Hussar
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Hussar (original Hungarian spelling: huszár, plural huszárok; via the French hussard) refers to a number of types of cavalry used throughout Europe since the 15th century. Today for traditional reasons some military units still have 'hussar' as part of their title.
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History
Image:Husarz lubiesz 2.1color.jpg
Light hussars
Image:Kirchholm.jpg The word hussar (pronounced huh-ZAR, huh-SAR, or hoo-ZAR; IPA: Template:IPA, refers specifically to a light cavalryman, and probably derives from Serbian gusar ("highwayman", or brigand), a type of flamboyant 15th century cavalryman. The word could also possibly have been borrowed by the proto-Magyars (Hungarians), from Turkic equestrian peoples, prior to their arrival in Hungary. As the Uyghur Turks used this word to denote a soldier, which for an equestrian people would most likely be a cavalryman. It is probable that the first light cavalry units of that name were formed by Serbian gentry who sought refuge in Hungary after their defeat in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. Initially fighting in various smaller units, they were reorganised into a strong, highly-trained and motivated unit during the reign of King Matthias I Corvinus of Hungary. Under his command the units took part in the war against the Ottoman Empire in 1485 and proved successful against the Turkish Spahis. After Matthias' death in 1490 many hussars searched their fortune as mercenaries in other Central and Western European countries and became the core of similar light cavalry formations created there. For instance, princes of Austria hired Hungarian hussars as mercenaries for wars against their European opponents, while other Hungarian hussars served at home to defend the country against Turkey. Also Frederick the Great used hussar units extensively during the War of the Austrian Succession. Great Britain also hired German hussars among their Hessian mercenaries and sent them to America to fight in the American War of Independence. France estabilished Hussar regiments from Hungarian refugees, which were manned by Hungarians. Other powers, like Russia, used only Hungarian officers in their Hussar regiments. It is a possibility that the Hussars developed under some degree of influence from the traditions of early Magyar light cavalry in terms of weaponry, military tactics and dress. Magyar light cavalry traditions were strongly informed by contact with Turkic equestrian peoples, prior to their arrival in Hungary.
Why were Hungarians so competent at light cavalry tactics? In the years 1541-1699, during the Turkish wars, two-thirds of Hungary was overrun by the Turks. To cope with this threat, Hungarians built a strong series of border fortresses and manned them with Hussars, thus keeping Turkish and Tartar raiders away from the hinterland. During these centuries, Hungarians employed hit-and-run tactics very well. Even more, hussars in many countries were volunteer troops and so they had boosted morale. The most famous operation of light hussars were the Sack of Berlin in 1757. A Hungarian count, Andrew Hadik, marched secretly and swiftly through the Prussian territory, sacked Berlin and returned without losses. Both type of Hussars' tactics were based on the same principle: one quick, deadly strike.
The Polish-Lithuanian Winged Hussars were not as well-known in Western Europe, only after the Battle of Vienna 1683 - and mainly after the famous films based on the novels of Sienkiewicz: Ogniem i Mieczem (With Fire and Sword), Potop (The Deluge) and Pan Wolodyjowski (Lit. "Sir Wolodyjowski" or "Fire in the Steppe" in the English version).
Heavy hussars
Initially the first hussar units in the Polish-Lithuanian Union were formed by the Polish parliament in 1503, which hired three banners of Hungarian mercenaries. Quickly recruitment also began from among Polish and Lithuanian citizens. Being far more manoeuvrable than the heavily armoured lancers previously employed, the hussars proved vital to the splendid Polish victories at Orsza (1514) and Obertyn (1531). By the reign of King Stefan Batory the hussars had replaced medieval-style lancers in the Polish army, and they now formed the bulk of the Polish cavalry.
Over the course of the 1500s hussars in Hungary had become heavier in character: they had abandoned wooden shields and adopted plate metal body armour. When Stefan Báthory, a Transylvanian-Hungarian prince, became king of Poland in 1576 he began to reorganize the Polish hussars of his Royal guard along Hungarian lines, making them a heavy formation, equipped with a long lance as their main weapon. By the 1590s most Polish hussar units had been reformed along the same 'heavy' Hungarian model. These Polish 'heavy' hussars were known in their homeland as husaria.
With the Battle of Lubieszów in 1577 the 'Golden Age' of the husaria began. Until the Battle of Vienna in 1683, the Polish hussars fought countless actions against a variety of enemies, and rarely lost a battle. In the battles of Byczyna (1588), Kokenhusen (1601), Kircholm (1605), Kłuszyn (1610), Gniew (1626), Chocim (1673) and Lwów (1675), the Polish hussars proved to be the decisive factor often against overwhelming odds.
As one of the very few units in the Polish standing army (most of other units were formed as levée en masse), the hussars were well-trained and well-equipped. Until 18th century they were considered the elite of Polish armed forces. Because of the fame and prestige that surrounded the hussars, many of them were accepted into nobility. Although by 18th century their importance was diminished by the introduction of modern infantry firearms and quick-firing artillery, the Polish hussars' tactics and armament remained almost unchanged.
Image:Hussar by Alexander Orlowski.jpg Image:Szarza Husarii.jpg
Later development
Hussars outside of Poland followed a different line of development. During the early decades of the 17th century Hussars in Hungary ceased to wear metal body armour; and by 1640 most were now light cavalry. It was hussars of this 'light' pattern rather than the Polish heavy hussar that were copied across Europe. These light hussars were ideal for reconnaissance and raiding sources of fodder and provisions in advance of the army. In battle, they were used in such light cavalry roles as harassing enemy skirmishers, overrunning cannon positions, and pursuing fleeing troops.
The colourful uniforms of hussars of 1700 onwards were inspired by Hungarian fashions. This uniform usually comprised a short jacket known as a dolman, or later a medium-length "Attila" jacket, both with heavy horizontal gold braid on the breast, and gold Austrian knots on the sleeves; a matching pelisse (a short-waisted overjacket often worn slung over one shoulder); colored trousers, sometimes with gold Austrian knots at the front; a busby (a high fur hat with a cloth bag hanging from one side); and high riding boots.
Hussars also had a reputation for being the dashing, if unruly, adventurers of the army. The traditional image of the hussar is of a reckless, hard-drinking, hard-swearing, womanising, moustachioed swashbuckler. Less romantically, hussars were also known (and feared) for their poor treatment of local civilians. In addition to commandeering local food-stocks for the army, hussars were known to also use the opportunity for personal looting and pillaging.
On the eve of World War I there were still hussar regiments in the British, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Rumanian and Austro-Hungarian armies. They were notable for their colourful and elaborate parade uniforms, the most spectacular of which were worn by the two Spanish regiments. A characteristic of both the Imperial German and Russian hussars was the variety of colours apparent in their dress uniforms. These included red, black, green, dark and light blue, brown and even pink (the Russian 15th Hussars) dolmans. Most Russian hussar regiments wore red breeches as did all the Austro-Hungarian hussars of 1914. This rainbow effect harkened back to the 18th century origins of hussar regiments in these armies.
Hussar influences were apparent even in those armies which did not formally include hussar regiments. Thus both the Belgium Guides and the Mounted Escort of the Irish Defence Forces wore hussar uniforms.
After horse cavalry became obsolete, hussar units generally converted to either ceremonial units or armoured units. Hussar units still exist today, especially in the British Army, among others (such as the French Army, the Dutch Army and the Canadian Forces), usually as tank forces or light mechanized infantry. The Danish Guard Hussars provide a ceremonial mounted squadron, which is the last to wear the slung pelisse. Image:Hetman Zolkiewski z husaria.jpg
Armament and tactics
Hussar armament varied over time. Until the 1570s in both Poland and Hungary it included a cavalry sabre, lance, long wooden shield and, optionally, light metal armour. From the 1570s Polish hussars abandoned the use of shields and became more heavily-armoured. Apart from the sabre and the lance, they were usually also equipped with one or two pistols and a koncerz - a long (up to 2 metres) sword used in the charge when the lance was broken.
Unlike their lighter counterparts, the Polish hussars were used as a heavy cavalry for line-breaking charges against enemy infantry or cavalry. Their usual form of attack was to make a rapid charge in compact formation. If the first attack failed, they would retire to their supporting troops who re-equipped them with fresh lances, and then would charge again. The concentration of lances would eventually break the enemy line, creating gaps that follow-on units could exploit. As panic spread and the enemy fled, they could be cut down with sabres. Image:Rzhevsky.jpg
Hussars of the Polish Commonwealth were also famous for the huge 'wings' worn on their backs or attached to the saddles of their horses. There are several theories to explain the meaning of the wings. According to some they were designed to foil attacks by Tatar lassos; another theory has it that the sound of vibrating feathers attached to the wings frightened enemy horses during the charge. However, experiments carried out since the 1970s do not support any of the theories. The most probable explanation is: hussars wings, along with wild predators' fur worn on backs and with lance were for a psychological reason - they were part of husarias legend, making them mythological creatures. Making every enemy sure, that these are those dreadful, invincible hussars. King Stefan Batory wrote: "(...) feathers and other embellishment for magnificence and enemies' dread".
Current hussar units
Canada
Note: All Canadian hussar units are in the reserve force and are roled as armoured reconnaissance.
- 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's)
- Sherbrooke Hussars
- The Royal Canadian Hussars (Montreal)
- 1st Hussars
Denmark
- Gardehusarregimentet (English: Guard Hussar Regiment)).
Founded in 1614, this is the oldest regiment of hussars in the world. It is a mixed armour/infantry unit with seven battalions. In addition to its operational role, the Guard Hussar Regiment is one of two regiments in the Danish Army (along with the Den Kongelige Livgarde) to be classed as 'Guards'; in this case, the Guard Hussars perform the same role as the Household Cavalry do in the British Army.
France
- 1er Régiment de Hussards Parachutistes (1er RHP) (English: 1st Hussar parachute Regiment)).
founded in 1720, currently based in TARBES.
formerly "hussards de Bercheny", from its founder , count Bercheny.
- 2ème régiment de Hussards (2e RH) (English: 2nd Hussar Regiment)).
founded in 1735, currently based in SOURDUN.
traditionnaly named "Chamborant".
- 3ème régiment de Hussards (3e RH) (English: 3rd Hussar Regiment)).
founded in 1764, currently based in IMMENDINGEN(GERMANY).
Part of the Franco-german Brigade.
formerly "hussards d'Esterhazy".
- 4ème régiment de Hussards (4e RH) (English: 4th Hussar Regiment)).
founded in 1791, currently based in METZ.
Netherlands
The Dutch word for hussar is huzaar.
- Regiment Huzaren Prins van Oranje
- Regiment Huzaren Van Boreel (armoured reconnaissance)
- Regiment Huzaren Prins Alexander
- Regiment Huzaren Van Sytzama
Except for the Huzaren Van Boreel, every regiment operates in the armoured role in one of the three mechanized brigades of the Dutch army, using the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Each of these brigades also has a squadron from the Huzaren Van Boreel attached for reconnaissance.
Peru
- Regiment Hussars of Junin
The regiment was created in 1821 by General Jose de San Martin to protect the then recently independent country of Peru. Today, it guards the entrance of the Peruvian Government House wearing the traditional uniform from 1821.
Poland
- Note: Because the Polish word pancerny initially was used to denote both as a standard adjective meaning armoured and a Polish heavy hussar, currently most Polish armoured units are named Armoured Cavalry and refer to the hussar tradition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Similarly, Polish aero mobile forces refer to traditions of 19th century light cavalry.
- 11 Dywizja Kawalerii Pancernej of Jan III Sobieski
- 6 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej
- 9 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej
- 10 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej
- 15 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej
- 34 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej
Romania
- Regimentul 1 Rosiori "General de armata Alexandru Averescu" formed 1871
- Regimentul 4 Rosiori “Regina Maria” formed 1893
In Romania the hussar regiments were known as "Calarasi" (Moldavia) and "Rosiori" (Wallachia). The three (later expanded to ten) Rosiori regiments were the regular units while the Calarasi were territorial reserve cavalry who supplied their own horses. These troops played an important role in the Romanian Independence War of 1877 on the Russo-Turkish front. The Rosiori, as their name implies in Romanian, wore red tunics with black braiding while the Calarasi wore dark blue dolmans with red loopings. Both wore fur busbys and white plumes. The Rosiori regiments were distinguished by the different colours of their cloth busby bags (yellow, white, green, light blue, light green, dark blue, light brown, lilac, pink and light grey according to regiment).
After World War I the differences between the two branches of Romanian cavalry disappeared, although the titles of Rosiori and Calarasi remained. Both types of cavalry served through World War II on the Russian front as mounted and mechanised units.
The city of Rosiori bears its name due to a hussar unit stationed there in the 17th century by Prince Brancoveanu.
United Kingdom
Presently, both regiments operate in the armoured role, primarily operating the Challenger 2 main battle tank. The hussar regiments are grouped together with the dragoon and lancer regiments in the order of precedence, all of which are below the dragoon guards. The King's Royal Hussars still retain the crimson trousers of the old 11th Hussars in most orders of uniform.
In the British Army currently, the lone dragoon regiment, The Light Dragoons was formed by the amalgamation of two hussar regiments, the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) and the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars, in 1992.
Bibliography
- Zbigniew Bocheński, Ze studiów nad polską zbroją husarską in: Rozprawy i sprawozdania Muzeum Narodowego w Krakowie. Kraków, 1960
- Leszek Podhorodecki, Sławne bitwy Polaków
- Bronisław Gembarzewski, Husarze. Ubiór, oporządzenie i uzbrojenie 1500 – 1775 *
- Janusz Sikorski, Zarys dziejów wojskowości polskiej do roku 1864
- Jan Chryzostom Pasek, Pamiętniki
- Mirosław Nagielski, Relacje wojenne z pierwszych lat walk polsko-kozackich powstania Bohdana Chmielnickiego
- Jerzy Teodorczyk, 'Bitwa pod Gniewem 22.IX – 29.IX. 1626, pierwsza porażka husarii' [in:] Studia i materiały do historii wojskowości, Warsaw, 1966
- J. Cichowski, A. Szulczyński, Husaria
- Jakub Łoś, Pamiętnik towarzysza chorągwi pancernej
- Barczy Zoltán - Somogyi Győző: Magyar huszárok (Budapest, Móra, 1987)
- Radosław Sikora, Fenomen husarii. Toruń 2004.
- Radosław Sikora, Wojskowość polska w dobie wojny polsko-szwedzkiej 1626-1629. Kryzys mocarstwa. Poznań 2005.
See also
External links
- Hussars Photographs
- About Polish Hussars on Polish Renaissance Warfare site
- How the Polish Hussars Fought
- Polish Winged Hussars
- Two Hussars by Leo Tolstoy (1856) de:Husaren
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