regiment, which was usually commanded by a full Oberst (Colonel). This distinction in rank and command structure not only indicated the operational autonomy of the battalion but also reflected the strategic importance of these units in military operations.

Battalions, often consisting of several hundred soldiers, had the flexibility to engage efficiently in various combat scenarios, making them vital for rapid deployment and tactical maneuvers on the battlefield.

Furthermore, the leadership roles held by Majors and Oberstleutnants often required a combination of both managerial and combat skills, as they were responsible for the training, discipline, and overall effectiveness of their battalions, contributing significantly to the success of larger military campaigns.

The organization of these Jäger units was distinct. Each battalion comprised six companies, with a full strength of about 860 men. Jäger were often recruited from men with a background in hunting or forestry, particularly from regions like Bohemia, Moravia, and Tyrol, which ensured a high level of marksmanship and a natural ability to operate independently.

Their uniform was designed for practicality and concealment, a stark contrast to the white coats of the line infantry. They wore a pike-grey coat with steel-green facings, a black “Corsican hat,” and black trousers with black leather belts. This practical color scheme and equipment choice reflected their role as skirmishers who needed to blend into the environment.