Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, [note 1] also known as the Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard, [4] is an armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City State.
The regulations of the Swiss militia system stipulate that the soldiers keep their own personal equipment, including all personally assigned weapons, at home or in an armoury; until 2007 this also included ammunition. [5] Compulsory military service applies to all male Swiss citizens, with women serving voluntarily. Males usually receive ...
The military history of Switzerland comprises centuries of armed actions, and the role of the Swiss military in conflicts and peacekeeping worldwide. Despite maintaining neutrality since its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499, [1] Switzerland has been involved in military operations dating back to the hiring of Swiss mercenaries by foreign nations, including the Papal States.
The Medical Service (German: Sanität) consists of the following organizational units [5] Medical Service, in Ittigen () Armed Forces Pharmacy (German: Armeeapotheke), in Ittigen; Armed Forces Nursing Service (German: Pflegedienst der Armee), in Ittigen; Armed Forces Veterinary Service (German: Veterinärdienst der Armee), in Ittigen
The earliest Swiss Guard unit to be established on a permanent basis was the Hundred Swiss (Cent-Suisses), which served at the French court from 1490 to 1817. This small force was complemented in 1616 by a Swiss Guards regiment. In the 18th and early 19th centuries several other Swiss Guard units existed for periods in various European courts.
In World War II, Switzerland, and to a lesser extent Sweden and the United States, performed these roles for both sides. When the US entered the war in late 1941, Switzerland took over its mandates. In terms of major roles Swiss diplomats had the mandate to protect Germany's interest in Britain, the United States, Yugoslavia, Turkey, and Dutch ...
The capitulation of 1748 increased to 20,400 the number of Swiss mercenaries in Dutch service, and additional regiments were taken into service, but that year, the War of Austrian Succession ended and three of these regiments were retired from service. [29] In 1749 a regiment of Swiss Guards (Zwitsersche Guardes) was raised, the recruits coming ...
The Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard is the head of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. In total, there have been 35 commanders of the Swiss Guard serving 51 popes, with interruptions during 1527–1548 following the Sack of Rome , in 1564/5, in 1704–1712 and in 1798/9 following the French invasion .