Post
by wdrenth » Mon Jun 22, 2020 9:23 am
hi Phil,
These are indeed two mystery regiments.
As many will know, many Huguenots had fled to the Dutch Republic after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. What could happen with the refugees with military ambitions, is that they were attached (incorporated) in Dutch regiments. In principle that means they served as (gentlemen) volunteers -- one can also see the term 'en second' in literature. Should a vacancy occur in the regiment (in the established officers), then such a volunteer could get this established position, etc.
As an aside, the Irish regiments in French service after 1692 were also well supplied with such officers 'en second'.
For the Blue and Red Dragoons, information is a bit confusing. Also be aware that Glazier's book has some flaws regarding regimental information.
In the memoirs of Isaac Dumont de Bostaquet (edited by Dianne Ressinger), the Blue Dragoons are nothing but the Regiment Garde Dragonders, commanded by Eppinger, and the Red Dragoons are the Regiment of Marwitz. Both were part of William III's invasion army in November 1688. That many Huguenots were attached to these regiments is not unrealistic.
Another explanation is that the Red and Blue Dragoons were regiments in their own right, and raised prior to the journey to England. In England, the regiments were broken up with many of the officers joining Schomberg's newly raised regiment of horse. However, nothing is seen of this in the lists of expenditures for the journey.
I think the truth is somewhat in the middle. So yes, the Huguenots (officers) were attached to existing regiments taking part in the journey to England. I think this had at least two benefits: it gave William a pool of officers that could be used to staff new regiments to be formed in England, and second, it gave the officers also career perspective. One can see this also as (embryonic) regiments on their own, though not very official, and somewhat loosely linked to an existing regiment.
Hope this helps a bit.
kind regards, Wienand