The 1st Siwi Regiment later Siwi Mixed Brigade was a unit of Imperial Korean Army. The regiment was formed in May 1898. However after the

Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907 The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907 was made between the Empire of Japan and the Korean Empire in 1907. Negotiations were concluded on July 24, 1907.Korean Mission to the Conference on the Limitation of Armament, Washington, D.C., 1921-1922. (1922) ...

, the regiment was disestablished.

Lineage

By the order of

Gojong of Korea Gojong (; 8 September 1852 – 21 January 1919), personal name Yi Myeongbok (), later Yi Hui (), also known as the Gwangmu Emperor (), was the penultimate List of monarchs of Korea, Korean monarch. He ruled Korea for 43 years, from 1864 to 19 ...

, 1st Siwi Regiment was established on 27 May 1898. The Regiment included 1st Siwi Battalion and 2nd Siwi Battalion. Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel was the commander, Captain was the adjutant, First or Second Lieutenant was Quartermaster and Second Lieutenant managed the ensign of the Regiment. 3

Non-commissioned officers A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is an enlisted rank, enlisted leader, petty officer, or in some cases warrant officer, who does not hold a Commission (document), commission. Non-commissioned officers usually earn their position of authority b ...

were attached to the regiment. Western-style Military Band was established for the Regiment. From 5 April 1902,

Franz Eckert Franz Eckert (5 April 1852 – 6 August 1916) was a German composer and musician who composed the harmony for Japan's national anthem, "Kimigayo" and the national anthem of the Korean Empire, " Aegukga". Early life and education Eckert was ...

was instructor of the military band. On 22 April 1907, the regiment became Siwi Mixed Brigade (시위혼성여단), and included 2nd Siwi Regiment, Siwi Field Artillery Battalion, Siwi Cavalry Battalion, and Siwi Pioneer Battalion.

Battle of Namdaemun

After the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1907, 1st Siwi Regiment was planned to be disestablished. Because of this, 1st Battalion commander, Park Sung-hwan, committed suicide. This made members of 1st Siwi Regiment to not participate in disestablishment ceremony but, sparked a battle. Many soldiers from other regiments and battalions who already returned their weapons got their weapons and fought against the

Imperial Japanese Army The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA; , ''Dai-Nippon Teikoku Rikugun'', "Army of the Greater Japanese Empire") was the principal ground force of the Empire of Japan from 1871 to 1945. It played a central role in Japan’s rapid modernization during th ...

. The 2nd Siwi Regiment joined 1st Siwi Regiment for the battle. For four hours, battles was continued. However, the battle was the victory of Japan because Japanese soldiers using much advanced weapons.

Commanders

References

{{Reflist Military units and formations established in 1898 Military units and formations disestablished in 1907 Korean Empire Military of Korea