Calling all Fredrick the Great experts

[Bluesking]

I have had a passion for collecting models of Irish soldiers in all the armies of the world for the past few years. I have read on more than one occasion the fact that Fredrick the Great of Prussia valued the Irish fighting man so much that he actively recruited them, or on occassions "kidnapped" them when he encountered them in other armies.
What my query is, is this - did these men serve in any specific unit/regiment; if so where can I find details of uniform etc.
If not can you suggest any regiment that had a definite Irish contingent?

Thanks for your time, you will make an old fat Irishman very happy - and it's St Patrick's Day next week too.

 

[garyjd]

Patrick, The only unit that I can find that comes close is Kruse's Battalion, British Legion. Given that, it would appear these Irishmen were probably sprinkled through Frederick's army. I know the French had Irish regiments in their army at times, but have been unable to find an Irish one in Prussian service.~Gary

 

[Tomas]

Hi Gents,
Patrick,Osprey have a book of the Seven Years War,titled;Wild Geese,The Irish Brigades of France and Spain".Hope this help.
Regards,

Tomas

 

[Bluesking]

Thanks lads, I have those Osprey books, but references are VERY vague.

 

[Paul Kernan]

Stephen:

Reminds me of an old history teacher of mine. He used to say that Scotlands' greatest exports were whiskey and soldiers. Other than the obvious countries such as France, Spain and later the US, there was apparently demand for them in eastern (Poland) and northern (Sweden) Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. I have never read anything to support this but 'mercenaries' go where the money is

 

[Bluesking]

One thing I have learned from my researches is that where the Irish were the Scots were too, sometimes on the same side, sometimes against each other and sometimes both!
I have found some extremely odd and unusual units. BUT NOT THE PRUSSIANS !!!!

 

[captnenglish]

There is always the case of Redmond Barry (sorry for the obscure movie reference, I just had to). :lol: :lol:

 

[Wlas]

What a great film that was. I can still hear the Chieftains in the background...