Peter Lyderik
1st July 2005, 21:28
The Enlistment of Foreigners Act 1854 allowed the government to recruit foreign mercenary troops to make up the low number of British men being recruited during the Crimean War. These mercenaries formed the British German, British Swiss and British Italian Legions, often collectively called the British Foreign Legion. Recruitment began at the beginning of 1855, and eventually 14,000 men joined the legions. None of these men saw active service, although a number of regiments had arrived in Turkey when peace was signed. At the end of the War the Legions were disbanded. Men were encouraged to emigrate to the colonies and many from the British German Legion went to Cape Colony.
For service during the Crimean War, various foreign troops were recruited. These were formed into the German Legion, the Swiss Legion, and the Italian Legion. Of these troops, one German brigade of 4,250 men, and one Swiss brigade of 2,200 men actually went to the Crimea.
No member of any of the British Foreign Legions actually served in the Crimea. Elements of the British German Legion and the British Swiss Legion were shipped as far as Turkey, but the war was effectively over before they were needed in the Crimea itself.
For service during the Crimean War, various foreign troops were recruited. These were formed into the German Legion, the Swiss Legion, and the Italian Legion. Of these troops, one German brigade of 4,250 men, and one Swiss brigade of 2,200 men actually went to the Crimea.
No member of any of the British Foreign Legions actually served in the Crimea. Elements of the British German Legion and the British Swiss Legion were shipped as far as Turkey, but the war was effectively over before they were needed in the Crimea itself.