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Liechtenstein's Last Soldier

© James Foster Robinson

In 1939 Liechtenstein’s last soldier died. He had taken part in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. Liechtenstein’s army was disbanded in 1868 after the dissolution of the German Confederation. Since then, the little country has had no armed forces except for a police force. However, the constitution allows that in the events of hostilities every able-bodied man up to the age of 60 is liable for military service for the defense of the country. Since 1868 Liechtenstein has followed the path of peace and neutrality and not war.

Individual citizens have joined other armies at times. Some enlisted in the Austrian Army and members of the Liechtenstein ruling family served in the Austrian Armed forces over the centuries. A few pro-Nazi Liechtensteiners joined the German Army during World War II after loyal citizens stopped their attempted takeover in 1938. On the whole, the citizens of this little Principality have supported their government in its attempts to remain neutral and avoid war.

But when they had to fight, the citizens of Liechtenstein stood up and fought for what they believed in. In past centuries, whenever they were invaded, the common people fought as a militia. It was not until the Principality of Liechtenstein was created in 1719, that a regular army was created. Because of the size of the country and small population, the army was never big. The army did, however, see some action. Until the 20th Century, the Austrian army largely looked after the defense of the country. When Liechtenstein aligned itself with Switzerland after World War I, the Swiss Army took over this duty.

In 1789, when the French occupied the Switzerland side of the Rhine, Liechtenstein sent 15 infantrymen and two cavalrymen to serve with the Swabian League. In 1793 a reinforcement of eight men joined Liechtenstein’s contingent with the League. A militia, in which all able-bodied men from the age of 18 to 50 had to serve, was also formed for defense. In 1796 Marshal Jourdan marched his French army through the Rhine Valley and forced the Swabian league to surrendered. Liechtenstein was no longer at war. But in 1799 the French again marched through the valley on the way to fight the Austrians and Russians. Napoleon formed the Confederation of the Rhine on July 12, 1806, Liechtenstein was admitted as a member. Prince Johann, in order to fight for Austria, gave up his throne to his young son. After Napoleon’s defeat in Russia, the Confederation of the Rhine broke up and Prince Johann regained his throne. Liechtenstein then sent 100 men to fight Napoleon in the army of Baden in 1815.

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