The Hessian 2. Artillerie-Compagnie served in Spain from 1808 to 1812, according to "Historischc Stamm-und Rang-liste des deutschen Heeres" by Clau von Bredow (Scherl, Berlin 1905). It fought at Magaria (21.10.1809); Zornosa (27.10.08); Salas (6.11.08); Almarcz (15.2.09); Mesa del Ibor (17.3.09); Bal de canas (18.3.09); Beruna (23.3.09); Medellin (28.3.09); Garcillan (3.4.09); Menes (2.5.09); Grado (7.6.09) Pola (11.6.09); Talavera (27.7.09); Ocana (19.11.09) and in the third siege of Badajoz (16.3.12 - 7.4.12), where it was captured.

A Hessian Gunner c 1809 from 'Hessisches Militar' by Kersten and Ortenburg

It was equipped with four 6-pdrs. and two 7-pdr howitzers, though Bredow says that only four guns were taken to Spain. The best sources for uniforms that I know are 'Heeriches Militar' by F Kersten and G Ortenburg and `Napoleon's German Allies (5) by Otto von Pivka, published by Osprey.

Here is the former's description of the artillery uniform:

"The uniform of the artillery around 1809 was the same in cut as the infantry uniform and differed from the latter above all in the black colour of the collar, lapels & cuffs. These items were piped red, likewise the blue cuff flaps. On each lapel were seven white laces, under these two, two each on the pocket flaps, three each on the cuff flaps and one on each waist button. The buttons were of .n. As shoulder straps, blue cloth epaulettes piped red were worn. The breeches were blue, with them were worn black gaiters with brass buttons. White leatherwork. The coat-tail lining was of the ground colour, the turnbacks piped red, in the corners red grenades. On the officers uniform the red piping was lacking. The lace decoration was silver.

The French shakoes introduced around 1809 had white metal fitting, also chinsclaes. Above the cockade sat a red pompom and a high black plume, with a red tip for the N.C.O'S. The battery sent to Spain adopted red shako cords after the French fashion. The artillery officers wore still, until 1816, hats with black-red feather plumes. The armament and equipment of the gunners was the same as for the infantry. The piece-attendants or drivers wore plain blue coats with black collars and cuffs without piping. With these, white breeches and high riding boots. As headwear, a hat turned up at the back, with white edging and red-pompom served" The 2nd Artillerie-Compagnie survived the nineteenth century to become 3. Kompanie, I grossherzuglich hessiches, Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 25.

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