IR 56 Daun

The 56th Regiment was recruited from the Krakow area in Galicia. Its headquarters were in Wadowice. It was founded in 1684. It was part of the 12th Division. This division operated in Galicia and Bukovina until the summer of 1917. After that, it was transferred to the Italian front, to the Isonzo Army.

The regiment’s titular owner was Count Leopold Joseph von Daun. Von Daun lived during the mid-1700s. He was the chief military advisor to Maria Theresa and the commander-in-chief of the Austrian army during the Seven Years’ War (1756-63). Under his leadership, the Prussian army of Frederick the Great was defeated at the Battle of Kolin in 1757. After the battle, Maria Theresa founded the Military Order of Maria Theresa, which was the highest military decoration during the further existence of the Monarchy. He founded the Maria Theresa Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt. His performance as a military leader is evaluated mixed. As a favorite of Maria Theresa, his will could prevail over his rivals.

In addition to the badge of the 56th Regiment named after him, I can present the letter seal of the regiment’s support fund.