British Cavalry - Napoleonic Wars - Guards - Dragoons - Hussars - Uniforms

30/03/2023 16:55 British Cavalry : Napoleonic Wars : Guards : Dragoons : Hussars : Uniforms
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Cavalerie britannique des guerres

napoléoniennes
1805-1815
"Je considérais notre cavalerie (britannique) si inférieure à la française par
manque d'ordre,
que bien que je considérais un escadron comme un match pour deux français,
je n'aimais pas voir quatre britanniques s'opposer à quatre Français:
et à mesure que le nombre augmentait et que l'ordre, bien sûr,
devenait plus nécessaire, j'étais d'autant plus réticent à risquer
nos hommes sans avoir une supériorité en nombre.
- Wellington
1. Introduction : Cavalerie britannique.

2. Cavalerie de la Légion allemande du roi.
3. La cavalerie domestique et les dragons.
4. Dragons légers et Hussards.
5. Uniformes.
6. Chevaux.
7. Tactique et Combat
(Nous les avons poursuivis 5 km, ils nous ont
ensuite poursuivi 10 km).
8. Sources et liens.
Dans le petit combat de Sahagun, le 15th Hussars

a vaincu la cavalerie française. Ils ont fait de
nombreux prisonniers
pour très peu de pertes pour eux-mêmes.
Le 15th Hussars a reçu "Sahagun"
comme honneur de bataille.
Photo : La cavalerie légère britannique
La cavalerie de la King's German Legion a suivi attaque le train de bagages français en retraite
le schéma consistant à traiter d'abord leurs à Vitoria 1814.
montures, le toilettage,
le parage, le nettoyage de la selle et des sabots, "Montés sur leurs puissants coursiers gris, rendus
etc., de encore plus impressionnants par leurs bonnets en peau
sorte qu'elle a maintenu leurs chevaux en d'ours,
excellent état les dragons écossais fondent sur les hommes de la
lorsque de nombreux cavaliers britanniques brigade Grenier, qui traversent le chemin creux. ...
marchaient Immédiatement après avoir écrasé la brigade Grenier,
parce que leurs chevaux négligés s'étaient cassés. les Gris ont attaqué le premier régiment de la brigade
abattus Nogues ...
ou vendus pour de l'alcool. Entre-temps, les Royals et les Inniskillings avaient suivi
Pendant les campagnes, les pertes dans la l'infanterie en fuite jusqu'au bas de la pente.
cavalerie KGL ( - A. Barbero )
étaient d'env. seulement la moitié des Anglais.
La charge de dragons KGL à Garcia Hernandez

a été nommée par le général français Foy comme
"la
charge de cavalerie la plus audacieuse de toute la
guerre [dans la péninsule]".
"The heaviest English cavalry is far from possessing the uniformity

and the firm seat of the French and Austrian cuirassiers;
https://www.napolun.com/mirror/napoleonistyka.atspace.com/British_cavalry.htm 1/17
and the firm seat of the French and Austrian cuirassiers;
and their light-horse is still more inferior in intelligence
and activity to the Hungarian hussar and the Cossack.
They have no idea of the artifices of partisan warfare,
and they know little how to charge en masse. When the fray
commences, you see them equally vulnerable and offensive,
cutting instead of thrusting, and chopping with more fury
than effect..."
- General Foy
Introduction: British Cavalry.

"... testimony of impartial writers of different nations have given
the first place amongst the European infantry to the British;
but in a comparison between the troops of France and England,
it would be unjust not to admit that the cavalry of the former
stands higher in the estimation of the world."
(Napier - Vol II, p 367)
Cavalry had the advantage of mobility, an instrument which multiplied the

fighting value of even the smallest forces, allowing them to outflank and
avoid, to surprise and overpower, to retreat and escape according to the
requirements of the moment. Cavalry remained the primary choice for
confronting enemy cavalry. Attacking an unbroken infantry force head-on
usually resulted in failure, but the extended linear formations were
vulnerable to flank or rear attacks. Cavalry was an indispensable tool for
scouting, screening the army's movements, and harassing the enemy's supply
lines
British cavalry consisted of light and heavy dragoons. Between 1806 and 1862 several light dragoon
regiments converted to "hussars", a Hungarian style popularized by the French.
Between 1816 and 1822 the remaining light dragoons converted to "lancers", a Polish innovation that
had been previously copied by the French. After Poland lost independence and there was no Polish
uhlans, the British lancers became the top dogs of this type of light cavalry.
Despite Wellington's scathing comments on French cuirassiers, the British were quite impressed with
them and after Waterloo issued armor to the Household Cavalry. They still wear the cuirass today on
the world-famous ceremonies in London.
Weapons.
Sabres, Carbines, Pistols.
On photo: British heavy cavalry sabre from Military

Heritage >
The broadsword was used by Austrian, British,
Prussian and Russian heavy cavalry and was a
straight, single edged weapon. It was somehow old-
fashioned weapon and was withdrawn from the Russian cavalry in 1809-1810, and from the Austrian
chevaulegeres in 1802. The Austrian, British and Prussian heavies however kept this sword.
The sabers of British heavy cavalry were described as "lumbering, clumsy, ill-contrived machine. It is
too heavy, too short, and too broad." Waymouth of 2nd Life Guards also complained at the way of
wielding the saber, with the elbow bent and the point upraised. It was a "very bad position whilst
charging, the French carrying theirs in a manner much less fatiguing, and also much better for attack of
defence."
According to Martin Read the British 1796 pattern heavy cavalry saber was a direct copy of the sword
of the Austrian heavy cavalry dating to 1775. Due to the saber's width this type of point was a very
poor at piercing heavy clothing or rolled cloaks, making a thrust a largely unprofitable exercise. Before
Waterloo the men were ordered to 'grind the backs of their swords' to make the tip into the more
effective point.
The British cavalry also used carbines and pistols. See picture -->
The carbines were short barrelled and thus short range weapons, carried by privates and corporals. In
Peninsula, Stapleton Cotton, ordered the Household Cavalry not to carry carbines. In 1815 however
the Household Brigade and the Union Brigade were issued carbines with bayonets (the bayonets were
the Household Brigade and the Union Brigade were issued carbines with bayonets (the bayonets were
not carried). The heavy cavalry carbine weighed 8 pounds and had a barrel length of 28 inches. The
light cavalry carbine had a barrel length of 16 inches. The raamrod was permanently mounted beneath
the muzzle to prevent it from being lost. In 1815 the 10th
Hussars were issued Baker rifles !
The cavalryman carried one pistol. It was used even less than the
carbine.
The heavy cavalry pistol had a barrel length of 9 inches.
Organization.
Brigade, Regiment, Squadron, Troop.
The basic tactical unit in cavalry was squadron. It was made of two troops. The troop consisted of: 1
Captain, 1-2 Lieutenants, 1 Cornet, 1 Sergeant-Major, 1 Furrier, 4 Sergeants, 4 Corporals, 1 Trumpeter,
and 85 Troopers. At Waterloo the British squadrons were between 112 and 180 men and were larger
than the French squadrons.
The official establishment for cavalry regiment was 5 squadrons. One squadron served as depot and
was left at home. The British cavalry regiment at Waterloo mustered 2-4 squadrons in the field and
was commanded by lieutenant-colonel. The average strength of regiment was 460 men. The smallest
was the 2nd Life Guards (235 men in 2 squadrons) and the largest was the 3rd Hussars KGL (712 men
in 4 squadrons). The regiments carried 1 standard per squadron (sometimes "King´s standard" for the
1st squadron and "regimental guidons" for the 2nd and 3rd) The standard was carried by a NCO.
Two or three regiments formed brigade. There were no higher units (divisions, corps) in the British
cavalry. At Waterloo several British regiments were larger than entire French brigades. For example
the French 2nd Cuirassier Brigade (GdB Guiton) had 541 men, and the 2nd Cavalry Brigade (GdB
Merlin) had 485 men, while the 2nd Light Dragoon KGL Regiment had 540 men, 13th Light Dragoon
Regiment 455 men.
Wellington's cavalry at Waterloo.

(Mark Adkin - "The Waterloo Companion.")
Regiments Squadrons Men
Guards 4 9 1319
Dragoons 3 9 1332
Light Dragoons 9 30 4089
Hussars 10 35 5137
Wellington's cavalry at Waterloo.

(Mark Adkin - "The Waterloo Companion.")
Regiments Squadrons
British 16 45
King's German Legion 4 16
Hanoverian 1 4
Other 8 28
British cavalry brigades before the battle of Corunna in 1809

Cavalry Brigade: Stewart
- - - - - - 3rd Light Dragoons KGL
- - - - - - 7th Light Dragoons
Cavalry Brigade: Slade
British cavalry brigades - Talavera 1809

1st Cavalry Brigade: Fane
3 dD G d
- - - - - - 3rd Dragoon Guards
- - - - - - 4th Dragoons
2nd Cavalry Brigade: Cotton

3rd Cavalry Brigade: Anson
- - - - - - 23rd Light Dragoons
- - - - - - 1st Hussars KGL
British cavalry brigades - Salamanca 1812

1st Cavalry Brigade: Le Marchant
- - - - - - 5th Dragoon Guards
- - - - - - 3rd Dragoons
- - - - - - 4th Dragoons
2nd Cavalry Brigade: Anson
3rd Cavalry Brigade: von Alten
- - - - - - 1st Hussars KGL
4th Cavalry Brigade: von Bock
- - - - - - 1st Dragoons KGL
- - - - - - 2nd Dragoons KGL
Cavalry in the famous charge at Garcia Hernandez 1812

Cavalry Brigade: von Bock
- - - - - - 1st Dragoons KGL (3 sq.)
- - - - - - 2nd Dragoons KGL (3 sq.)
Cavalry Brigade: Anson
- - - - - - 11th Light Dragoons (1 sq.)
- - - - - - 16th Light Dragoons (1 sq.)
Quality.
Men, Weapons, Uniforms, Horses, Tactics.
The uniforms of British cavalry made great impression on many onlookers and their horses were one
of the best in Europe. Their sabers and firearms were well made, and the men were brave and good
sworsdmen. The weakest point of British cavalry however were their tactics and discipline in real
combat. "The heaviest English cavalry is far from possessing the uniformity and the firm seat of the
French and Austrian cuirassiers; and their light-horse is still more inferior in intelligence and activity
to the Hungarian hussar and the Cossack. They have no idea of the artifices of partisan warfare, and
they know little how to charge en masse. When the fray commences, you see them equally vulnerable
and offensive, cutting instead of thrusting, and chopping with more fury than effect at the faces of
their enemies..." ( - French General Maximilien Foy)
On British cavalry: "... testimony of impartial writers of different nations have given the first place
amongst the European infantry to the British; but in a comparison between the troops of France and
England, it would be unjust not to admit that the cavalry of the former stands higher in the estimation
of the world." (Napier - Vol II, p 367)
Despite the criticism and not the highest opinion even in Britain, the British cavalry enjoyed several
notable victories, especially on the smaller tactical level, against French cavalry (Sahagun, Benavente)
and against infantry (Garcia Hernandez, Salamanca, Waterloo).
"If we saw a British Dragoon at any time approaching in full speed,

it excited no great curiosity among us, but whenever we saw one of
the 1st Hussars KGL... it was high time to gird on our swords and
the 1st Hussars KGL... it was high time to gird on our swords and
bundle up."
- Captain Kincayd, British infantry
Cavalry of King's German Legion.

The 1st KGL Hussars were "deserved favourites of the Light Division...
it was one of the romances of a soldier's life to hear them chanting
their national war songs" - Kincayd
"The origins of the Kings German Legion stem back to the invasion
and occupation of the Electorate of Hanover by France in July 1803.
The ruler of Hanover was none other than King George III of England.
Although forbidden by Napoleon to take up arms against France, men
from the Hanovarian army soon began to come to England, to serve
their Ruler, and free their land from French rule. ... Due to the large
number of recruits joining, it was soon decided to raise units of all
arms. In December the regiment was renamed the Kings German
Legion. By 1805 the Legion had both light and heavy cavalry
regiments, foot and horse artillery batteries, their own corps of
engineers, plus two light and eight line infantry regiments. At its
height, there were around 14,000 men serving in the Legion and some
28,000 were eventually to have been part of the KGL. The British
supplied uniforms, weapons and equipment ..."
( - kingsgermanlegion.org.uk)
The cavalry of King's German Legion (KGL) was made up of

Hannoverians and consisted of five regiments:
- 1st Hussar Regiment
- 2nd Hussar Regiment
- 3rd Hussar Regiment
- 1st Dragoon Regiment (became - 1st Light Dragoons)
- 2nd Dragoon Regiment (became - 2nd Light Dragoons)
The cavalry of KGL followed the pattern of treating their mounts

first, grooming, trimming, saddle and hoof cleaning, and so forth, so
it kept their horses in great condition when many of the British
cavalrymen (but not the Guard) were walking because their
neglected horses had broken down or were sold for alcohol. During
the campaigns in Spain and Portugal the losses in the KGL cavalry were approx. only half of the
English.
The charge of KGL dragoons at Garcia Hernandez was named by French General Foy as "The boldest
charge of cavalry in the whole war [in Peninsula]." Beamish left description of this famous charge. "The
French infantry and artillery being at first, concealed by the inequalities of the ground, the brigades
were ordered by Lord Wellington to attack the cavalry, and their pace was accordingly increased to a
gallop. The German regiments, confined by the narrowness of the valley, had been unable during their
progress through it, to move upon a larger front than sections of 3s, and now, being an echelon of
squadrons, they attempted to form line upon the first squadron. Who without waiting hurried
forward, however, by the excitement of the moment, the leading squadron of the first regiment ...
dashed on without waiting for the remaining squadrons, and made straight for the enemy's cavalry. ...
Captain Gustavus von der Decken, who commanded the third or left squadron of the regiment, seeing
that if he advanced according to the order given, his flank would be exposed to the fire of a dense
infantry square, formed the daring resolution of attacking it with his single squadron. This square
stood on the lower slope of the heights and obedient to the signal of their chief, the German troopers
advanced against it with order and determination, while a deafening peel of musketry from the enemy
greeted their approach.
Arriving within a 100 yards of the point of attack, the gallant squadron officer, struck by a ball in the
knee, fell mortally wounded, and Lieutenant von Voss, with several men and horses, were killed ... the
intrepid soldiers forced onward and bringing up their right flank, appeared before the enemy's
bayonets on two sides of the square. The two front ranks, kneeling, presented a double row of deadly
steel, while in the rear of these, the steady muskets of four standing ranks were levelled at the devoted
horsemen.
At this critical moment, when the sword was about to be matched against the firelock, and the
chivalrous horsemen against the firm foot soldier - when victory hung yet in equal scales - an
g y gy q
accidental shot from the kneeling ranks, which killing a horse, caused it and the rider to fall upon the
bayonets - gave the triumph to the dragoons!
For a path was now opened, and the impatient troopers rushing in amid the blazing fire, while men
and horses fell fast before the muskets of the French infantry, their firm formation was destroyed, and
the whole battalion were either cut down or taken prisoner. Captain von Reitzenstein, who
commanded the second squadron, seeing the success which had attended the daring onset of his
comrades on the left, and being also impeded in his forward movement by the difficulties of the
ground, decided upon following up the discomfiture of the infantry, and attempting the second square
(it was not a square but 2 companies covering the rest of battalion), which stood on the edge of the
heights.
He was received with a steady and destructive fire ... but the moral force of the French infantry had
been shaken by the fearful overthrow which they had just witnessed, and some timid individuals
leaving their ranks, Reitzenstein rushed in with his ready followers; the square broke, and the greater
part of the battalion was cut down or captured. A third square (it was actually the second square) was
instantly formed by those few who had escaped from destruction, and some cavalry came to their
support. Against these Captain Baron Marschalek led the third squadron of the 2nd Regiment, and,
being joined by the left troop of the second squadron under Lieutenant Fumetty, charged and
dispersed the enemy's cavalry; then riding boldly at the infantry, broke and completely overthrew
them.
"The wreck of the routed battalions now rallied and attempted to make a stand on a rising ground near
the high road to Peneranda, where they again formed a connected body. Marschalek and Fumetty led
their troopers a second time to the charge, but their little force had become too much reduced, and the
horses were too fatigued to admit of any impression being made upon the enemy. The French received
the attack with a heavy fire and with a shower of stones, to which they now had recourse... No further
attempt was made by the dragoons, and the enemy resumed their retreat." (Beamish - "History of the
Kings German Legion")
On the cavalry of King's German Legion:

Captain Kincaid writes: "If we saw a British Dragoon at any time approaching in full speed, it
excited no great curiosity among us, but whenever we saw one of the 1st Hussars KGL ... it was
high time to gird on our swords and bundle up." According to Kincaid the 1st KGL Hussars
were "deserved favourites of the Light Division... it was one of the romances of a soldier's life to
hear them chanting their national war songs - some 3 or 4 voices leading and the whole
squadron joining in the chorus. They were no less daring in the field than they were
surpassingly good at outpost duty.' One May day in 1813 the German Hussars were so affected
by British cheering when the Light Division turned out to line the road and greet their old
friends that many of the singing Germans burst into tears."
Captain Mercer, wrote about their horsecare: "These beautiful animals they had brought with
them ... and I shall never forget the grief and indignation with which they parted with them.
Affection for, and care of, his horse, is the trait, par excellence, which distinguishes the German
dragoon from the English." The German would sell everything to feed his horse; the English
would sell his horse itself for spirit ... In the Peninsula the only means of enforcing some
attention to their horses amongst our English regiments was to make every man walk and carry
his saddlebags whose horse died or was ill."
Edward Costello of 95th Rifles: "As cavalry, they were the finest and most efficient I ever saw in
action; and I had many opportunities of judging, as some troops of them generally did duty
with us during the war. Indeed, while alluding to the cavalry of the German Legion, I cannot
help remarking on the care and fondness with which they regarded their horses. A German
soldier seldom thought of food or rest for the night until his horse had been provided for. ... The
consequence of this attention to their horses was, they were in condition when those of our own
cavalry were dying, or otherwise in very deplorable state; this, without wishing to throw a
disparagement upon our own countrymen, I attributed to the difference in custom between the
two countries." (Costello - "The Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns" pp 24-25)
Costello described one cavalry combat in Peninsula where the Germans fought: "On the 18th of
June we passed along the banks of a fine river. Our company, along with but half a troop of
German Hussars, formed the advance. On turning a winding of the road, we suddenly came
within sight of a party of the enemy's cavalry who formed the tail of their rearguard. Our
Germans, who were commanded by a very smart young fellow, immediately charged them.
The French, perceiving the number of our cavalry only equal to their own, instantly wheeled
about and calmly awaited the attack. A very smart combat soon took place, and was supported
by great resolution for some time on both sides, but terminated in the flight or capture of the
enemy. Several prisoners were brought in, all of whom were badly wounded; and scarcely one
of our gallant Germans had escaped without some sabre-wound." (Costello - "The Peninsular and
Waterloo Campaigns" p 122)
In launching the charge at Waterloo

the colonel of the King's Dragoon Guards
had cried out to his men, "On to Paris !"
His body was later found a short distance
from where the charge began with a French
musket ball in his head.
Household Cavalry and the Dragoons.

The flower of British cavalry.
The Household Cavalry was the elite of British cavalry and

consisted of 1st and 2nd Lif Guards (the senior regiments of the
the British army) and the Royal Horse Guards. The Royal Horse
Guard was founded in 1650 by Oliver Cromwell as the
Regiment of Cuirassiers. The first troop was originally raised in
in 1658 as His Majesty's Own Troop of Horse Guards.
Membership of these was originally restricted to gentlemen,
and accordingly they had no NCOs; their corporals were
commissioned, and ranked as lieutenants in the rest of the
army. This state of affairs persisted until 1756. In theory the
three guard troops formed personal bodyguard of the head of
state.
- 1st Life Guards

- 2nd Life Guards
- Royal Horse Guards
"The disaster in North America had demonstrated that the army

was falling badly behind the times. The Private Gentleman's
club of the Horse Guards were converted into the two regular cavalry troops of Life Guards. Both
Regiments received an establishment of 230 men between the strict height regimens of 5' 11" and 6'1".
...
It was not until 1812 that a Household Brigade was raised and despatched to Lisbon. This was
something of a historic event in itself what with being the first time that the two Life Guard regiments
had ridden together with the far more battle-experienced Blues. However 6 months of virtually
ceremonial duties in Lisbon helped acclimatise and prepare the Life Guards for their first campaign in
1813 ...." (- Charles Griffin)
Costello writes: "On the third day's march our battalion encamped near Salamanca, in a wood, where
we were joined by the Life Guards and Oxford Blues [Royal Horse Guards], that had just come out
from England, and whom we beheld drawn up at the side of the road. Their fresh and well-fed
appearancce gave rise to many jests at the expense of the 'householders'. They, in fact, as I learnt, took
us [95th Rifles] at first, from our dark clothing and embrowned visages, for a foreign regiment."
(Costello - "The Peninsular and Watreloo Campaigns" pp 119-120)
"The Life Guards were part of the central column under Wellington's direct control that entered
Salamanca and went on to do battle at Vittoria. Unfortunately for the Household Brigade it was twice
denied its prey. Once by a deep ravine and the other time by the headlong flight of its foe before it
could come into contact with them. Still, the Household Brigade was acquiring valuable experience
and not an inconsiderable amount of booty, both at Vittoria and later with the fall of San Sebastian. ...
On June 21st 1814, the Life Guards began being shipped back to Britain. It was true that they had not
yet covered themselves in glory at this point, but they had garnered valuable horsemanship and
organisational skills that were to be put to good effect in the very near future." (- Charles Griffin)
Regiments of Household Cavalry Colonel-in-Chief Colonel
1st Life Guards Gen. Stanhope

(Nickname: The Cheeses) King George
.
2nd Life Guards . Gen. Shaw
(Nickname: Cheese King George Cathcart
Mongers)
. .
Royal Horse Guards - Gen. Percy (1806-
(Nickname: The Blues) 13)
Lord Robert Edward Henry Somerset led the

Household Brigade at Waterloo.
Joining the 15th Light Dragoons in 1793, Somerset
became captain in the following year. At the end of
1800 he became a lieutenant-colonel, and in 1801
received the command of the 4th Light Dragoons.
Sommerset commanded his regiment at Talavera and
Busaco, and in 1810 received a colonelcy. In 1811, along with the 3rd Dragoon Guards, the 4th Light
Dragoons fought a cavalry action at Usagre, and in 1812 was engaged in the great charge of Le
Marchant's heavy cavalry at Salamanca. His conduct on this occasion won him further promotion, and
he made the remaining campaigns as a major-general at the head of the Hussar Brigade (7th, 10th and
15th Hussars).
At Orthes he won further distinction by his pursuit of the enemy.
The British and Russian Guards were one of the best troops Allies had. In Austerlitz the Russian
Lifeguard Horse mauled French 24th Light Infantry and captured Color of 4th Line Regiment. In 1812
the Lifeguard Uhlans captured Color of the famous 18th Line Regiment (nicknamed 'The Brave').
Dragoon Guards and Dragoons.

The Scottish dragoons obtained a reputation for
their eye-catching uniforms and powerful grey horses.
British dragoons and dragoon guards served with distinction 2nd Dragoons Scots Grey, and 3rd
in the Peninsular War and during the Waterloo Campaign. Dragoons (right). Picture by Knotel.
The British Army first used the designation 'dragoon guards'
in 1746, when the King's Own Regiment of Horse and the
Princess of Wales's Own Regiment of Horse were
redesignated the 1st and 2nd Dragoon Guards. Other
regiments followed. The dragoon guards regiments had
abandoned their cuirasses and were almost indistinguishable
from dragoon regiments. "The exercise of converting from
Horse to Dragoon was to save money - Dragoons were paid
less than Horse - and the change was very unpopular." (-
wikipedia.org)
The dragoon guards and dragoons were represented by many

regiments:
- 1st King's Dragoon Guards
- 2nd Queen's Dragoon Guards
- 3rd Prince of Wales' Dragoon Guards
- 4th Dragoon Guards - Royal Irish
- 5th Dragoon Guards
- 1st KGL Dragoons (1808-13)
- 2nd KGL Dragoons (1808-13)
- 1st Dragoons - "Royals"
- 2nd Dragoons - "Scots Grays"
- 3rd King's Own Dragoons
- 4th Queen's Own Dragoons
4th Queen s Own Dragoons
- 5th Dragoons
- 6th Dragoons - "Inniskillings"
Major-General Sir William Ponsonby at Waterloo led the (Dragoon) Union Brigade, so-
called because it included an English, a Scottish and an Irish regiment. The brigade (1st,
2nd and 6th Dragoon Regiment) had counter-attacked to great effect against the
disorganised French columns of infantry. Ponsonby's troops then were charged by French
lancers, effectively destroyed and played no further part in the battle.
The night before Waterloo "The officers of the 10th Hussars took refuge
in a small farmhouse, lit a fire in the chimney, and stood about naked
as their uniforms dried. The prince regent was the honorary colonel of
this regiment, which was at the time quite fashionable and known to
London gossips as "the Prince's Dolls"; its select company included
the Duke of Rutland's son, the Earl of Carlisle's son, and the grandsons
of four other lords. But all the officers were new to the regiment, and
so they hardly knew one another."
Barbero - "The Battle" p 51
Light Dragoons and Hussars.

The ears and eyes of Wellington's army
The British light cavalry consisted of hussars and light dragoons. The hussars
were formed in 1806 from light dragoons. (The 18th Hussars in 1807).
According to www.lightdragoons.org.uk the light dragoons "were first raised
in the middle of the Eighteenth Century for reconnaissance and patrolling - in
other words scouting - but soon acquired a reputation for courage and dash in
the charge.
Originally, each regiment of cavalry formed a light troop, but so successful was
the idea that whole regiments were formed. The 15th Light Dragoons were the
first ever (1759), and others quickly followed including the Eighteenth and
Nineteenth. The Thirteenth, raised as dragoons (mounted infantrymen) as early as 1715, were also
converted to the light role."
During the Napoleonic Wars there were many regiments of light cavalry:
- 1st KGL Light Dragoons (1813-16)
- 2nd KGL Light Dragoons (1813-16)
- 7th Queens' Own Hussars
- 8th Light Dragoons
- 10th Prince of Wales' Hussars
- 15th King's Hussars
- 18th Hussars
- 21st Light Dragoons
- 22nd Light Dragoons
23 d h D
- 23rd Light Dragoons

- 1st KGL Hussars
- 2nd KGL Hussars
- 3rd KGL Hussars
The British and German light cavalry enjoyed victories at

Sahagun and Benevente. In the small combat at Sahagun the 15th
Hussars defeated French cavalry. They took many prisoners for
very little loss to themselves. The 15th Hussars where awarded
"Sahagun" as a Battle Honour.
In 1808 at Benavente British 10th Hussars and 18th Light
Dragoons, and 3rd KGL Hussars attacked French cavalry
regiment (Guard Chasseurs). "There was an indecisive clash
between Lefebvre-Desnouettes' men and Paget's force of 10th
Hussars and King's German Legion cavalry. Drawing the French
off to Benavente, Paget then ambushed them and pursued the
surprised enemy back across the Cea." (- napoleonguide.com)
The Guard Chasseurs lost 127 men, and their commander,
Lefebvre-Desnouettes, was captured by a German named
Bergmann, who gave up his precious prize to British hussar
Grisdale.
The British-German force at Benavente was led by Paget (later Lord Uxbridge, and
subsequently Marquis of Anglesey). Henry Paget was not only an excellent officer but also a
womanizer. When he decided to elope with Wellington's sister-in-law (and got her pregnant,
before returning her to a tearful husband only to elope for a second time, forcing a
parliamentary divorce and then marrying the lady), the military establishment in London
wrongly supposed that his talents were no longer required by Wellington because of the
scandal.
But there were also not so bright moments. In 1815 at Genappe, Lord
Uxbridge unsuccessfully attempted to persuade the British 11th Light
Dragoons to charge in support of the 7th who were being driven back by
French lancers. ("My address to these Light Dragoons not having been
received with all the enthusiasm that I expected, I ordered them to clear
the chausee and said, 'The Life Guard shall have this honour', and
instantly sending for them.")
The 7th Hussars "Queen's Own" was the "embodiment of dash and
panache". Uxbridge wanted to give them a "taste of glory" - the hussars
charged but each charge "was not in the favor of the 7th Hussars. Finally
the 7th Hussars refused to charge the French lancers."
At Waterloo these hussars also refused to charge into the flank of
cuirassiers.
Edward Costello of 95th Rifles described a duel between a light dragoon and a French cavalryman:
"One of their videttes, after being posted facing English dragoon, of the 14th or 16th [Light Dragoon
Regiment] displayed an instance of individual gallantry, in which the French, to do them justice, were
seldom wanting. Waving his long straight sword, the Frenchman rode within 60 yards of our dragoon,
and challenged him to single combat.
We immediately expected to see our cavalry man engage his opponent, sword in hand. Instead of this,
however, he unslung his carbine and fired at the Frenchman, who not a whit dismayed, shouted out so
that every one could hear him, Venez avec la sabre: je suis pret pour Napoleon et la belle France. Having
vainly endeavoured to induce the Englishman to a personal conflict, and after having endured two or
three shots from his carbine, the Frenchman rode proudly back to his ground, cheered even by our
own men. We were much amused by his gallantry, while we hissed our own dragoon ... " (- Costello pp
66-67)
According to M. Read the British saber 1796-Model for light cavalry was designed by Le Marchant. He
was a strong advocate of the cut in cavalry combat. This saber had a broad blade with a pronounced
curve, with a single broad but shallow fuller. Despite the sword's obvious unsuitability for use in the
thrust some attempts were made to increase its efficiency in this regard. The back of the blade, for the
distance between the termination of the fuller and the tip, was sometimes ground down to increase the
acuteness of the point. (Martin Read - "The British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sword")
"During the war in the Peninsula, the French soldiers

were so struck with the very elegant dresses of the
light dragoons, their shining helmets, and the graceful
shape of men and horses, that they gave them the name of
Lindors..." (from Greek mythology, half-man, half-horse)
- French General Foy
Uniforms.
"The musicians of the 4th Baden Infantry (in French service)
replaced their leather helmets after Talavera with the
more stylish ones of the British 23rd Light Dragoons, which
had lost half their men in a foolish charge."
Elting - "Swords Around a Throne" p 443
The uniforms of British cavalry made great impression on many onlookers.

French General Foy wrote: "During the war in the Peninsula, the French
soldiers were so struck with the elegant dresses of the light dragoons, their
shining helmets, and the graceful shape of men and horses, that they gave
them the name of Lindors (figures from Greek mythology, half-man, half-
horse)
In 1813, this dress, which was peculiar to the British troops, was exchanged
for the head-dress and jacket of the German light cavalry. The Polish lancers
at Albuera, and the French cuirasses at Waterloo, have induced the English to
add these modes of arming and equipment to their cavalry."
The British dragoons wore crested helmets with black horsehair, scarlet coats, and either white
breeches with high boots or grey overalls.
HOUSEHOLD
1st Life Guards scarlet jacket, blue facings, gold lace

2nd Life Guards scarlet jacket, scarlet facings, gold lace
Royal Horse Guards blue jacket, scarlet facings, gold lace
The facing colors were displayed

on the lapels, collar and cuffs.
DRAGOONS
1st Guards - King's red jacket, blue facings, yellow lace

2nd Guards - Queen's red jacket, black facings, white lace
3rd Guards - Prince of Wales' red jacket, white facings, yellow lace
4th Guards - Royal Irish red jacket, blue facings, white lace
5th Guards red jacket, blue-green facings, yellow
6th Guards red jacket, white facings, white lace
7th Guards red jacket, black facings, yellow lace
1st KGL (1808-13) .
2nd KGL (1808-13) .
1st - Royals red jacket, blue facings, yellow lace
2nd - Royal North British "Scots Greys" red jacket, blue facings, white lace
3rd - King's Own red jacket, blue facings, yellow lace
4th - Queen's Own red jacket, blue-green facings, white
5th disbanded in 1799
6th - Inniskillings red jacket, yellow facings, white lace

Until 1812 the light dragoons wore Tarleton helmet (ext. link) with white over red plume and turban of
facing colour (changed to black for all regiments). In 1812 the Tarleton was replaced with shako with
white over red short plume. The light dragoons wore short tailed dark blue jacket with plastron front
and epaulettes, white breeches (or grey trousers with one or two stripes in facing colour) and short
boots. Other sources give grey trousers with either 2 red stripes or 2 facing colour stripes.
LIGHT DRAGOONS
1st KGL (1813-16) blue jacket, crimson facings, yellow lace

2nd KGL (1813-16) blue jacket, crimson facings, white lace
8th blue jacket, red facings, yellow lace
9th blue jacket, crimson facings, yellow lace
11th blue jacket, pale buff facings, white lace
12th blue jacket, yellow facings, white lace
13th blue jacket, buff facings, yellow lace
14th blue jacket, orange facings, white lace
16th blue jacket, scarlet facings, white lace
17th blue jacket, white facings, white lace
19th blue jacket, yellow facings, yellow lace
20th blue jacket, orange facings, yellow lace
21st blue jacket, pale yellow facings, yellow
22nd blue jacket, pink facings, white lace
23rd blue jacket, crimson facings, white lace
24th blue jacket, light grey facings, yellow
25th blue jacket, light grey facings, white lace

The British hussars wore fur caps with white over red plume, red bag of cap, yellow cap-lines, blue
tailess dolmans with white braid, white breeches (or grey overalls with one or two stripes in facing
colour) and short boots.
The British hussars were required to sport moustaches.
The 1st and 2nd Hussars of KGL distinguished themselves with yellow braid (white for the 3rd).
HUSSARS
blue jacket, scarlet facings, yellow

lace
.
blue jacket, white facings, yellow
.
1st KGL lace
.
2nd KGL blue jacket, yellow facings, white
white sash with barrels, busby with
3rd KGL lace
bag
7th - Queen's Own blue jacket, white facings, white
crimson sash with barrels, busby with
10th - Prince of lace
bag
Wales' blue jacket, scarlet facings, white
crimson sash with barrels, busby with
15th - King's lace
bag
18th blue jacket, scarlet facings, white
white sash with barrels, busby with
lace
bag
blue jacket, white facings, white
lace
7th Regiment: from Sept 1813 blue shako

The facing colors were displayed with red top band.
on the lapels, collar and cuffs. 10th and 15th: from March 1813 scarlet shako
with white top band
The men of the Life Guards were mounted

on large, black horses with manes brushed
to the left to distinguish them from
the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues')
who brushed them to the right.
The splendid English horses.

"The luxurious attentions which are lavished upon them,
render them quite unfit to support fatigue,
scarcity of food, or the exposure of the bivouac.
The men, however, are excellent grooms."
- French General Foy
The British and German horses, whose tails were docked in accordance with
British practice, were one of the best in Europe at a time when all the major
continental armies were feeling the effect of the dreadful equine destruction
occasioned by the numerous wars. The campaign against Russia alone resulted
in tens of thousands of the best French horses dead.
In 1815 (Waterloo Campaign) the French cavalry was impoverished and had
considerably scaled back the strength of cavalry regiments. By contrast England
had always good horses and the financial means to obtain more of them
wherever they might be found.
French General Maximilien-Sebastien Foy wrote: "The pains bestowed by the

English on their horses, and the superior qualities of their native breeds, at first gave a more favourable
idea of their cavalry than the experience of war has justified. The horses are badly trained for fighting.
They have narrow shoulders and a hard mouth and neither know how to turn or to halt. Cropping
their tails is a serious inconvenience in hot climates. The luxurious attentions which are lavished upon
them, render them quite unfit to support fatigue, scarcity of food, or the exposure of the bivouac. The
men, however, are excellent grooms."
However, in the beginning of Peninsular campaign the lack of experience cost the British cavalry many
excellent horses. “The tragic end of Lord Paget’s heroic cavalry chargers is made even more shameful
when one considers the verdict of William Napier: '‘The very fact of their being so foundered was one
of the results of inexperience; the cavalry had come out to Corunna without proper equipments, the
horses were ruined, not for want of shoes, but want of hammers and nails to put them on !”
(Summerville - “March of Death” p 177)
"In cavalry service it is not sufficient

for the soldiers to be brave, and the horses
good; there must be science and unity."
- General Foy
Tactics and Combat.

Maneuvering or charging in good order
with several cavalry brigades was beyond
their capabilities.
The British cavalry regiment had 2-4 squadrons in the field. According to George Nafziger the interval
between squadrons was 1/3 of their actual front, but there was no additional or different interval
between regiments and brigades. It is worth noting that the British regulation states that in a flank
march the cavalry occupied 3 times the interval it occupied when facing to the front. The British used a
movable pivot like the French, and also used a variation of the French manoeuvre of marching
diagonally directly to their final position. However, instead of wheeling forward, their units wheeled
backwards.
Fig. 116: changes of position of a regiment.

[Source: Nafziger - "Imperial Bayonets"]
Two ways of column deploying into line. The
first method was forming on the head of the
column and the second was forming on the
middle.
When the British ployed a line into a closed
column they used a direct marching system.
The troops did a counter-march by 3s from
the opposite flank, passed behind the line,
and marched directly to their final position.
And, as with the French, the British could
always take a column of squadrons or troops
and wheel them 90 degrees into a line
perpendicular to the line of march. For a
column of troops this manoeuvre required 0.4
minutes. For a column of squadrons it required 0.7 minutes.
On the level of individual horseman, and up to one or two regiments, the British and German cavalry
were generally superior to the French. Private Cotton described a fight between a man of the 3rd
Hussars of the King's German Legion and a French cuirassier that took at Waterloo; "A hussar and a
cuirassier had got entangled in the melee, and met in the plain in full view of our line; the hussar was
without cap and bleeding from a wound in the head, but that did not hinder him from attacking his
steel-clad adversary. He soon proved that the strength of cavalry contains in good swordsmanship ...
and not in being clad in defensive armor .. after a few blows a tremendous fencer made the Frenchman
reel in the saddle ... a second blow stretched him on the ground, amidst the cheers of the horseman's
comrades, who were ardent spectators of the combat."
Costello of 95th Rifles described a fight between British and French

regiment: "... a loud cheering to the right attracted our attention, and we
perceived our 1st Dragoons charge a French cavalry regiment. As this
was the first charge of cavalry most of us had ever seen, we were all
naturally much interested on the occassion. The French skirmishers who
were also extended against us seemed to partiicipate in the same feeling
as both parties suspended firing while the affair of dragoons was going
on.
The English and the French cavalry met in the most gallant manner, and
with the greatest show of resolution. The first shock, when they came in collision, seemed terrific, and
many men and horses fell on both sides. They had ridden through and past each other, and now they
wheeled round again.
This was followed by a second charge, accompanied by some very pretty- sabre-practice, by which
many saddles were emptied, and English and French chargers were soon galloping about the field
without riders. These immediately occupied the attention of the French skirmishers and ourselves, and
we were soon engaged in pursuing them, the men of each nation endeavouring to secure the chargers
of the opposite one as legal spoil. While engaged in this chase we frequently became intermixed, when
much laughter was indulged in by both parties at the different accidents that occured in our pursuit."
(Costello - "The Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns" p 67)
In 1808 at Benavente several British and German regiments (British 10th Hussars and 18th Light
Dragoons, and 3rd KGL Hussars) attacked French cavalry regiment (the Guard Chasseurs). "There was
an indecisive clash between Lefebvre-Desnouettes' men and Paget's force of 10th Hussars and King's
g g
German Legion cavalry. Drawing the French off to Benavente, Paget then ambushed them and
pursued the surprised enemy back across the Cea." (- napoleonguide.com) The Guard Chasseurs lost 127
men, and their commander, Lefebvre-Desnouettes, was captured
by a German named Bergmann, who gave up his precious prize
to British hussar Grisdale.
In the left wing of the French army were on the point of being
defeated by the Anglo-Portuguese 3rd and 5th Infantry
Divisions when Le Marchant's dragoons charged in and
destroyed battalion after batallion. Le Marchant, knowing he
had achieved a magnificent success, was leading a squadron
against the last of the formed French infantry when he was shot and his spine broken. Wellington's
despatch after the battle stated: In this charge Major-General Le Marchant was killed at the head of his
brigade, and I have to lament the loss of a most able officer."
Maneuvering or charging in good

order with several regiments or
brigades, was beyond their capabilities
and American historian George
Nafziger ranked them below the Saxon,
Polish and French cavalry. In
Wellington's opinion though one
British squadron could defeat two
French, it was the best for the British to
avoid encounters when the opposing forces consisted of more than four squadrons each. The larger the
formation the more chaotic was the British cavalry.
Mark Adkin writes: "The Duke had a generally low opinion of the battlefield tactical ability of his
cavalry officers... Wellington had not forgotten the 20th Light Dragoons after Vimeiro, the 23rd Light
Dragoons at Talavera, the 13th Light Dragoons at Campo Mayor or General Slade's cavalry brigade at
Maguilla. After the latter fiasco Wellington wrote, "I have never been more annoyed than by Slade's
affair. ... At Waterloo Wellington's Household Brigade was to suffer severely and the Union Brigade
was almost destroyed ..." It was Wellington who said: "It is occasioned entirely by the trick our officers
of cavalry have acquired of galloping at every thing, and their galloping back as fast as they gallop on
the enemy ... They never consider the situation, never think of manoeuvering before an enemy, and
never keep back or provide for a reserve."
It is not surprising that after the little controlled cavalry charges at Waterloo, Wellington issued
detailed instructions to his cavalry on how the cavalry must deploy in battle, not just one or two lines,
but three in any attack. In 1815 at Waterloo there were two lines that quickly merged into one.
French General Foy wrote that the French cavalry was superior to the British: "In cavalry service it is
not sufficient for the soldiers to be brave, and the horses good; there must be science and unity. More
than once, in the Peninsular war, weak detachments of British cavalry have charged French battalions
through and through, but in disorder; the squadrons could not again be re-formed; there were not
others at hand to finish the work; thus the bold stroke passed away, without producing any
advantage."
As for skill in maneuver and discipline, the British cavalry was so inferior to the French that whatever
physical advantage (excellent horses and much longer training) they enjoyed was canceled out. When
at Wateloo two British brigades charged the commander of Wellington's cavalry rode in their front.
Only after the French counterattacked and decimated his men, only then it occured to him that
perhaps, as commander in chief of all cavalry, he would have done better to remain behind and
oversee the handling of his reserves ! His dragoons were slaughetered like chicken.
At Waterloo the French lancers practically wiped out the Scots

Grays, of the 24 officers who had taken part in the charge, 16
were killed and wounded, and the lower ranks suffered approx.
the same proportion of casualties. Colonel Hamilton body was
found the next day, missing both arms and with a bullet in the
heart. The two other regiments of Union Brigade suffered
approx. 600 dead and wounded out of 1,000 men, a percentage
that makes the famous charge at Balaklava pale in comparison.
In the elite Household Brigade of the squadrons that had
charged in the first line, fewer than 50 % turned back. The whole action took less than one hour.
At Waterloo the seasoned General Dornberg decided to attack a single French cuirassier regiment with
two of his own, the British 23rd Light Dragoons and the 1st Light Dragoons KGL. Dornberg
outnumbered the French by 2 to 1. The two frontal squadrons of the French regiment were attacked on
y q g
both flanks and routed. Dornberg's entire cavalry dashed after the fleeing enemy. But the French
colonel, unlike his adversary, was holding two other squadrons in reserve, and these counterattacked
and smashed the enemy. The British and Germans were remounting the slope in great disorder when
another cuirassier regiment appeared and blocked their way. The French drew their sabers and
awaited the enemy unmoving.
"At the moment of impact, the light dragoons realized that their curved sabers were no match for the
cuirassiers long swords, nor could they penetrate the French cuirasses. Seeing that his men were losing
heart, Dornberg tried to lead some of them against the enemy flank. (Barbero - "The Battle" p 192)
Dornberg writes: "At this point I was pierced through the left side into the lung. Blood started coming
out of my mouth, making it difficult for me to speak. I was forced to go to the rear, and I can say
nothing more about the action."
In some point of the battle not only the foreign cavalry felt
like figthing anymore. Lord Uxbridge's exhortations met
the same obstinate reluctance everywhere, and in the end
his chagrin was so great that he declared himself ashamed
to be an Englishman. The brave British-German-Netheralnd
infantry packed into their squares probably had never felt
any great love for the cavalry. In the square in which
Wellington himself had taken refuge, the infantrymen were
so exasperated at the sight of cuirassiers, calmly riding past
them a short distance away, that someone began to shout: "Where are the cavalry ?! Why don't they
come and pitch into those French fellows ?" Out of the entire Household brigade there were only few
squadrons left. After the battle, only 1 or 2 men reported out of the entire squadron of the King's
Dragoon Guards.
In 1812 in Spain, at Maguilla (Maquilla) took place cavalry battle. General Hill detached Penne
Villemur's cavalry on the right flank, and General Slade with the 3rd Dragoon Guards and the Royals
on the left flank. French General Lallemand came forward with only two dragoon regiments,
whereupon Hill, hoping to cut this small force off, placed Slade's British cavalry in a wood with
directions to await further orders.
Slade forgot his orders and drove the French dragoons beyond the defile of Maquilla. General Slade
rode in the foremost ranks and the supports joined tumultuously in the pursuit. But in the plain
beyond stood calm Charles-Francois-Antoine Lallemand with small reserve. He immediately broke the
mass of British cavalry, killed and wounded 48 and "pursued the rest for 6 miles, recovered all his own
prisoners, and took more than a hundred, inluding two officers, from his adversary" (Napier - "History
of the War in the Peninsula 1807-1814" Vol III, p 444)
In 1812 at Villadrigo, the French and British cavalry attacked each other and a prolonged fight (10
minutes!) took place. Then came one more French regiment "got around one flank and rolled the
British up."
Sources and Links.
Adkin - "The Waterloo Companion"

Muir - "Salamanca, 1812"
Barbero - "The Battle"
Fortescue - "A History of the British Army"
Hofschroer - "Waterloo - the German Victory"
Costello - "The Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns" 1968
Nosworthy - "With Musket, Cannon, and Sword."
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

British Cavalry
Cavalry of King German Legion.
Uniforms of the British Hussars
Uniforms of the British Hussars
Uniforms of the British Dragoons
Paintings of English horses.

Plastic little soldiers for wargaming and dioramas: "British Lancers - Crimean War."
Russian Cavalry
Napoleon, His Army and Enemies

British Cavalry - Napoleonic Wars - Guards - Dragoons - Hussars - Uniforms

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Cavalerie britannique des guerres

1. Introduction : Cavalerie britannique.

Dans le petit combat de Sahagun, le 15th Hussars

La charge de dragons KGL à Garcia Hernandez

"The heaviest English cavalry is far from possessing the uniformity

Introduction: British Cavalry.

Cavalry had the advantage of mobility, an instrument which multiplied the

On photo: British heavy cavalry sabre from Military

Wellington's cavalry at Waterloo.

Regiments Squadrons Men

Light Dragoons 9 30 4089

Wellington's cavalry at Waterloo.

King's German Legion 4 16

British cavalry brigades before the battle of Corunna in 1809

British cavalry brigades - Talavera 1809

2nd Cavalry Brigade: Cotton

British cavalry brigades - Salamanca 1812

Cavalry in the famous charge at Garcia Hernandez 1812

"If we saw a British Dragoon at any time approaching in full speed,

Cavalry of King's German Legion.

The cavalry of King's German Legion (KGL) was made up of

The cavalry of KGL followed the pattern of treating their mounts

On the cavalry of King's German Legion:

In launching the charge at Waterloo

Household Cavalry and the Dragoons.

The Household Cavalry was the elite of British cavalry and

- 1st Life Guards

"The disaster in North America had demonstrated that the army

1st Life Guards Gen. Stanhope

Lord Robert Edward Henry Somerset led the

Dragoon Guards and Dragoons.

The dragoon guards and dragoons were represented by many

Light Dragoons and Hussars.

- 25th Light Dragoons

The British and German light cavalry enjoyed victories at

"During the war in the Peninsula, the French soldiers

The uniforms of British cavalry made great impression on many onlookers.

1st Life Guards scarlet jacket, blue facings, gold lace

The facing colors were displayed

1st Guards - King's red jacket, blue facings, yellow lace

The facing colors were displayed

1st KGL (1813-16) blue jacket, crimson facings, yellow lace

The facing colors were displayed

The British hussars were required to sport moustaches.

blue jacket, scarlet facings, yellow

7th Regiment: from Sept 1813 blue shako

The men of the Life Guards were mounted

The splendid English horses.

French General Maximilien-Sebastien Foy wrote: "The pains bestowed by the

"In cavalry service it is not sufficient

Tactics and Combat.

Fig. 116: changes of position of a regiment.

Costello of 95th Rifles described a fight between British and French

Maneuvering or charging in good

At Waterloo the French lancers practically wiped out the Scots

Sources and Links.

Adkin - "The Waterloo Companion"

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

Paintings of English horses.

Napoleon, His Army and Enemies

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