Chef de brigade

Chef de brigade was a military rank used only in France and only in the period 1793-1803 . He corresponded to the Colonel .

After the units made up of innumerable unserved and inexperienced volunteers in the French army of the revolutionary era could not easily be sent into battle, the so-called " Demi-brigades de bataille " were formed. These were usually two battalions of volunteers, to which an experienced battalion from one of the standing regiments (which were split up) was added as a support.

The commander of this demi-brigade (de facto a regiment of three battalions) was referred to as the " chief de brigade ". On September 24, 1803, shortly before the beginning of the German Empire , both terms were replaced by the original " Regiment " and " Colonel ".

Even if there was no “ demi-brigades de bataille ” in the cavalry , but instead the term “ regiment ” was still in use, the rank of “ chief de brigade ” was also valid there.

literature

• Hugo Abel: France militaire histoire des armées françaises T1 (Paris undated)