Germanic Legion

The idea of forming an army corps from pro-Revolutionary German volunteers was born in summer 1792.

A decree of the Legislative Assembly of August 1792 granted such deserters a pension for life of 100 livres should they join the unit.

Saiffert composed a hymn with the chorus "Arise ye oppressed people; stand up, you who speak the same language, be free like the French" (« Lève-toi peuple opprimé ; debout, vous qui parlez la même langue, soyez libres comme les Français »).

After the outbreak of the War in the Vendée, the Legion was deployed to Western France, where it carried out the fusillades de Nantes.

At the same moment its leaders were accused of "despotism" and certain officers such as Marceau were relieved by the représentants en mission to the Vendée.

Baron de Cloots engraved by Levachez
Piquier of the Germanic Legion (right) with lance, fighting against Vendée loyalist cavalryman
In describing the uniforms of the Germanic Legion, Knötel referred to the type of French revolutionary shown on the right