The European “Friekorps” (free units) began as mercenary and private army groups in the 18th century service of many wealthy public and private figures. Made up of military deserters, adventurers and others who were drawn to the dangers of combat, but not wanting to be hampered by the structured discipline of military life, men from Germany, Hungary, Austria, Poland and other countries banded together to fight for the highest bidder.
By the end of World War I, the chaos of post-war Germany swelled the ranks of the German Friekorps with disillusioned soldiers who had served valiantly in the four years of hellish trench warfare, then were ordered to surrender by a feeble government that allowed their beloved Kaiser
