The Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry, also known as the German Legion or the New York Corps of Light Infantry, was an infantry battalion from New York City that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was formed in April 1862, originally as the Enfants Perdu Regiment, but was immediately downgraded to a battalion as it couldn't muster enough companies. The unit served in the Carolinas for the duration of its existence. It was disbanded in January 1864, the men being transferred to the 47th and 48th infantry regiments and to the 1st Engineer Regiment.[1][2]
| Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry (Enfants Perdu Regiment) | |
|---|---|
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| Active | April 18, 1862 – January 30, 1864 |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Allegiance |  New York |
| Branch | Union Army |
| Type | Battalion |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | 6 companies (initially) 10 companies |
| Organized at | New York City |
| Nickname(s) | German Legion New York Corps of Light Infantry |
| Engagements | American Civil War
|
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Lt.Col. Felix Confort Lt.Col. Simon Levy |
Organisation
editThe battalion initially fielded only 6 companies, thus not serving as regiment, and stayed a battalion despite mustering additional companies over time in 1862 and 1863.[2]
- Company A – Cpt. Joseph Torrens
- Company B – Cpt. Jules F. Rochefort
- Company C – Cpt. Joseph Schmidt Kraus
- Company D – Cpt. Charles Daillet
- Company E – Cpt. Francois Boucher
- Company F – Cpt. Michael Schmidt
- Company G – Cpt. Thaddedus Ferris
- Company H – Cpt. Ferdinand Levy (1862)
- Company I – Cpt. John G. Gundlack
- Company K – Cpt. Ferdinand Levy (1863)
Commanders
edit- Lieutenant Colonel Felix Confort (resigned May 9, 1863)
- Lieutenant Colonel Simon Levy
Casualties
editDuring its service the battalion lost 9 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 52 enlisted men by disease, for a total of 61 men.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Enfans Perdus, Independent Battalion, New York Infantry". National Park Service - Soldiers and Sailors System. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
- ^ a b "Independent Cops Light Infantry". Unit History Project of the NY State Military Museum. Retrieved 23 June 2019.