12th Regiment of the Line 1831-1993
13th Regiment of the Line 1874-1947, 1976-1993
12th "Prince Leopold" - 13th Battalion of the Line 1993-
Active1831–
Country Belgium
BranchLand Component
TypeInfantry
Rolemotorized infantry
Size650 soldiers
Part ofMotorized Brigade
Motto(s)À l'avant-garde
ColorsRed and Yellow
MarchMarche du 12e Régiment de Ligne Prince Léopold
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Alphonse Jacques de Dixmude

The 12th of the Line (Prince Leopold) – 13th of the Line Battalion (French: Bataillon 12e de Ligne Prince Léopold - 13e de Ligne, Dutch: Bataljon 12 Linie Prins Léopold - 13 Linie) is an infantry unit in the Land Component of the Belgian Armed Forces. It maintains the traditions of the 12th Regiment of the Line and 13th Regiment of the Line. From 2011 until 1 January 2017 the regiment was a part of the Light Brigade and on that date the regiment joined the Motorized Brigade.[1]

History

12th Regiment of the Line

The 12th Regiment of the Line is the oldest active Belgian infantry regiment.[1] It was created on 31 March 1831, and since 1984 has been authorised to bear the title "Prince Leopold" which was originally bestowed on it in 1915, during the First World War.

The badge of the 12th Regiment of the Line was based on the coat of arms of the city of Liège where the regiment had its barracks. It depicted the city's perron column.

13th Regiment of the Line

The 13th of the Line was founded in 1874. It was disbanded in 1947, but in 1976 it reformed as an anti-tank regiment.

Amalgamation

In 1993, the 12th of the Line and the 13th of the Line were merged to form the 12th Battalion of the Line "Prince Leopold" – 13th of the Line.

Standard

Coat of arms of Liège, on which the 12th Regiment of the Line's badge was based

The standards of the unit carry the following citations:
For the 12th Regiment of Line:

For the 13th Regiment of Line:

As well as a fourragère of the Order of Leopold.

Organisation

The 12/13th Battalion of the Line comprises:

  • HQ staff
  • 1st company
  • 2nd company
  • 3rd company
  • 4th company (reserve company; only solely German speaking unit?)
  • service company

Lineage

References

  1. 1 2 "Bataillon 12e de Ligne Prince Léopold - 13e de Ligne - History". mil.be. Retrieved 13 December 2012.

Sources

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