Video: 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭- Dutch Blue Guards

VIEW FULL YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: Masters of Combat: Elite Units Throughout History
View Full Masters of Combat: Elite Units Throughout History

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭- Dutch Blue Guards

The Dutch Blue Guards—an elite force of the Dutch Republic. Known for their striking blue uniforms, they were the personal guard of William III of Orange and played a crucial role in 17th-century European warfare. These highly trained soldiers stood at the front lines in the Nine Years’ War and the War of the Spanish Succession, earning a fierce reputation for discipline and bravery.

Handpicked for their skill and loyalty, the Blue Guards were often deployed in decisive battles, including the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, where they fought fiercely against the Jacobite forces. They also played a pivotal role in defending the Dutch Republic against the expansionist ambitions of France under Louis XIV. Their expertise in musketry and close-combat tactics made them a formidable force on any battlefield. As one of the earliest examples of professional standing troops, they helped shape the evolution of European warfare.

Their presence on the battlefield symbolized the military strength of the Dutch Republic, reinforcing its influence across Europe. From the plains of Ireland to the battlefields of Flanders, the Dutch Blue Guards left a lasting mark on history. Though they eventually faded from military service, their legacy as one of the Dutch Republic’s finest elite units remains.