The last type of horsemen to join the ranks of the French cavalry were hussars, a form of mounted unit composed of Hungarian light cavalry who forged their methods of combat fighting against the Turks. Hussars were true light cavalry, used best for raiding and scouting. They rode smaller horses, carried somewhat lighter weapons and curved sabers, and wore costumes typical of their origins. Proposals for cavalerie hongroise came in 1635, and by 1637, at least 5 companies of such exotic horsemen showed up on French rolls, but they disappeared with the Peace of the Pyrenees. The first genuine French hussar regiment was raised in 1692 from Imperial deserters, and by 1710, the French counted 3 regiments of these often outlandish cavalry, regarded by some more as thieves on horseback than as true cavalrymen." (Lynn - "Giant of the Grand Siecle" p 492)
During a parade the sight of the hussars would the women’s hearts made wildly pounding. In combat they rode yelling most unearthly, cursing and brandishing their weapons. They had their own code - that of reckless curage that bordered on a death wish. The hussars were the eyes, ears and … egos of the army.
With their look suitably piratical their hair plaited and queued they were one heck of mean buggers. Some regiments were composed of fellows who had a natural longing for a fight (or trouble !) The mutually supporting camaraderie of the hussars was important factor of their esprit de corps. Tactically they were used as scouts and screen for other troops and due to their combativeness were also used in pitched battles. It was not a rare sight to see a hussar in a forefront of a hack-and-slash melee, gripping his reins with his teeth, a pistol in one hand and saber in the other.
He considered himself as better horseman and swordsman than everybody else. Bragging, smoking a pipe, drinking, and duelling - these were their funs. There was a saying: "The hussars were loved by every wife and hated by every husband". The hussars liked to sing songs that insulted dragoons and considered themselves distinctly more dashing than chasseurs. In 1805 at Austerlitz the 2e Hussars captured Allies flag. The 2e was a famous unit. Raised in 1734 by Count Esterhazy, this regiment too the name Chamborant from its colonel. "The color of its uniform, a most distinctive chestnut-brown with sky-blue facings and breeches, was reputedly suggested by Marie Antoinnette who remarked upon the color of the habit of a passing monk when Chamborant asked what color she would suggest for the uniform of his regiment." (Philip Haythornthwaite)
Have you notice most of these garcons join the heavy Cav no dash nay no flear for the moment I wonder why
I am 67 and my wife says why do all the women stare I told her because of envy am just the frame you are the picture
NWC
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