From the 11th of December the GRENADIERS had the foremost honour to stand guard in the ancient castle and palace of Milan. Whilst symbolic in nature the duty required the utmost vigilance given the castle’s proximity to the border with the Ottoman-occupied Southern-German and Italian states. The flood of refugees from these provinces, seeking to escape the harsh rule of religious law, threatened to overwhelm the French and Savoyard border stations; from time to time the REGIMENT was ordered to reinforce these posts.
On the 21st of March 1763, Emperor Louis XV passed away at Versailles. A national week of mourning was declared as the Empire was turned over to the senior Ducs of the Realm once again until the Dauphine, Philip, would come of age in 1775.
During the years 1765, 1766 and 1767, the regiment was stationed successively at Bergamo, Parma, Bardi, Sassuolo, Chur, Zurich and St Gallen; on the 10th of January, 1768, it was reviewed by His Royal Highness the Dauphine, afterwards Emperor Philip VII, who was then in the eighth year of his age, and his person and accomplishments excited the admiration of all who beheld him. In a few days after the review, the REGIMENT returned to Milan.
Colonel de Bretteville retired his commission on the 12th of April 1768 and was succeeded by Colonel Charles d’Incourt, from the 3e Regiment de Normandie.
The GRENADIERS were stationed on the island of Corsica in the years 1768 and 1769 but were returned to the mainland in anticipation of War in August 1769.
The Christian powers of Europe, being outraged by the unquenchable drive of the Ottoman Turk into European states and enforce their religious law, and having no further recourse to evict them from their unjustified conquests, declared war upon the Ottomans on the 2nd of November 1769. Having been recalled from Corsica in August, the REGIMENT reformed with the 3rd Division in Parme and proceeded to the city of Mantova which had only recently been surrendered to the enemy.
The speed of the advance of the French divisions and those of the members of the Grand Coalition and in bypassing a number of strategic cities and fortresses precluded interference with that of the 3rd Division at Mantova; the siege was largely static in nature and the small garrison surrendered on the 18th of April 1770 when it was clear no reinforcements would be forthcoming.
On the 28th of April, the REGIMENT was part of the covering force screening the approaches to the city of Treviso which was besieged by the 4th Division. On the 24th of July the combined might of the 1st and 2nd Guards’ Divisions clashed with a larger Janissary army at Salzburg and won a heroic victory that would halt any further Ottoman designs in that campaign season.
Treviso was delivered up to the 4th Division on the 31st of October; the 3rd Division was subsequently directed into the former Austrian territories, freeing those towns and cities that had previously been bypassed by the advancing Divisions.
On the 25th of November, as the baggage train were pitching the tents of the army on a fine plain beyond the fort of Landschut, they were suddenly assailed by a heavy cannonade from an eminence in front; at the same time the advance-picquet, under Capitaine Boiselle of the GRENADIERS, was attacked by a force of very superior numbers, but repulsed its assailants with distinguished bravery. The army arriving on the plain, advanced in close column of regiments towards the eminence, upon which large bodies of Slavic mercenary cavalry and infantry were formed, who withdrew their heavy guns, but annoyed the advancing columns with rockets.
As the French columns approached the height, they formed line, and ascended to the summit, which was abandoned by the enemy, but a short distance beyond the eminence appeared the army of Slav and Balkan mercenaries in order of battle. As the GRENADIERS moved forward, a large body of cavalry formed in the shape of a wedge appeared advancing to charge the REGIMENT, and the French line halted to receive the attack. Immediately afterwards two other very large bodies of the enemy were discovered in two wooded areas preparing to support the first charge. The Duc de Burgundy, commanding the Division, and seeing the danger which menaced the REGIMENT, placed himself in its rear, frequently repeating the words, ‘Steady, Normans!’ Steady, the Grenadiers!’ and when the wedge approached within a hundred yards of the line, the enemy cavalry discharged their carbines and pistols, but without doing execution. The GRENADIERS remained steady, with their muskets at the recover, until the enemy arrived within about thirty yards, when a well-directed volley, followed by a rapid file firing, carried destruction into the enemy’s ranks; a rampart of killed and wounded men and horses lying along the front of the REGIMENT. The rear of the wedge was embarrassed by the killed and wounded in front, and could not continue their charge. A few mercenary horsemen broke through the REGIMENT, but they were instantly shot in its rear, and the French artillery arriving, and opening its fire, decided the fate of the day at that part of the field; a distant cannonade, however, indicated that the battle was raging elsewhere.
The left of the right wing was opposed to the enemy infantry, and gained a complete victory; between seven and eight thousand Balkans and Slavs being put hors de combat: the loss of the French did not amount to so many hundreds.
Following the battle, the 3rd Division was directed to the city of Klagenfurt in Karnten which place they reached on the 2nd of January, 1771 and the GRENADIERS had the honour to take part in the capture of this city. They were on duty in the trenches on the 7th of January; and they were repeatedly engaged in storming the outer works and exterior defences. On the 17th of January, Aspirant Gorgons of the REGIMENT was killed, and Aspirant Devereaux wounded, at the attack on the counterscarp; and on the 28th of January, Capitaine Bastille was wounded at the extending of the lodgement on the covered way. On the following day, when preparations were making for another assault, the garrison hoisted a white flag and agreed to surrender the town.
The REGIMENT also had the honour to take part in gaining another splendid victory of the Turkish forces, at Gorz, on the 20th of February. During the early part of the action the GRENADIERS, the 3e Regiment de Normandie, and three regiments of cavalry, were stationed on the heights of south-east of Gorizia, where they had a view of the field of battle. An important crisis in the battle arriving, these corps descended from the heights, - the GRENADIERS and compatriots forced their way through a morass, cross the Vrtojbica River, ascended the acclivity between that river and the opposite bank, and charging the enemy’s left flank, forced three Ottoman regiments into some low grounds, where the greater part of them were either killed or taken prisoners. The French were successful at every part of the field, and the legions of the enemy were overpowered, and pursued from the plains of Gorz with great slaughter until the following morning, by which time nearly all the enemy’s cannon, with many standards, colours, and kettle-drums, had been captured. The REGIMENT suffered the loss of Major-Chef d’Ecouis and Lieutenant de Mortemer, one serjeant and six soldiers killed. Capitaine d’Avre, SousLieutenant Wissant and 11 soldiers wounded.
The Ottoman armies, numerous though they were, had been defeated time and again by the rampant French, Savoyard, Roman and Dutch troops and had been forced on to the defensive as they exchanged ground for time. The 3rd and 4th Divisions, with accompanying Savoyard and Roman troops continued their drive through the occupied states of Northern Italy and lower-Austria; the GRENADIERS were instrumental in the victory at Istria, in modern day Croatia, on the 13th of June 1771, when, accompanying a Papal brigade and two regiments of French cavalry, delivered staunch volley fire into the flank of the enemy, from a wooded copse, and sent the entire wing of the army into flight.
While resting on the battlefield on the 29th of June, the allied forces were counter-attacked by a Janissary army in the waning hours of the evening. Owing to the zeal and devotion to duty of those posted on sentry, the Janissaries were observed in their preparations and the allied forces were roused into line. As darkness descended, the enemy, with their eerie hallooing and chanting, appeared not 50 yards from the French line, bayonets and yatagan swords held before them. They promptly charged into the fire from French muskets but, failing to reach the French line, quickly withdrew into the dark of night once more.
The actions of the following day were precipitated by move and counter-move while the artillery of both armies duelled. The Duc de Burgundy states in his public despatch: “About three o’clock, the action proper began by a very vigorous attack on the French line, and was continued with great obstinacy until sunset; the enemy being constantly supplied with fresh troops. The stress lay upon the Norman Grenadiers, the 3e and 5e Regiments de Normandie, most parts of which were engaged nearly four hours without intermission…Just as night closed, the enemy gave ground on all sides, and left us completely masters of the field of battle.” The REGIMENT had Capitaine Belleville, Lieutenants de Rou and de Ver and Sous-Lieutenant de Pontchardon, four serjeants and 12 soldiers killed; Capitaines de Cambrai and Eustache, Lieutenant de Canaigres, Aspirants de Saint-Ouen, d’Aignaux and de Mortain, two serjeants and 21 soldiers wounded.
The battles of 1st and 2nd Istria would later be bestowed by the Emperor as official battlefield honours to the REGIMENT’s glowing and prestigious history.
In August, a detachment of the REGIMENT proceeded to Trieste to take part in the duties of that garrison, while other French troops were working at the fortifications on the heights of Pivka.
In the meantime, the progress of the war had continued to be unfavourable for the Ottomans; the French divisions were rampant yet significant numbers of enemy troops remained in the field. Under this circumstance, the Duc de Burgundy resolved to lead the Division deeper into Turkish-held territory and make a powerful effort to oust them from the Balkans.
To engage in this splendid enterprise, the GRENADIERS marched east and were joined by the 4th Division and the Trieste detachment on the 4th of October. The designs of the French commander were secret; the object, for which the movements were made, held Europe in perplexing anxiety, suspended the operations of the Turkish commander, and confounded his generals; and the moment the advance assumed a specific direction, the enemy was no longer able to render the plan abortive. Arriving near Zagreb, the GRENADIERS were formed in brigade with their familiar companions the 3e and 5e Normandie and the 3e Caud Regiments, and this brigade was posted in the second line.
At three o’clock on the morning of the 18th of October, the two divisions advanced in the direction of Zapresic, to attack a body of Ottomans, in an entrenched camp on the heights of Bliznec, on the northern bank of the Sava River. Arriving in front of the enemy’s position, the attack was commenced about six in the evening, by a detachment from each Division. The difficulty of the ground, - the formidable preparations of the enemy – and the steady bravery of the Turkish soldiers, occasioned this to prove a particularly severe contest; but the determined assaults of the French soldiers shook the strength and weakened the resistance of the enemy; and eventually the soldiers of the army overpowered all resistance, captured the heights, and pursued the Turkish across the Sava capturing sixteen pieces of artillery, a number of standards and colours, with the enemy’s tents and the equipage and plate of the Ottoman Imam.
The GRENADIERS shared in this splendid triumph of the French arms on the banks of the Sava. Its loss was one serjeant and nine rank and file killed; Capitaines de Senarpont and de Trelli, Lieutenant de Merle, three serjeants and nineteen rank and file wounded.
After this victory the Divisions penetrated further into the Balkans, and the Turk, awaiting reinforcements from his ally in Russia, concentrated his forces at Bjelovar where he formed an entrenched camp. The GRENADIERS advanced to the vicinity of Bjelovar; but the fortified camp was found too strong to be attacked with any prospect of success and the troops retired a few stages.
The Turk quitted his entrenched camp, and joined the Russians; the united armies encamping near the village of Klisa, in Slavonia.
Commanding soldiers whose chivalrous spirit panted for distinction in the shock of battle, the French general, having been joined by the 1st Guards and 5th and 6th Divisions, led his columns forward, on the morning of the memorable 19th of November, 1771, in full confidence in the firmness and prowess of his troops. About mid-day a column, of which the REGIMENT, under Colonel d’Incourt, formed part, developed its attack against the enemy’s right. The 3e Caud, GRENADIERS, 3e and 5e Normandie and 7e Picardie, under the Comte de Cotentin, led the attack in gallant style, followed by four battalions of Savoyards, and supported by the infantry of the 4th Division including fifteen squadrons of horse and dragoons. This column proceeded to the banks of a small creek, and took possession of a horse stud, which the enemy had evacuated and set on fire; then advancing through the enclosures, made a determined attack on the Turkish troops posted in the village of Klisa; the Comte de Cotentin striking his sword into the enemy’s palisades before he gave the word “fire.” The assault was made with spirit and resolution, but the brigade was unable to force the entrenchments against the superior numbers of the enemy; and while retiring was charged by the Turkish troopers, who were repulsed by the Savoyard brigade. After repeated attempts on the village had proved unavailing, a few corps blockaded the avenues; the army traversed the rivulet, and attacking the Russian position along the front, engaged in a sanguinary conflict. The combat of musketry, and the charges of the cavalry, were continued with varied success; and amidst this storm of war, the GRENADIERS had repeated opportunities of distinguishing itself. Eventually the legions of the enemy were overpowered, driven from the field with great slaughter, and the loss of the many officers and men taken prisoners, among whom was the Turkish commander, Imam al-Sood.
The main body of Turks being defeated with the loss of its artillery and baggage, the Russian troops posted in Klisa attempted to escape by the rear of the village; but were repulsed. They were environed on every side, and being unable to affect their escape, twenty-four battalions of infantry, and twelve squadrons of cavalry, surrendered prisoners of war. Thus ended the mighty struggle of this eventful day.
The 3rd and 4th Divisions made a retrograde movement in the week following the battle; the winter weather turning and the roads rapidly becoming unpassable, the French commander determined to have his forces grouped where they may better assist one another. The GRENADIERS passed into the fortress at Zagreb on the 2nd of December and shared garrison duties with the other regiments of the division.
No sooner had they arrived however that the Duc de Burgundy was notified of another Ottoman army threatening Zagreb from the south, having been landed at the port of Senj. The fortifications of Zagreb, being in questionable strength, would not sustain a siege of any duration and so the 3rd Division with accompanying brigades of Savoyards and Papal guards, moved into an entrenched position south of Zagreb, near Karlovac, and astride the road leading towards Senj.
The REGIMENT was, on the 6th of January 1772, stationed a number of kilometres in the rear of the position when the advance of the Ottoman army was discovered. Hurrying forward, part of the distance at running pace, the REGIMENT arrived at the field of battle during the action between the Allied and Turkish armies. As the REGIMENT approached the left of the line, a numerous body of Turkish cavalry was seen advancing to charge that flank; Colonel d’Incourt observed the movement, and throwing the GRENADIERS into a small cover on the enemy’s flank caused so heavy and well directed a fire to be opened upon the Turkish horsemen, that the attempt was completely disconcerted. The Duc de Burgundy detailed this gallant and successful action of the REGIMENT in his public despatch, and added – “This was the last struggle of the enemy, who, astonished and dismayed by the intrepidity with which they were assailed, began precipitately to retreat, leaving the field covered with carnage…our victorious infantry continued the pursuit of the routed enemy as long as they were able; but as the latter dispersed in every direction, and we were under the necessity of preserving our order, the trial of speed became unequal. The total loss occasioned to the enemy by this conflict, cannot be less than four thousand men. When I oppose to the above our own small comparative loss (forty-five killed, two hundred and eighty-eight wounded), His Majesty will, I hope, discern in the fact, the happy effects of that established discipline, to which we owe the triumphs by which our army has been so highly distinguished.”
The loss of the REGIMENT was limited to a few Grenadiers killed and wounded: Capitaine d’Orbec, commanding one of the flank companies, was mortally wounded.
For its distinguished conduct on this occasion, and at the battles of (1st) Zagreb and Slavonia, the REGIMENT received the approbation of the Emperor and the Royal Authority to bear the words ‘1st ZAGREB’, ‘SLAVONIA’ and ‘2nd ZAGREB’ on its colours.
On the 21st of March 1763, Emperor Louis XV passed away at Versailles. A national week of mourning was declared as the Empire was turned over to the senior Ducs of the Realm once again until the Dauphine, Philip, would come of age in 1775.
During the years 1765, 1766 and 1767, the regiment was stationed successively at Bergamo, Parma, Bardi, Sassuolo, Chur, Zurich and St Gallen; on the 10th of January, 1768, it was reviewed by His Royal Highness the Dauphine, afterwards Emperor Philip VII, who was then in the eighth year of his age, and his person and accomplishments excited the admiration of all who beheld him. In a few days after the review, the REGIMENT returned to Milan.
Colonel de Bretteville retired his commission on the 12th of April 1768 and was succeeded by Colonel Charles d’Incourt, from the 3e Regiment de Normandie.
The GRENADIERS were stationed on the island of Corsica in the years 1768 and 1769 but were returned to the mainland in anticipation of War in August 1769.
The Christian powers of Europe, being outraged by the unquenchable drive of the Ottoman Turk into European states and enforce their religious law, and having no further recourse to evict them from their unjustified conquests, declared war upon the Ottomans on the 2nd of November 1769. Having been recalled from Corsica in August, the REGIMENT reformed with the 3rd Division in Parme and proceeded to the city of Mantova which had only recently been surrendered to the enemy.
The speed of the advance of the French divisions and those of the members of the Grand Coalition and in bypassing a number of strategic cities and fortresses precluded interference with that of the 3rd Division at Mantova; the siege was largely static in nature and the small garrison surrendered on the 18th of April 1770 when it was clear no reinforcements would be forthcoming.
On the 28th of April, the REGIMENT was part of the covering force screening the approaches to the city of Treviso which was besieged by the 4th Division. On the 24th of July the combined might of the 1st and 2nd Guards’ Divisions clashed with a larger Janissary army at Salzburg and won a heroic victory that would halt any further Ottoman designs in that campaign season.
Treviso was delivered up to the 4th Division on the 31st of October; the 3rd Division was subsequently directed into the former Austrian territories, freeing those towns and cities that had previously been bypassed by the advancing Divisions.
On the 25th of November, as the baggage train were pitching the tents of the army on a fine plain beyond the fort of Landschut, they were suddenly assailed by a heavy cannonade from an eminence in front; at the same time the advance-picquet, under Capitaine Boiselle of the GRENADIERS, was attacked by a force of very superior numbers, but repulsed its assailants with distinguished bravery. The army arriving on the plain, advanced in close column of regiments towards the eminence, upon which large bodies of Slavic mercenary cavalry and infantry were formed, who withdrew their heavy guns, but annoyed the advancing columns with rockets.
As the French columns approached the height, they formed line, and ascended to the summit, which was abandoned by the enemy, but a short distance beyond the eminence appeared the army of Slav and Balkan mercenaries in order of battle. As the GRENADIERS moved forward, a large body of cavalry formed in the shape of a wedge appeared advancing to charge the REGIMENT, and the French line halted to receive the attack. Immediately afterwards two other very large bodies of the enemy were discovered in two wooded areas preparing to support the first charge. The Duc de Burgundy, commanding the Division, and seeing the danger which menaced the REGIMENT, placed himself in its rear, frequently repeating the words, ‘Steady, Normans!’ Steady, the Grenadiers!’ and when the wedge approached within a hundred yards of the line, the enemy cavalry discharged their carbines and pistols, but without doing execution. The GRENADIERS remained steady, with their muskets at the recover, until the enemy arrived within about thirty yards, when a well-directed volley, followed by a rapid file firing, carried destruction into the enemy’s ranks; a rampart of killed and wounded men and horses lying along the front of the REGIMENT. The rear of the wedge was embarrassed by the killed and wounded in front, and could not continue their charge. A few mercenary horsemen broke through the REGIMENT, but they were instantly shot in its rear, and the French artillery arriving, and opening its fire, decided the fate of the day at that part of the field; a distant cannonade, however, indicated that the battle was raging elsewhere.
The left of the right wing was opposed to the enemy infantry, and gained a complete victory; between seven and eight thousand Balkans and Slavs being put hors de combat: the loss of the French did not amount to so many hundreds.
Following the battle, the 3rd Division was directed to the city of Klagenfurt in Karnten which place they reached on the 2nd of January, 1771 and the GRENADIERS had the honour to take part in the capture of this city. They were on duty in the trenches on the 7th of January; and they were repeatedly engaged in storming the outer works and exterior defences. On the 17th of January, Aspirant Gorgons of the REGIMENT was killed, and Aspirant Devereaux wounded, at the attack on the counterscarp; and on the 28th of January, Capitaine Bastille was wounded at the extending of the lodgement on the covered way. On the following day, when preparations were making for another assault, the garrison hoisted a white flag and agreed to surrender the town.
The REGIMENT also had the honour to take part in gaining another splendid victory of the Turkish forces, at Gorz, on the 20th of February. During the early part of the action the GRENADIERS, the 3e Regiment de Normandie, and three regiments of cavalry, were stationed on the heights of south-east of Gorizia, where they had a view of the field of battle. An important crisis in the battle arriving, these corps descended from the heights, - the GRENADIERS and compatriots forced their way through a morass, cross the Vrtojbica River, ascended the acclivity between that river and the opposite bank, and charging the enemy’s left flank, forced three Ottoman regiments into some low grounds, where the greater part of them were either killed or taken prisoners. The French were successful at every part of the field, and the legions of the enemy were overpowered, and pursued from the plains of Gorz with great slaughter until the following morning, by which time nearly all the enemy’s cannon, with many standards, colours, and kettle-drums, had been captured. The REGIMENT suffered the loss of Major-Chef d’Ecouis and Lieutenant de Mortemer, one serjeant and six soldiers killed. Capitaine d’Avre, SousLieutenant Wissant and 11 soldiers wounded.
The Ottoman armies, numerous though they were, had been defeated time and again by the rampant French, Savoyard, Roman and Dutch troops and had been forced on to the defensive as they exchanged ground for time. The 3rd and 4th Divisions, with accompanying Savoyard and Roman troops continued their drive through the occupied states of Northern Italy and lower-Austria; the GRENADIERS were instrumental in the victory at Istria, in modern day Croatia, on the 13th of June 1771, when, accompanying a Papal brigade and two regiments of French cavalry, delivered staunch volley fire into the flank of the enemy, from a wooded copse, and sent the entire wing of the army into flight.
While resting on the battlefield on the 29th of June, the allied forces were counter-attacked by a Janissary army in the waning hours of the evening. Owing to the zeal and devotion to duty of those posted on sentry, the Janissaries were observed in their preparations and the allied forces were roused into line. As darkness descended, the enemy, with their eerie hallooing and chanting, appeared not 50 yards from the French line, bayonets and yatagan swords held before them. They promptly charged into the fire from French muskets but, failing to reach the French line, quickly withdrew into the dark of night once more.
The actions of the following day were precipitated by move and counter-move while the artillery of both armies duelled. The Duc de Burgundy states in his public despatch: “About three o’clock, the action proper began by a very vigorous attack on the French line, and was continued with great obstinacy until sunset; the enemy being constantly supplied with fresh troops. The stress lay upon the Norman Grenadiers, the 3e and 5e Regiments de Normandie, most parts of which were engaged nearly four hours without intermission…Just as night closed, the enemy gave ground on all sides, and left us completely masters of the field of battle.” The REGIMENT had Capitaine Belleville, Lieutenants de Rou and de Ver and Sous-Lieutenant de Pontchardon, four serjeants and 12 soldiers killed; Capitaines de Cambrai and Eustache, Lieutenant de Canaigres, Aspirants de Saint-Ouen, d’Aignaux and de Mortain, two serjeants and 21 soldiers wounded.
The battles of 1st and 2nd Istria would later be bestowed by the Emperor as official battlefield honours to the REGIMENT’s glowing and prestigious history.
In August, a detachment of the REGIMENT proceeded to Trieste to take part in the duties of that garrison, while other French troops were working at the fortifications on the heights of Pivka.
In the meantime, the progress of the war had continued to be unfavourable for the Ottomans; the French divisions were rampant yet significant numbers of enemy troops remained in the field. Under this circumstance, the Duc de Burgundy resolved to lead the Division deeper into Turkish-held territory and make a powerful effort to oust them from the Balkans.
To engage in this splendid enterprise, the GRENADIERS marched east and were joined by the 4th Division and the Trieste detachment on the 4th of October. The designs of the French commander were secret; the object, for which the movements were made, held Europe in perplexing anxiety, suspended the operations of the Turkish commander, and confounded his generals; and the moment the advance assumed a specific direction, the enemy was no longer able to render the plan abortive. Arriving near Zagreb, the GRENADIERS were formed in brigade with their familiar companions the 3e and 5e Normandie and the 3e Caud Regiments, and this brigade was posted in the second line.
At three o’clock on the morning of the 18th of October, the two divisions advanced in the direction of Zapresic, to attack a body of Ottomans, in an entrenched camp on the heights of Bliznec, on the northern bank of the Sava River. Arriving in front of the enemy’s position, the attack was commenced about six in the evening, by a detachment from each Division. The difficulty of the ground, - the formidable preparations of the enemy – and the steady bravery of the Turkish soldiers, occasioned this to prove a particularly severe contest; but the determined assaults of the French soldiers shook the strength and weakened the resistance of the enemy; and eventually the soldiers of the army overpowered all resistance, captured the heights, and pursued the Turkish across the Sava capturing sixteen pieces of artillery, a number of standards and colours, with the enemy’s tents and the equipage and plate of the Ottoman Imam.
The GRENADIERS shared in this splendid triumph of the French arms on the banks of the Sava. Its loss was one serjeant and nine rank and file killed; Capitaines de Senarpont and de Trelli, Lieutenant de Merle, three serjeants and nineteen rank and file wounded.
After this victory the Divisions penetrated further into the Balkans, and the Turk, awaiting reinforcements from his ally in Russia, concentrated his forces at Bjelovar where he formed an entrenched camp. The GRENADIERS advanced to the vicinity of Bjelovar; but the fortified camp was found too strong to be attacked with any prospect of success and the troops retired a few stages.
The Turk quitted his entrenched camp, and joined the Russians; the united armies encamping near the village of Klisa, in Slavonia.
Commanding soldiers whose chivalrous spirit panted for distinction in the shock of battle, the French general, having been joined by the 1st Guards and 5th and 6th Divisions, led his columns forward, on the morning of the memorable 19th of November, 1771, in full confidence in the firmness and prowess of his troops. About mid-day a column, of which the REGIMENT, under Colonel d’Incourt, formed part, developed its attack against the enemy’s right. The 3e Caud, GRENADIERS, 3e and 5e Normandie and 7e Picardie, under the Comte de Cotentin, led the attack in gallant style, followed by four battalions of Savoyards, and supported by the infantry of the 4th Division including fifteen squadrons of horse and dragoons. This column proceeded to the banks of a small creek, and took possession of a horse stud, which the enemy had evacuated and set on fire; then advancing through the enclosures, made a determined attack on the Turkish troops posted in the village of Klisa; the Comte de Cotentin striking his sword into the enemy’s palisades before he gave the word “fire.” The assault was made with spirit and resolution, but the brigade was unable to force the entrenchments against the superior numbers of the enemy; and while retiring was charged by the Turkish troopers, who were repulsed by the Savoyard brigade. After repeated attempts on the village had proved unavailing, a few corps blockaded the avenues; the army traversed the rivulet, and attacking the Russian position along the front, engaged in a sanguinary conflict. The combat of musketry, and the charges of the cavalry, were continued with varied success; and amidst this storm of war, the GRENADIERS had repeated opportunities of distinguishing itself. Eventually the legions of the enemy were overpowered, driven from the field with great slaughter, and the loss of the many officers and men taken prisoners, among whom was the Turkish commander, Imam al-Sood.
The main body of Turks being defeated with the loss of its artillery and baggage, the Russian troops posted in Klisa attempted to escape by the rear of the village; but were repulsed. They were environed on every side, and being unable to affect their escape, twenty-four battalions of infantry, and twelve squadrons of cavalry, surrendered prisoners of war. Thus ended the mighty struggle of this eventful day.
The 3rd and 4th Divisions made a retrograde movement in the week following the battle; the winter weather turning and the roads rapidly becoming unpassable, the French commander determined to have his forces grouped where they may better assist one another. The GRENADIERS passed into the fortress at Zagreb on the 2nd of December and shared garrison duties with the other regiments of the division.
No sooner had they arrived however that the Duc de Burgundy was notified of another Ottoman army threatening Zagreb from the south, having been landed at the port of Senj. The fortifications of Zagreb, being in questionable strength, would not sustain a siege of any duration and so the 3rd Division with accompanying brigades of Savoyards and Papal guards, moved into an entrenched position south of Zagreb, near Karlovac, and astride the road leading towards Senj.
The REGIMENT was, on the 6th of January 1772, stationed a number of kilometres in the rear of the position when the advance of the Ottoman army was discovered. Hurrying forward, part of the distance at running pace, the REGIMENT arrived at the field of battle during the action between the Allied and Turkish armies. As the REGIMENT approached the left of the line, a numerous body of Turkish cavalry was seen advancing to charge that flank; Colonel d’Incourt observed the movement, and throwing the GRENADIERS into a small cover on the enemy’s flank caused so heavy and well directed a fire to be opened upon the Turkish horsemen, that the attempt was completely disconcerted. The Duc de Burgundy detailed this gallant and successful action of the REGIMENT in his public despatch, and added – “This was the last struggle of the enemy, who, astonished and dismayed by the intrepidity with which they were assailed, began precipitately to retreat, leaving the field covered with carnage…our victorious infantry continued the pursuit of the routed enemy as long as they were able; but as the latter dispersed in every direction, and we were under the necessity of preserving our order, the trial of speed became unequal. The total loss occasioned to the enemy by this conflict, cannot be less than four thousand men. When I oppose to the above our own small comparative loss (forty-five killed, two hundred and eighty-eight wounded), His Majesty will, I hope, discern in the fact, the happy effects of that established discipline, to which we owe the triumphs by which our army has been so highly distinguished.”
The loss of the REGIMENT was limited to a few Grenadiers killed and wounded: Capitaine d’Orbec, commanding one of the flank companies, was mortally wounded.
For its distinguished conduct on this occasion, and at the battles of (1st) Zagreb and Slavonia, the REGIMENT received the approbation of the Emperor and the Royal Authority to bear the words ‘1st ZAGREB’, ‘SLAVONIA’ and ‘2nd ZAGREB’ on its colours.