Royal Guard of Albania

The Royal Guard (Albanian: Garda Mbretërore) was from 1928 till 1939 and was part of the Royal Albanian Army.

Royal Albanian Guard
Garda Mbretërore
The guard in 1936.
Active1928 — 1939
Disbanded1939
Country Kingdom of Albania
Allegiance HM The King of the Albanians
BranchRoyal Albanian Army
TypeDefence force
RoleProtection of the King
Size112 officers, 14 NCOs and 800 soldiers
HeadquartersTirana
EngagementsItalian Invasion of Albania
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Captain Hysen Selmani

History

On 1 September 1928, President Ahmet Zogu became Zog I, King of the Albanians and the Republican Guard changed its name to the "Royal Guard of Albania", with Captain Hysen Selmani being appointed as its first commandant.[1][2][3]

While half the army was deployed around the capital to protect the central government from civil unrest, the Royal Guard was to protect the King from assassination and military coups.

The guard would later form what is now the Republican Guard.

Structure

In April 1939 this reportedly had a strength of 926 officers and men:

  • HQ
  • Ceremonial Company
  • Infantry Battalion (21 Officers; 37 Sub-Officer; 412 Guards)
    • HQ
    • 4 Rifle Companies
  • Artillery Battery (4 Officers; 8 Sub-Officer; 140 Guards, 59 horses)
  • Cavalry Squadron (71-91 Officers)
    • HQ
    • 3-4 Troops
  • Royal Guards Band (34 musicians)
  • Depot (1 Officer; 39 Guards)

See also

References
  1. http://www.garda.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/HISTORIKU.-i-Gardes.pdf
  2. "E Gardes Se Republikes".
  3. "Tirana observer Shop".
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