According to my great grandfather's obituary (Bernhard Heinrich Philipp HÖCKELBERG), he served in the army in "the fatherland" for 3 years BEFORE emigrating in 1866. He lived in Fürstenau, Bersenbrück (20 km, or 12 miles, east of Lengin). My question is, would that army have been the Prussian army, or the Hannover army? Which army?
2nd question... his brother, Friedrich Wilhelm HÖCKELBERG, served in the army for 3 years before emigrating (from the same location) in 1869. Which army?
Thank you in advance for any assistance,
William Taber, Indianapolis, USA
William, The key is the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. Many of the defeated
states that sided with Austria ceased to exist entirely after 1866. (To the
victor goes the spoils of war) The Kingdom of Hannover was dissolved and
her small army of four infantry regiments was integrated into the Prussian
army. The men from Hannover were not permitted any form of helmet plate or
kokarde on their pickelhauben to distinguish them from regular Prussian
troops. So...Bernhard would have served under Hannover and his brother
Friedrich would have served under the Prussian colors if he served the three
years just prior to immigration. Hope this helps. William Thiemann,
Nebraska, USA
W Taber wrote:
Fred,
since either brother served only "before" certain dates you need to
involve age in the equation. Generally speaking they both would
have been serving the King of Hannover. The decision by that
regime to fight with the Austrian side against the Prussian one also
caused the integration of those troops into the Prussian army after
their defeat by Prussia. The switch was roughly in 1866.
Fred R.
Pelican Lake Motor Coach Resort, Naples, FL 34114
4788 Corian Court; 941-775-7838
941-269-4781 or 215-205-2841 (cellulars)
FredRump@earthlink.net