#karoliner

From the book Karoliner by Alf Åberg and Göte Göransson. (I adore this book so much! Just look at these silly drawings!)

The book is about the Karoliner, or Carolingians, of the Swedish army in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Föraren (the driver): was to keep a close eye on the company's standard, which he carried behind the ensign during the march but handed over to the ensign when the battle escalated. He was also to take care of the company's sick. He was to ensure that none of them were "neglected" and that everyone took their prescribed medication.

Furiren (forman): would mark out the company's camp site. He would also receive the provisions and distribute them to the company.

Rustmästaren (armorer): was to be in charge of the ammunition and distribute it to the privates according to orders. He was also to inspect the rifles and ensure that the soldiers showed every diligence in keeping them ready and clean.

Fältväbeln (Sergeant Major) or Kvartermästaren (quartermaster): would be the eye of the company. He should therefore be exceptionally quick, precise and quick. He should be able to read and write. He would line up the company and see that everything was in order in the ranks. He would report which men were absent and know each of the company to their capacity and condition. Minor offenses among the privates he would immediately punish with the sword or the pike.

Fänriken (ensign): should be a man of good character, quiet, sober, chaste, and brave. He should be God-fearing and full of compassion, so that if any poor soldier deserved any punishment, he would intercede for him for mercy. In this way the soldiers would stand by him in battle all the more bravely and defend the company's banner, which the ensign carried. The ensign would also take care of the drill and inspect the sick.

Löjtnanten (lieutenant): was the company commander's closest man. He was to be a brave, intelligent, and well-trained man, on whose shoulders rested the entire the company would rest.

Kaptenen (captain): was the company commander. He would train the people well and set a good example for them. He should see that everything in the company went well and skillfully. He should be somewhat more devout towards his subordinates than the lieutenant and the others.

As a father to his children, he was to defend and provide for his company and be their advocate before the colonel. When the lieutenant and the other officers were somewhat strict, he must in return be somewhat gentle and familiar, so that the privates and the lesser officers would not be too much tormented and subdued by some unwise officer and thus lose their affection for the company.

Regementskvartermästaren (regimental quartermaster): was to arrange the camp in the field. He was to ensure that the colonel's tent was in front of the regiment on the right wing and the lieutenant colonel's in front of the left wing. The major's tent was to be behind the regiment. He was also to arrange the streets in the camp and give the quartermasters instructions on where the company officers' tents should be.

Majoren (major): should be equipped with good sense and heroic courage. He was responsible for the internal service, the guards and commanders of the regiment. He kept track of the strength of the companies, how many officers and soldiers were retained and fit for battle. He also let the drums beat at the right time for reveille and formation.

Överstelöjtnant (lieutenant colonel): was to respect and love his colonel first and foremost. He was the colonel's deputy and was to be a support under the colonel's arms. In his command he was to be modest and familiar but somewhat serious.

Översten (colonel): was the head of the regiment. He was to love God first and foremost, honor and revere his king. He was to have good sense, adhere strictly to discipline and the fear of God, and know what a knight could endure. He was also to know everything about service in the field and be brave and determined.

Gustaf Cederström (April 12, 1845 - 1933) was a Swedish history painter specializing in the era of King Charles XII when Sweden was a dominant European superpower.

His most famous work shows the funeral train of Charles XII, where his bier is being carried home from Norway where he was shot through a rough wintry landscape. This canvas was sold to a Russian buyer, which the Swedes found so unacceptable that Cederström had to paint another version of the scene, since the original had fallen ‘into enemy hands’!

Here is another canvas by Cederström, related to the era of Charles XII, showing one of his soldiers anxiously waiting for news of the King: