Legion Franche Etrangere
1792-1795
Other Batavian Units in French Service
by Geert van Uythoven, The Netherlands
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To be complete, mention has to be made of the existence of two additional Batavian legions. The former one was raised in France by decree of 5 March 1793, led by a refugee from Amsterdam named Makketros or Makenstro. The legion batave, better known as the corps de chasseurs-tirailleurs nationaux batave, consisted of Dutch, but Belgians were also accepted. As far as I could ascertain, total strength has never been more then one or two companies. I found no evidence if this unit has taken part in any hostilities. The unit was disbanded on 6 November 1793, when it during the amalgame was absorbed into the 2me bataillon de tirailleurs nationaux bataves. The latter legion batave, sometimes with the number ‘2’ added to distinguish it from the former legion, was formed in Breda from Dutch deserters in February 1793, after this fortress-city had been captured by the French. Dumouriez had ordered the Bataafsch Comité Revolutionnair to create a legion which had to exist of two infantry battalions of 900 men each, and a cavalry squadron consisting of 200 dragoons. Effective strength however would not exceed five hundred men. Its commander was Samuel Ammandruz. The legion was sometimes called ‘Corps van Ammandruz’, after its commander. On 9 Februari 1795 the legion was disbanded, the men absorbed into the 15me bataillon d’infanterie légère. Legion Franche Etrangere 1792-1795
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