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The History of the
Tyrolean Kaiser Infantry
In 1815 Kaiser Franz I directed that in Tyrol and Voralberg a Kaiser Infantry Regiment
be established. The Foundation of the new Regiment was formed out of the Tyrolean Infantry
corps (Fenner Infantry).
The importance given the regiment was to be could be seen from the fact that the Kaiser
honoured the Infantry with his name. It was the only Regiment within the whole army having
this honour.
Official date for the formation has been set as January 18, 1816.
A Hunters Horn with the Tyrolean Eagle was the Regimental Insignia for the Tyrolean Kaiser Infantry.
What further distinguished this Regiment from all other Regiments was the
insertion of 'Tyrolean' since only individuals from Tyrol (inclusive Welch Tyroleans) and
Voralberg were allowed to serve.
The first assignment undertaken by the Regiment was under the setting of the
'Holy Alliance' of the Congress of Vienna, which took the Regiment to Reiti near Rome. On
the return march from Reiti the Kaisers Infantry exhumed the remains of Andreas Hofer in
Mantua, Italy and transferred them to Innsbruck. The Regiment participated in the 1831
conflicts near Rimini, the Revolution of 1848 as well as the war of 1859 in upper Italy.
In the campaigns of 1866 the Regiment distinguished themselves, which in turn contributed
to the campaigns success. In 1878 they followed up on their successes of 1866 with the
successful occupation of Bosnia and Hercegovina. The year 1895 saw the establishment of
four Kaiser Infantry Regiments from the one large Regiment.
Kaiser Infantry Platoon leaders Regimental Parade dress.
With the outbreak of the First World War the regiments found themselves
assigned to the Russian front where they faced heavy fighting and suffered high losses.
After the Italian Declaration of War with the Austrian/Hungarian Empire the Regiments were
placed in the southern front where they fought bravely with devotion to service to protect
their positions until the wars end in 1918. Important Battlefields that should be noted:
Col di Lana in the Dolomites, Pasubio, and the Isonzo front.
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The Tyrolean Kaisers Infantry Association
The Tyrolean Kaiser Infantry Association of Innsbruck was established
in 1922 from former Regiment members. Any member of the Kaiser Infantry regardless of their
previous service rank could become a member. Now, as in times past, the Kaiser Infantry
Associations has dedicated themselves to the cultivation and preservation of the Kaiser
Infantry's traditions, comradeship, soldierly traditions and values, as well as
preservation of field firing proficiency. Supplementary functions undertaken by the
Associations are the fostering of Homeland consciousness in the preservation of Peace,
Rights, and Freedom as a measurement of one's patronage of Military Defence and consequently
the Austrian Federal Army. Presently the Tyrolean Kaiser Infantry Associations consists of
12 local groups for all of Tyrol.
Fostering of Traditions within the Federal Army
With the creation of the first Austrian Republic the fostering of the
Kaiser Infantry traditions was continued by the 12th Tyrolean Alpine Infantry Regiment.
Under the German Armed Forces between 1938 & 1948 the 136th Mountain Infantry Regiments
of the 2d Mountain division, which fought on the Polar sea front, carried on the past
traditions. In today's army the traditions of the 1st & 4d Tyrolean Kaisers Infantry
have been entrusted to the 6d Infantry Brigade Command in Absam and the 24d Infantry
Battalion in Lienz, while the traditions of the 2d & 3d Tyrolean Kaisers Infantry have
been entrusted to the 23rd Infantry in Bludesch.
Tyrolean Kaisers Infantry Museum on the 'Bergisel' in Innsbruck
The Military Historical Museum for the Tyrolean Kaiser Infantry Regiments
exhibits the complete History of all elite Austrian and Hungarian troops from 1816 till 1918.
Additional items of historical interests on exhibit are past uniforms, medals, weapons, and
day-to-day gear. A portion of the museum is dedicated to the Tyrolean Freedom fight with an
Andreas-Hofer-Gallery with memorabilia from 1809. A special Honour foyer within the museum
exhibits the Honorary register has been set aside to honour all Tyroleans that have died
in military service between 1796 and 1945.
Open daily from 9am till 5pm starting April 1 until Oct. 31st.
Contact/Appointment (0512) 582312
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The book with the complete History of the Tyrolean Kaiser Infantry. Also
described in detail within this book are past Regimental dress, gear, medals, and armaments. |
This book can be purchased within the museum, from the various Kaiser Infantry Associations or
directly from the publisher. An Italian translation of this book is also available for purchase.
Anunal reports (only german availiable)
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