Maël Roumois01.09.2026Swiss mercenaries in foreign service, known by names such as Reisläufer (ones who go to war) or Cent-Suisse (‘Hundred Swiss’; soldiers who guarded the French king), were feared throughout Europe. They began bearing regimental flags with flame-like designs from the 17th century while in the service of France. These flags became synonymous with Switzerland’s illustrious military tradition.
