.The Pontifical Swiss Guards.

.The Pontifical Swiss Guard.

January 22, 1506 is the official date of birth of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. On this day, toward evening,
a group of 150 Swiss soldiers, commanded by Captain Kaspar von Silenen, of the Swiss Canton Uri,
passed through the Porta del Popolo entering the Vatican for the first time, where they were blessed by Pope Julius II.

These are drawings of the Gala Uniforms (Not intended to be accurate in every detail, but a quick guide for the observer.) Copyright ¸ RWD PLOESSL

Drummers	Halberd Bearers	Sergeants	Sergeant Major

	Lieutenants	Commanding Captain

Insignia of Rank for the all-blue Drill Uniform

Vice-Corporal [Vice Section Leader]	Corporal [Section Leader]	Sergeant [Vice Squadron Leader] Leutnant (Second Lieutenant)	Sergeant Major [Regimental Sergeant Major/ Standard Bearer] Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant)

Second Lieutenant [Squadron Leader] Hauptmann (Captain)	Second Lieutenant [Squadron Leader] Major (Major)	First Lieutenant [Squadron Leader/ Vice Commandant] Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel)	Commanding Captain [Commandant] Oberst (Colonel)
* Blue Ranks are Honor Ranks used only by the Officers

Pontifical Corsican Guard	Pontifical Noble Guard	Pontifical Palatine Guard of Honor	Pontifical Zouaves

Founded in 1603 by Pope Clement VIII	Founded in 1801 by Pope Pius VII	Founded in 1850 by Pope Pius IX	Founded in1860 by Pope Pius IX
Organized as Infantry	Organized as Heavy Cavalry	Organized as a Household Guard	Organized as Infantry
Disbanded in 1664 by Pope Alexander VII	Disbanded in 1970 by Pope Paul VI	Disbanded in 1970 by Pope Paul VI	Disbanded in 1871 by Pope Pius IX