Hildburghausen Infantry

The regiment was raised in 1683 for the Imperial Count (Reichsgraf) Maximilian Lorenz von Stahremberg. In 1689, when Count Stahremberg died during the siege of Maynz, Count Ferdinand Maria Heinrich von Althan became owner of the regiment. He was succeeded at the head of the unit by general Czisla in 1689; general Lapaczeck in 1691; Count Nicolaus von Palfy in 1709; and Joseph Friedrich Wilhelm Hollandinus von Sachsen Hildburghausen in 1712.

The regiment served against the Turks and, in 1702, was part of the force sent to curb the Hungarian uprising. It also served in Bohemia, Bavaria and Silesia.

During the Seven Years' War, the chef of the regiment was:
since 1712: Joseph Friedrich Wilhelm Hollandinus von Sachsen Hildburghausen

During the Seven Years' War, its colonel-commander was:
1759: von Friese
1760: Baron Christoph von Drais
1762: Martin Jacob von Friese

Regimental numbers were introduced only in 1769 when this regiment was designated as "I.R. 8".