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British German Legion

This page summarises records created by this Organisation

The summary includes a brief description of the collection(s) (usually including the covering dates of the collection), the name of the archive where they are held, and reference information to help you find the collection.

Alternative name(s):
  • German Legion, British, c1857-1861 (Also known as)
  • German Settlers, c1857-1861 (Also known as)
Date: c1857-1861
History: At the end of the Crimean War, the British Foreign Legions, which had been established for the war, were disbanded with none of the men having seen active service. Such men were encouraged to emigrate to the colonies, and during 1857, many from the British German Legion went to southern Africa (Cape Colony) as 'military settlers' to resist the attacks of an enemy or to aid the civil power. In 1858, a regiment of settlers of the Cape belonging to the late British German Legion was formed for General Service in India; the vast majority did not return to Africa, but went on to serve in the British Army as regular soldiers. Over the next few years, the remaining men of the Legion were gradually discharged from service or transferred to other military units. In Feb 1861, the last men were discharged and the Legion was formally disbanded.
Functions, occupations and activities: Government (central)
References: L&I vol 53; WO 12; WO 380; internet; NCA Rules
Name authority reference: GB/NNAF/C286394
Collections
Number Description Held by Reference Further information
1
1856-1862: German Settlers
The National Archives, Kew
Related record creators
  Record creator Description of relationship Dates Category of relationship
1
British German Legion
Successor/Predecessor
See Also