We all looked forward with great anticipation to the General Rapport 2022 in Schwaz in Tyrol. It was already clear during the preparations that a committed and professional team was at work here and that Schwaz itself is a good place for the preservation of tradition.
A large number of comrades had already arrived on Thursday to get in the mood for the next few days over a convivial dinner. It hardly needs to be mentioned that this first evening in companionable surroundings already turned out to be a long one.
On Friday, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at St. Martin’s Cemetery, where a commemorative plaque for the deceased of the 1st World War was presented. With great attention to detail, research had been done on all the persons mentioned and an exact assignment of origin, dates of life and religion had been made. The weather was also mild and the morning rain had even given way to sunshine. With humorous words from the pastor, dignified musical accompaniment and a large number of participants, this commemoration of the dead was a truly respectful start to the General Rapport.
This was continued with its large meeting in the rooms of the Franciscan monastery. As the reports were mostly very brief due to the limited possibilities of the previous year, the meeting could be held in just under three hours. The new admission of the Dragoon Regiment No.11 Maximilian Graf Baillet de Latour zu Ostrach 1799 and the Bürgerwehr Wolfach 1827 should be emphasised. For the accompanying persons, a guided tour of the beautiful little town of Schwaz took place during the meeting.
In the evening – and this is always a matter of concern to us at the UEHMG – a joint dinner for all participants was on the agenda. Almost 100 uniformed members and their accompanying persons took part and enjoyed the camaraderie. This exchange continued in small groups in various pubs until the early hours of the morning – understandable, since we had not met on such a large scale since last year.
On Saturday morning there was the opportunity to visit the Schwaz mine and Freundsberg Castle – both interesting sites with a lot of history and significance for the region. In the afternoon, the actual ceremony took place on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the k.u.k. Tiroler Kaiserjäger Schwaz, 1st Regiment, which was held entirely in the Franciscan Church due to the weather conditions. A dignified mass introduced the ceremony, followed by honourable speeches, a ramble through history and, last but not least, the handing over of command and some well-deserved honours.
The event ended with good food and drink in the inner courtyard of the monastery, although due to the temperatures, the already tried and tested localities nearby were quickly sought out again. It goes without saying that the General Rapport and the anniversary event of the Kaiserjäger ended on a convivial note until midnight.
On behalf of the UEHMG we thank all participants for their presence, the organiser for the truly excellent organisation and sincerely congratulate on the 100th anniversary.
