Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry explained

Unit Name:	Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry (Enfants Perdu Regiment)
Dates:	April 18, 1862 – January 30, 1864
Branch:	Union Army
Type:	Battalion
Role:	Infantry
Size:	6 companies (initially) 10 companies
Garrison:	New York City
Garrison Label:	Organized at
Nickname:	German Legion New York Corps of Light Infantry
Battles:	American Civil War Action at Williamsburg First Battle of Fort Wagner Siege of Charleston Harbor Operations against the Defenses of Charleston
Notable Commanders:	Lt.Col. Felix Confort Lt.Col. Simon Levy

The Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry, also known as the German Legion or the New York Corps of Light Infantry, was an infantry battalion from New York City that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was formed in April 1862, originally as the Enfants Perdu Regiment, but was immediately downgraded to a battalion as it couldn't muster enough companies. The unit served in the Carolinas for the duration of its existence. It was disbanded in January 1864, the men being transferred to the 47th and 48th infantry regiments and to the 1st Engineer Regiment.^{[1] [2]}

Organisation

The battalion initially fielded only 6 companies, thus not serving as regiment, and stayed a battalion despite mustering additional companies over time in 1862 and 1863.^[2]

• Company A – Cpt. Joseph Torrens
• Company B – Cpt. Jules F. Rochefort
• Company C – Cpt. Joseph Schmidt Kraus
• Company D – Cpt. Charles Daillet
• Company E – Cpt. Francois Boucher
• Company F – Cpt. Michael Schmidt
• Company G – Cpt. Thaddedus Ferris
• Company H – Cpt. Ferdinand Levy (1862)
• Company I – Cpt. John G. Gundlack
• Company K – Cpt. Ferdinand Levy (1863)

Commanders

• Lieutenant Colonel Felix Confort (resigned May 9, 1863)
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Levy

Casualties

During its service the battalion lost 9 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 52 enlisted men by disease, for a total of 61 men.^[1]

See also

• List of New York Civil War units

Notes and References

1. Web site: Enfans Perdus, Independent Battalion, New York Infantry. National Park Service - Soldiers and Sailors System. 23 June 2019.
2. Web site: Independent Cops Light Infantry . Unit History Project of the NY State Military Museum . 23 June 2019.