Potsdam Giants: The Giant Unit of Prussia
The Potsdam Giants were a Prussian infantry regiment formed in 1675 under the reign of Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg. The regiment was initially known as the “Tall Company” and consisted of only tall men, with the minimum height requirement being 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm). This was an unusual concept at the time, as most European armies preferred smaller and more agile soldiers.
Under the leadership of Friedrich Wilhelm I’s son, Frederick William I, the regiment was expanded into a full regiment of giants, with a height requirement of at least 6 feet (183 cm). The regiment was also given the official name “Potsdamer Riesengarde” or “Potsdam Giant Guard”. The soldiers were all required to be of Prussian or Brandenburg origin and were paid much higher salaries than regular soldiers.
The Potsdam Giants were renowned for their impressive stature, and their uniform was designed to accentuate their height. The uniform included a large bicorne hat, high leather boots with spurs, and a specially designed coat with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The regiment was used primarily for ceremonial purposes, and they were often present at royal parades and other state functions.
Despite their impressive appearance, the Potsdam Giants were not known for their military prowess. In fact, they were often criticized for their lack of battlefield experience and their inability to adapt to new tactics. Nevertheless, they remained a symbol of Prussian military might and discipline, and their size and appearance continued to impress both domestic and foreign audiences.
The Potsdam Giants were disbanded in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars. However, their legacy lives on in the many stories and legends that surround them. The regiment is often seen as a symbol of the excesses of absolutist monarchies, and their story has been the subject of numerous books and films. Today, the Potsdam Giants remain a fascinating and curious footnote in Prussian and German history.
