The Army of Grand Duchy of Warsaw
{L'armée de Grand-duché de Varsovie}
~ PART 2~

"... from the heights of the Peninsula
to the depths of Russia, Polish valour went on parade
as never before since the days of King Jan Sobieski."
Davies - "God's Playground.
A History of Poland." 1982

1. Prince Poniatowski.
2. Generals.
3. Infantry: Uniforms, Strenght and Organization.
4. Artillery: Equipment, Uniforms and Organization.
5. Cavalry: Horses, Weapons, and Organization.
. . . Uniforms - Pygmy Cavalry - The Best Cavalry Regiments

Napoleon awards Polish officer Tyszkewicz at Smolensk, 1812
Picture by Wojciech Kossak

French Marshal "Louis Davout [The Iron Marshal] supervised the creation of the Polish army." - Esposito, Elting "A Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars." Prince Poniatowski. Poniatowski Was the Only Foreigner Napoleon Promoted to Marshal of France. Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski was born in 1763 and ten years later became the ward of his uncle, the King of Poland. Chandler writes: "Nicknamed 'the Polish Bayard', Poniatowski was born in Vienna ... He was commisioned into the Austrian army in 1778, serving in the dragoons and carabiniers, and in 1788 he became an ADC to the Emperor Francis II ..." (Chandler - "Dictionary of the Napoleonic wars" p 346) In 1788 he participated in the war against Ottoman Empire and was wounded at siege of Sabatach. In 1789 Poniatowski returned to Poland, became general and in 1792 won against the Russians at the Battle of Zielence. In July Poniatowski resigned and left Poland but two years later the ardent patriot had returned and joined the Kosciuszko Insurrection (ext.link). After collapse of the uprising Poniatowski was in exile. When Poland disappeared from the map of Europe, many Polish officers and generals fled to France where they felt an ideological affinity. But not Poniatowski, in 1798 the restless soul was back in the occupied by Prussians Warsaw. In 1807 Poniatowski met Marshal Murat and French troops and began overtures to Napoleon for the restoration of a free Poland. In 1807 he became minister of war in the Polish Directory. In April 1809 Poniatowski selected a good defensive position at Raszyn and withstood all Austrian attacks. Then he defeated them at Radzymin and reconquered parts of former Poland. Poniatowski routed the Austrians again at Góra and Grochów. For his achievements Poniatowski was presented the French grand-aigle de la Légion d'Honneur and a saber of honor. He was one of the few Napoleonic commanders who was able to conduct a successful campaign without Napoleon's supervision. In 1812 Poniatowski led the V Army Corps to Russia and fought at Smolensk, Borodino, Tarutino and Krasne. In 1813 Poniatowski rebuilt the Polish troops that were to become the VIII Army Corps. He led them to Saxony to join Napoleon's army. Poniatowski's troops participated in several small engagements, was majority of them were victories. At Leipzig Poniatowski's troops successfully defended Napoleon's flank for three days. Napoleon promoted him to the rank of Marshal of France. On the last day of battle some French troops and Poniatowski's Poles were covering the retreat of Napoleon's army. When the bridge was destroyed Poniatowski spurred his horse into the Elster River. Poniatowski was shot and disappeared under water. His body was found several days later. Davies writes: "Like many of his countrymen, he had wavered long before throwing in his lot with the French. For him, Napoleonic service had demanded a painful change of direction and loyalties. It ghad involved years of devotion and blood-letting. To have changed his loyalties yet again, as his master the King of Saxony did, was all too worrying foe an infinitely weary and honest man. Like the rest of his generation he hoped; he fought; he served; and only found rest in honourable defeat." (Davies - "God's Playground. A History of Poland." Vol II, p 305) Not all Poles supported Napoleon. A Polish national hero, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, said about the Emperor: "He only thinks of himself, not about nationalist ideas, and so he could not care less about any dreams of independence [of Poland]. He is a despot, whose sole ambition is to satisfy his personal ambition. He will create nothing of any permanence, of that I am sure." Generals. Fiszer (infantry, chief-of-staff) Stanislaw Fiszer (1769-1812) - he came from a German family settled down in Poland. (His father was Karl Fischer.) He entered military service in infantry and took part in the wars against Russia. Fiszer ended up as Inspector-General of Infantry. He had a tendency to imitate Poniatowski even in the manner of dress. Despite beign strict disciplinarian this short man was loved by the soldiers but could be brusque with officers. Fiszer was a superb organizer of infantry, his inspections were famous for their thoroughness. He was one of the best Polish generals. On battlefield he was brave and decisive. Fiszer was killed in 1812 at Tarutino. Rozniecki (cavalry) Alexander Rozniecki - began career in the Polish Royal Guard, served in cavalry, fought against the Russians and was engaged in patriotic conspiracies. In 1807 was appointed Inspector-General of Cavalry. As general he was a gifted cavalry organizer and brave commander. In 1809 Rozniecki led daring cavalry raids into Galicia, in 1812 blundered at Mir and Romanow (against Cossacks) and rehabilitated himself at Borodino against Russian cuirassiers and infantry). As a man he was rude to his subordinates and servile toward his superiors. Zajaczeek called him "the greatest possible coward, a vile and abject intrigant." Other contemporaries described him as being "dirty in soul and body, unkept in dress," "brutal, following his lust like a wild beast." In combat not without personal courage, he was also a gifted cavalry organizer. Axamitowski (artillery) Wincenty Axamitowski (1760-1828) - began career in artillery, veteran of Italian campaigns, organizer and commander of Polish artillery. Axamitowski was an enemy of Poniatowski and ultra-loyal to Napoleon. He also served in the French army and was always quick to denounce any anti-French activities among Polish officers. Very good soldier. The Director of Artillery was a Frenchman, Colonel Pierre Bontemps. The Inspector of Artillery and Engineers was another Frenchman Jean Baptiste Pelletier. Hauke (engineers) Maurycy Hauke (1775-1830) - he was of German origin (Moritz von Haucke) and studdied artillery school in Warsaw. Hauke entered military service as a miner in 1790. Veteran of Italian campaigns, general in 1807, in 1809-1813 commander of Zamosc fortress (ext.link) The defense of fortress of Zamosc in 1813 is one of the most heroic episodes of this campaign. Hauke was the most talented of Polish engineers during Napoleonic wars. In 1816 recognizing his abilities, Tsar Nikolai appointed him Deputy Minister of War of Congress Poland (after Napoleonic wars Poland was under Russian occupation) and elevated him to count. The Director of Enginers was a Frenchman, Jean Baptiste Mallet. Sokolnicki (advance/rear guard) Michal Sokolnicki (1760-1816) - studied in military academies in Warsaw and Saxony. In 1809 he was one of the most enterprising commanders in the Austro-Polish war. On battlefield he was a daring commander. For example in 1800 at Offenbach he led four companies in a bayonet attack across a river. In 1809 at Raszyn he gallantly defended his positions against superior enemy. He also defeated Austrians at Grochów, Ostrówkiem, and at Sandomierz where he also took the fortress. In 1812 Sokolnicki was French army's intelligence chief. He advised Napoleon to sent Polish troops not on Moscow but on Ukraine, where were some chances for pro-Polish and anti-Russian rebellion. He also suggested not rushing on Moscow but to advance at slower pace, set winter camps and continue the campaign in the next year. He thought that having thousands of warm uniforms stored in depots even before the campaign started was a must. In 1813 Sokolnicki distinguished himself as cavalry commander at Leipzig where his uhlans fought against vastly superior number of Austrian and Russian cuirassiers. It was a masterpiece of cavalry combat where five regiments tamed nine. As a man he was a very ambitious officer, and an opportunist suffering from self-importance. ~ Divisional Commanders (1808-1814) ~ Jan-Henryk Dabrowski 1806: Posen Legion (Division) 1807: 3rd (Legion) Division 1810: II Military District 1812: 17th Infantry Division 1813: 27th Infantry Division Karol Kniaziewicz 1812: 18th Infantry Division 1813: requested and received dismissal from active service Jozef Zajaczek 1806: Kalisz Legion (Division) 1807: 2nd (Legion) Division 1810: I Military District 1812: 16th Infantry Division - he was taken prisoner by the Russians He was born in Poland, and educated in Saxony. In 1769-1792 served in the Saxon Guard Cavalry, in 1792 returned to Poland and served in the Polish army. In 1794 he joined Kosciuszko Insurection, and led his small corps into Great Poland to hinder for 6 weeks the advance of 30,000 Prussians. In 1796 joined the French army and was nominated general de division, 1797 - commander of Polish forces in Italy, 1807 - Inspector General of Cavalry of the Italian Republic, 1806 - recalled from the Italian service to organize the new Polish army. A marching song mentioning his name along with that of Bonaparte - the "Dabrawski's Mazurek" of 1797 - in time became the Polish national anthem. "A bear of a man, good natured and rather phlegmatic. A great patriot ... Contemporaries sometimes criticized him for his too-lenient attitude toward captured German officers ... An excellent organizer, a well-educated and very capable officer, a brave soldier and caring leader of men. Military historians sometimes blame him for abandoning the bridge at Borisov, not remembering that he put up a stubborn resistance, losing 1,800 of his 2,400 Poles." He was born and educated in Poland. Although he commanded a division only once, Kniaziewicz was one of the most important military figures in the Polish army. In 1780 served in Polish infantry, in 1794 was promoted to major, to colonel in July and major-general in August. In 1794 was taken prisoner by the Russians. In 1797 arrived in Italy and joined Dabrowski's Legions. Captured the fortress of Gaete. In 1799 became general de brigade and was appointed commander of the Danube Legion. In 1800 istinguished himself at Hohenlinden. Dissatisfied with Bonaparte's Polish policy, resigned his command. In 1807 rejected Tsar Alexander's offer to organize Polish troops in the Russian service. "More a knight than a commanding general. A giant endowed with proportionate strength (he could easily break a horseshoe in two); a man of absolute integrity and courage, critical toward Napoleon. An uncompromising patriot. Kept away from personal feuds. An excellent soldier, officer and commander, but motivated more by his sense of honor than by any political calculations." He was the most colorful figure among the divisional commanders and the most tragic. He began his carrer in Polish cavalry and became captain. In 1777 was with the Russian army during the Russo-Turkish war. In 1784 lieutenant-colonel in Polish army, in 1792 colonel, then general. In 1796 with the French army, attached to the general staff in Italy. In 1798-1801 helped preparing the Egyptian Expedition. Fought in Egypt, in May 1801 was appointed general commander of cavalry in the Armee d'Egypte. In 1801-805 was back in Italy, in 1806 in Poland with the French. In Sept he was appointed organizer and commander of the (1st) Legion du Nord. In 1807 was unwillingly transferred to the Polish army. "A man of innumerable contradictions, a firebrand and born plotter, but not much of typical and born opportunist. .... His choleric temperament and sharp tongue didn't gain him many friends. Self-rightous and individualistic to the extreme, he quarelled both with Poniatowski and Dabrowski. A good leader and organizer with great personal courage. An exacting and demanding commander, he was quite unpopular in the officer corps. (source: Nafziger, Wesolowski - "Poles and Saxons ...")

. "The Poles had no light infantry, but Lejeune noted that their line infantry maneuvered much more swiftly than the French" - John Elting ("Swords ..." p 405) Polish Infantry. Weapons, Uniforms and Organization On picture: Polish line infantry (fusiliers). Left - in sumer dress, right - in winter dress. Although the Polish infantry maneuvered swifter than the French (according to Lejeune) who had little time for drill due to almost constant campaigning, there was no uniformity of weapons and uniforms in the Polish infantry. In the Polish infantry served mostly Poles, this is obvious, but there were also Germans and Lithuanians. Chlapowski writes: "I had several Germans [Prussians] from Leszno in my company [of voltigeurs]. I even made one of them a NCO and was very content with him. These men were less able to endure hardships than our Polish men, and so took greater care of themselves in everything which could preserve their health. In Gniezno, when they first joined us, they did not speak Polish, but soon learnt it well and were always our equals in the thick of battle. I made sure my Poles did not make fun of them and always treated them as comrades." There were other differences between the French and Polish infantry. The French were not discouraged if their first attack failed, they had reputation of being stubborn attackers. The Poles rather went for one or two strong pushes and if it failed they went on defensive. The French were rather attackers than good defenders, in contrast the Poles were effective in defensive actions (Raszyn, Leipzig, Soissons, urban combat and sieges (Saragossa, Smolensk and Fuengirola). When the Poles defended their position they were aggressive and active. The best examples are: defending the villages of Wiederitzsch and Gohlis by Dabrowski's division, defending the village of Mark-kleeberg by Poniatowski's infantry, and defending the Dolitz Chateau and Leipzig's Halle Suburbs. In every case the Poles conducted numerous counter-attacks with bayonets despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned. At Leipzig the Poles defended Wiederitzsch. Disregarding the massive advantage of the Allies in men and guns, Dabrowski's 2nd and 4th Infantry Regiment marched out of Wiederitzsch and assaulted Langeron's army. Langeron immediately sent word to Blücher exaggerating Dabrowski's strength. In his memoirs the Russian general wrote that he had "believed Napoleon himself was attacking him". Few hours later Dabrowski's 4 btns. again marched out of Wiederitzsch, attacked Rudsevich's 6 btns., and threw them into great confusion. The Russians reeled back to their positions near stream. In the fighting they lost commander of Staroskol Infantry Regiment (killed), GM Schenschin, Mjr. Yussofovich and many others. Langeron rode to the Schusselburg Infantry Regiment (2 btns.), spoke few words to the soldiers and personally led them against the Poles. GL Rudsevich with regiment of horse jagers (2 sq.) marched nearby as a protection against any attack from Polish or French cavalry. Behind these troops marched a massive force of 16 btns. and rolled more than 80 guns. The decimated and exhausted Dabrowski's 4 btns. counter-attacked. This time however they were badly beaten back and pursued. Nearby stood a small detachment of French infantry and this troop was broken by Russian artillery and pursued by infantry. Klein-Wiederitzsch was captured and Langeron informed Blucher about his success. Prussian Graf Henkel von Donnersmark descibed combat at Gohlis: "While General Vasilchikov's cavalry were mounting their bold attack ... the infantry of Sacken's corps was not idle. The general had advanced on the right wing and soon clashed with Dabrowski's Poles [at Gohlis]. Honour should be given to whomsoever earns it, even if it is the enemy, and in this case I must admit that the Poles repeatedly beat off the Russian assaults even though heavily outnumbered. Finally, they had to fall back, but they marched off in good order and took up another position closer to Leipzig. When the Poles and Russians clashed in this campaign, they always did so violently, asking for, and giving, no quarter, so deep was the hatred between these two nations that are at once so similar and so dissimilar." Digby-Smith (UK) writes: "... Sacken's Russians had taken Gohlis at the second attempt despite the brave defence of Dombrowski's Poles, whose flank had been exposed by the flight of Delmas's [French] division. The Poles withdrew in good order to the Pfaffendorf outwork and then into the Rosengarten area between the Pleisse and the Elster." (Digby-Smith, - p. 169) When the Russians advanced against Leipzig, Dabrowski's division withdrew behind the Parthe River. The loss of the Halle Suburb meant disaster to Napoleon's army. George Nafziger (USA) writes: "Gourgaud, one of Napoleon's ADCs, recognized the danger, and reassured by Dabrowski that he would die before abandoning his position, hurried to advise Napoleon of the threat." The single battalion of the Italian Milan Guard attempted to defend the Theater. The Russian jagers stormed it and took it. There was no longer any organized body of French troops west of the river except Dabrowski's die-hards. "... Dabrowski's Poles constituted the last formed body of French troops." (Digby-Smith, - p268) Dabrowski finally surrendered at 1 PM. Some of his soldiers however refused to surrender and escaped. They kept fighting in scattered locations to the very end. When under artillery fire some Polish units sat down to lessen their casualties (Borodino, Leipzig etc.). Both, the French and Polish, were very devoted to the Napoleonic cause. Weapons. The Polish infantry was armed with muskets and bayonets. In the beginning there were many Prussian muskets (reworked 1782 Model), in 1809 appeared several thousands of Austrian muskets (1774 and 1784 Models). Before the campaign against Russia in 1812, Napoleon provided 40.000 French muskets (1777, 1793 and 1800/1801 Models). In the end of 1812 and beginning of 1813 Russian muskets (1808 Model) were also used. The Austrian muskets with rifled barrels (1807 Model) were issued to Polish light infantry (chasseurs). There were also Italian muskets made in Verona. Chlapowski writes: "We received our muskets very quickly. They were of recent manufacture, taken from the Berlin arsenal from which the Prussians had not managed to evacuate them. The bayonets were much too long for them, so later we exchanged these for French ones. We had been drilling without weapons, but as soon as our muskets arrived, the recruits learned more easily how to march and trim their lines. ... We had a cheerful existence in Gniezno; drill all morning and French lessons after lunch." (Chlapowski/Simmons - p 14) Organization and Strength of Infantry. Twelve regiments of infantry were formed between 1806 and 1807. Regiment had 2 battalions of 9 companies of 95 men each. In March 1809 it was changed to 3 battalions of 6 companies of 140 men each. The 4th, 7th and 9th Regiment were in Spain had raised their company strength to 140 men but retained the old organization (2 battalions x 9 companies) until May 1812. There were also three regiments of Vistula Legion. In 1808 Napoleon stated to Davout that the units of Vistula Legion were to be treated on a par with French line regiments. The French nationals were not permitted to serve in these units except as the paymasters or fouriers (company clerks.) The Legion was under the command of GdB Grabinski: 1st Infantry Regiment of Vistula Legion - Col. Chlopicki 2nd Infantry Regiment of Vistula Legion - Col. Bialowiejski 3rd Infantry Regiment of Vistula Legion - Col. Swiderski 4th Infantry Regiment of Vistula Legion - it was formed of Austrian prisoners and had not enjoyed a good reputation among the senior regiments. (The uhlan regiment was independent.) In January 1809 were: 1st Infantry Regiment (1.707 men) - Col. Malachowski 2nd Infantry Regiment (1.707 men) - Col. S. Potocki 3rd Infantry Regiment (1.707 men) - Col. Zoltowski 4th Infantry Regiment (1.808 men) - Col. F. Potocki 5th Infantry Regiment (1.933 men) - Col. M. Radziwill 6th Infantry Regiment (1.635 men) - Col. Sierawski 7th Infantry Regiment (1.817 men) - Col. Sobolewski 8th Infantry Regiment (1.539 men) - Col. Godebski 9th Infantry Regiment (1.945 men) - Col. Sulkowski 10th Infantry Regiment (???? men) - Col Downarowicz 11th Infantry Regiment (???? men) - Col. Mielzynski 12th Infantry Reegiment (1.178 men) - Col. Weysenhoff French Marshal Davout reviewed the infantry and selected three of the best regiments (4th, 7th and 9th). These troops were sent to Spain where already was the Vistula Legion (infantry and cavalry). In the end of 1809 new regiments were raised: two in the Grand Duchy (14th and 15th) and four in the liberated Galicia (13th, 16th, 17th and 18th). In the end of 1809 were formed: 13th Infantry Regiment (3.435 men) - Col. Szneyder 14th Infantry Regiment (2.852 men) - Col. Siemianowski 15th Infantry Regiment (3.422 men) - Col. Miaskowski 16th Infantry Regiment (2.338 men) - Col. Keszycki 17th Infantry Regiment (2.561 men) - Col. K. Czartoryski 18th Infantry Regiment (1.985 men) - Col. Hornowski In 1811 each infantry regiment received 2 light cannons and raised a depot battalion of 4 companies. Due to financial difficulties Napoleon took into French pay the 5th, 10th and 11th Infantry Regiment. Each company had 136 men but the convention between France and Poland signed in February 1812 added 20 men. The increase was paid by France. When in 1812 Napoleon liberated Lithuania (which had been part of Poland) several new regiments were organized: 19th Infantry Regiment (929 men) - Col. Tuzenhauz 20th Infantry Regiment (1.014 men) - Col. Biszping 21st Infantry Regiment (1.197 men) - Col. Przezdziecki 22nd Infantry Regiment (1.133 men) - Col. Czapski In April 1812 Napoleon attached the Vistula Legion (four regiments of 2 battalions each) to the Young Guard. In May third battalions were formed, but they were not to form elite companies as they were too young. The third battalions followed the army and joined the parent regiments already during the retreat in the beginning of November. All four regiments of Vistula Legion fought long and hard. Out of 7.000 men only 500 returned. In June 1813 Napoleon took all the remaining legionnaires and organized one regiment of Vistula under Col. Kosinski. In 1813 this unit fought at Leipzig, Hanau, Soissons, Rheims and Arcis-sur-Aube where Napoleon sought shelter in one of its battalions. These lads were awarded with tens of crosses of Legion d'Honneur. In March 1815 Napoleon directed that 1 battalion of Polish infantry begin forming in Rheims. The 590 men under Chef d'Bataillon Golaszewski were sent to Sedan where was depot of the disbanded Vistula Legion. Napoleon expected that second battalion will be raised from prisoners he expected to capture. On June 15th the Polish regiment had only 505 men. Uniforms of Infantry. In 1806-1807, due to problems with supplies the infantry wore modified captured uniforms, mainly Prussian and some Austrian. Some wore modified civilian clothes. In 1812-1813 many infantrymen received French shakos with tri-color cockade. Only part of infantry wore the national uniforms: dark blue jacket called kurtka with lapels, cuffs and collar in divisional (not regimental) color. The 4th, 7th and 9th Regiment went to Spain and were issued some French uniform articles. The gaiters were black and short (under knee). The breeches and trousers were either white (in summer) or dark blue (in winter). The headwear was either shako or czapka (pronounced as 'chapka') with white eagle over brass base. Some of the shako had a red band around the top. The edges of czapka were trimmed with brass. The grenadiers wore either black or brown fur caps with or without front plates or czapka with brass plate bearing a grenade. In 1810-1813 the bearskin bore a brass plaque bearing a white metal eagle and the regimental number between two grenades. The grenadiers wore red epauletes, mustaches and large sideburns. The voltigeurs wore yellow-green epaulettes and some of their shako had a yellow band around the top. The shako cords were white. The grenadiers of the Vistula Legion distinguished themselves with white (not red) cords and white carrot-shape pompons. They wore dark-blue czapka with yellow sunburst plaques bearing a white eagle and the inscription "Pulk Nadwislanski" (Vistula Regiment). The grenadiers (grenadierzy), voltigeurs (woltyzerowie) and fusiliers (fizylierzy distinguished themselves with colors of plumes and pompons. For grenadiers they were red, for fusiliers were black and for voltigeurs light green (in 1812 yellow over green). For officers were white. In 1813 "After the battle of Dresden 3,000 Austrian deserters of Polish nationality were taken prisoner into the [Poniatowski's VIII] corps; 30 to each company. Many of them continued to wear their old unifrms." (Digby-Smith, - p 316) ~ Uniforms ~ 1807-1809 Regiment Coat Cuffs Turnbacks Lapels 1st Dark Blue Scarlet Scarlet Yellow 2nd Dark Blue Scarlet Scarlet Yellow 3rd Dark Blue Scarlet Scarlet Yellow 4th Dark Blue Scarlet Scarlet Yellow 5th Dark Blue Crimson Crimson Crimson 6th Dark Blue Crimson Crimson Crimson 7th Dark Blue Crimson Crimson Crimson 8th Dark Blue Crimson Crimson Crimson 9th Dark Blue White White White 10th Dark Blue White White White 11th Dark Blue White White White 12th Dark Blue White White White ~ Uniforms ~ 1810- 1814 All regiments - crimson cuffs, white turnbacks, white lapels (The cuffs were piped white, the turnbacks and lapels were piped crimson) Light Infantry [Strzelcy piesi] There is a lot of confusing information about the Polish light infantry. Some claims that Poland (Grand Duchy of Warsaw) had no light infantry at all, while others assume that the Poles had similar organization of infantry to the French. Let me explain several things. In 1806-1807 each of the three legions (divisions) had a single company of strzelców pieszych (chasseurs-a-pied, light infantry). These companies were formed into a 400-men battalion of strzelców. In March 1807 this unit was converged into line infantry and absorbed into the 11th Infantry Regiment. The chasseurs were armed with muskets and rifled carbines. In August 1812 it was decided that new six battalions of strzelców would be raised in the liberated Lithuania. They were formed from outdoorsmen, foresters, and men who had an experience with hunting weapons, rifles and muskets. All were volunteers, no recruits were accepted. They were issued Austrian muskets with rifled barrels (1807 Model), rifled carbines and muskets. These sharpshooters were then organized into two regiments of 3 battalions each. But the amount of volunteers was disappointingly low (624 men) and only one regiment of 2 battalions was raised. It was the Pulk Strzelców Litewskich (Lithuanian Chasseur Regiment) This unit was mauled by the Russians at Kojdanow, Beresina River and at Vilna. But the survivors, in contrast to other units, stayed in the ranks and retreated across Poland into Germany. There were no regiments of light infantry, so if necessary individual companies of voltigeurs were taken from infantry battalions and formed in larger units. For example in 1812 at Smolensk Prince Poniatowski directed two battalions of converged voltigeurs into the suburbs defended by Russian infantry. These voltigeurs fought in skirmish order. If voltigeurs were not enough, the line infantry was capable of fighting as sharpshooters and tirailleurs. For example at Borodino the Polish 16th Division fought in the wooded area near Utica having 2/3 of its strength fully in skirmish order.

. In 1809, in the war against Austria the Poles lost only 3 guns and captured 62 guns. Polish Artillery. On picture: Polish horse battery at Raszyn, by W. Kossak The Polish artillery was of excellent quality, well trained although too few in numbers and partially equipped with older guns. The artillery was very effective in 1809 at the Battle of Raszyn where they halted Austrian infantry from breaking the Polish line. At Leipzig the few guns dueled with powerful Allies artillery for three days. In Polish artillery served also French officers; Jean Pelletier, Mallet, Bontempts, Charlot, Daret and others. They were transferred by Napoleon to Warsaw on Poniatowski's request. The Frenchmen were professionals, and had positive impact on the tactics and organization of Polish artillery. There were also Polsih officers who studied in France (for example Roman Soltyk of horse artillery). Tactics The Poles never formed so-grand-batteries as there was not enough guns. In 1809 at Raszyn Poniatowski deployed 16-gun battery against the Austrians, in 1812 at Smolensk he set up 16-gun battery. French officer Pelletier who commanded all Polish batteries took 42 guns and joined the grand French battery pounding the Russians in the Smolensk. It was a far cry from the monstrous 220-gun Russian battery at Leipzig or the French 112-gun battery at Wagram. Firing at ranges of 2.000 paces and more was considered as waste of ammunition. Prince Poniatowski sometimes used guns in an aggressive way, for example in 1813 several guns participated in the actions of advancing skirmishers. When firing from a fixed position it was recommended to make a shallow ditch in front of the battery. This ditch served as a 'trap' for enemy's rolling cannonballs. The gunners also liked to place their cannons behind obstacles; fences, cultivated fields etc. It was especially important if the enemy had a strong and aggressive cavalry. It was unlikely that the Polish gunners would use grenades (shells) if during battle the enemy stood on a soft or muddy ground. Strength and Organization of Artillery. In 1807-1808 the Polish artillery was commanded by general Wincenty Axamitowski. The first company of foot artillery was completed in Poznan (Posen) on 29th December 1806. Another company was organized in the captured fortress of Czestochowa. In January 1807 the French supplied 7 guns to the next company. In January 1807 was issued decree which assigned a 3-company artillery battalion to each legion (division). The 6pdr cannon had crew of 10 men, 12pdr required 13 men and 3pdr 8 men. The company (battery) usually had 6 guns formed in three sections of 2 guns each, or two half-batteries of 3 guns each. It was recommended to deploy the battery on a hard and slightly elevated ground. For communication and passing the orders the foot artillery had drummers and horse artillery trumpeters. Companies were organized in fortresses of Torun (Thorn), Praga, Serock and Modlin. In 1808 one company of artillery was sent to Spain. It consisted of 4 officers and 145 other ranks. In November 1807 were: I Battalion of Foot Artillery (354 men) - Col. Dobrski II Battalion of Foot Artillery (597 men) - Lt.-Col. Gorski III Battalion of Foot Artillery (389 men) - Lt.-Col. Hurtig In 1808 was raised horse artillery. In 1810 was formed entire regiment, it consisted of 4 companies (batteries) each of 6 guns: 4 6pdr cannons and 2 howitzers. The first company was organized by Cpt. W. Potocki, the second by Roman Soltyk who studied in Paris. ~ 1809 ~ Staff Commander of Artillery: Col. Pelletier Commander of Engineers: Cpt. Mallet Chief-of-Staff of Artillery: Col. Gorski Artillery Park Director: Cpt. Bontemps I Battalion of Foot Artillery (409 men) - Lt.-Col. Redel II Battalion of Foot Artillery (137 men) - Lt.-Col. Gorski III Battalion of Foot Artillery (266 men) - Lt.-Col. Hurtig. Train Battalion of Foot Artillery (402 men) I Squadron of Horse Artillery (119 men) - Lt.-Col. W. Potocki Train Squadron of Horse Artillery (119 men) Sappers . . . . . . 1st Sapper Company (79 men) . . . . . . 2nd Sapper Company (103 men) . . . . . . 3rd Sapper Company (91 men) . . . . . . Pontoneer Company (67 men) (Note: strength of units in January 1809) ~ 1810 ~ Staff (76 men, incl. Inspector-General, Col. Director of Powder and Saltpeper Ltn.-Col. Chief of the Topographical Service and others) Regiment of Foot Artillery (2,685 men incl. 1 Col., 1 Mjr, 3 Chefs d'Bataillon 2 Adjutant-Mjr, 2 Adjutant NCOs etc. 1.863 horses) I Battalion of Foot Artillery (4 companies) II Battalion of Foot Artillery (4 companies) III Battalion of Foot Artillery (4 companies) There were also 4 static companies. Regiment of Horse Artillery (691 men iclud.: 1 Col., 1 Mjr, 2 Chefs d'Escadron 2 Adjutant-Mjr, 2 Adjutant NCOs etc. 902 horses) I Squadron of Horse Artillery (2 companies) II Squadron of Horse Artillery (2 companies) Engineers Battalion of Engineers Battalion of Sappers and Miners (6 companies, incl. 1 pontoneer) Artisans (one company) In 1811 was formed artillery depot battalion of 6 companies. Two light 3pdr cannons were added to each infantry regiment (for this purpose was formed so-called Auxiliary Artillery Battalion). The foot artillery was under the command of Col. Gorski, the horse artillery under Col. W. Potocki and the sapper battalion under Kubicki. Due to financial difficulties in the Grand Duchy Napoleon took into French pay the artillery stationed in the fortresses of Gdansk (Danzig) and Kostrzyn (Kustrin). ~ 1812 ~ Chief of Artillery and Engineers - GdB Jean Pelletier Director of Artillery - Col. Pierre Bontemps Director of Engineers - Col. Jaen Mallet Chief of Topographical Office - Ltn.-Col. Alfons Directors of Fortifications Foot Artillery Regiment - Col. Gorski, Mjr. Gugenmus I Battalion of Foot Artillery - Chef Uszynski II Battalion of Foot Artillery - Chef Ploszczynski III Battalion of Foot Artillery - Chef Walewski Horse Artillery Regiment - Col. Hurtig, Mjr. Krysinski I Squadron of Horse Artillery - Mjr. Szweryn II Squadron of Horse Artillery - Mjr. Sowinski Sappers - Mjr. Kubicki Auxiliary Artillery Battalion - Lt.-Col. Daret Military Train Battalion - Lt.-Col. Hryniewicz In 1813 in Saxony Poniatowski had the following artillery units for his last campaign: 6 companies of foot artillery 1 company of horse artillery artillery train battalion 1 sapper company Uniforms On picture: Polish foot gunner and engineer. Source: Morawski and Nieuwazny - "Army of Duchy of Warsaw: artillery, engineers, sappers" Between 1807 and 1810 the foot gunners wore dark green coats called kurtka with black collar, lapels, cuffs, cuff flaps and turnbacks - all piped red. The buttons were yellow. The privates wore red epauletes, cords and pompons. The trousers were black with dark green side stripes, their gaiters were black and just under knee. The shako was black and bore a brass plaque with a white metal eagle over crossed guns with a brass grenade. Between 1810 and 1813 the vest and summer trousers and gaiters were white. If dark green breeches were worn, black gaiters completed the outfit. Between 1807 and 1810 the horse gunners wore a dark green coat called kurtka with black collar, cuffs and facings. The buttons were gold. Two golden grenades were embroidered on the collar. Collar, cuffs and facings were piped red. The breeches were dark green with black side stripes. They wore uhlan headwear, the tall top-squared czapka. Between 1810 and 1813 the czapka was replaced with a colpack/busbie with a dark green bag. To the colpack were attached red cords, tassels and pompon. They also wore Hungarian boots with gold trim and tassels. Between 1810 and 1813 the train drivers wore blue-gray coat with white buttons, light yellow collar and cuffs. The shako was black with yellow pompon and white eagle.

. "We soon recognized that they were Poles by their courage and by the way they handled their lances." - Charles Parquin, French officer Polish Cavalry. "We are here to drink French wine and to live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us !" - Polish uhlan On phot: Polish uhlans, reenactors in 2006 - photo by poloniamilitaris.pl Poland required numerous and good quality light cavalry to defend its long borders against the elusive and agile Cossacks and Turks. The Polish cavalry helped to solidify the eastern wall of Europe for nearly two centuries. Thereafter, these deeds have been commemorated through plaques, memorials, marches, literature and the media. According to American historian John Elting the "Poles were acknowledged to be the finest lancers in Europe; Russia, Prussia, and Austria recruited their lancer regiments from among the Polish subjects their partitionings of the unhappy kingdom had given them. When France marched against all Europe, Polish volunteers swarmed into its ranks." (Elting - "Swords Around a Throne" 1997 p 241) And they fought pretty damn well ! At Hohenlinden "Pawlikowski, a 23-year old NCO of uhlans, noticed Austrian infantry in a copse. Accompanied by a French chasseur named Gotebeuf, he charged the Austrians (...) After killing 2 officers with his lance he took prisoner 1 officer and 57 men. General Decean, who met him leading the prisoners, offered him a promotion to lieutenant, but Pawlikowski answered in broken French: 'No know read, no know write, no be officer." (Nafziger - "Poles and Saxons" p 100) "In 1808, fed up with Spanish sniping, the Lancers of the Vistula climbed down from their saddles and stormed an entrenched Spanish camp near Saragossa ... During the first phase of the siege they charged a fortified city. They penetrated essentially right to its center. Unsupported and alone the lancers had to charge back out." (Colonel Elting - "Swords Around a Throne") In 1814 officer Skarzynski overwhelmed and ridden down by a flood of Cossacks, wrenched an "especially heavy" lance from one of them and - wild with the outraged fury of despair - spurred amuck down the road, bashing every Cossack skull that came within his reach. Rallying and wedging in behind him, his Polish handful cleared the field. The same day Napoleon made Skarzynski the Baron of the Empire. In 1813 at Dennewitz three squadrons of 2nd Uhlan attacked and broke three squares formed by the Prussian infantry of Tauentzien's corps. One squadron of the 2nd Uhlan Regiment attacked Prussian battalion of 3rd Reserve Infantry Regiment. The infantry was formed in a column with skirmishers as its screen. The uhlans routed the skirmishers killing several and attacked the column. The Prussians were "savagely handled". In 1813 at Leipzig, the 1st Chasseurs (armed with lances) broke one Austrian square of Bianchi's division near the Auenhain sheep-farm, and one square of Russian Helfreich's 14th Division. In 1811 at Albuera the Vistula uhlans demolished British infantry brigade, captured several Colors and cannons, and took hundreds of prisoners. All French cavalry put together never captured so many British colors and prisoners. The French cavalry commanders (Murat, Lasalle and others) enjoyed leading the Poles into combat. In 1812 at the Battle of Ostrovno "Murat ... darted forward, placing himself in front of the 8th Polish Uhlan Regiment He excited them with his words and actions, though they were already enraged by the sight of the advancing Russians. ... He had no intention of throwing himself with them into the midst of a melee ... but the Poles were already crouched in the saddle. The charging cavalry covered the width of the field completely and pushed Murat before them. He could neither separate from them or stop." - Nafziger and Wesolowski "Poles and Saxons of the Napoleonic Wars" p 116 The Poles were one of the very few who could challenge the Cossacks. They Poles enjoyed some successes ut also suffered two defeats against the bearded warriors (Mir and Romanow). According to Austrian officer A. Prokesch "The Cossack fears horsemen of no nation, except the Turks. For the Polish lancers he has admiration, because these were capable to fight in closed, as well as in open order, and because he had to cope with them almost all the time during the latest war. The French, as long as they possessed cavalry, held back their own in closed order and sent forward the Polish for light duties. The German and French light cavalry are not feared by the Cossack. He will not stand and oppose their formed attacks, and in open order he will surpass them in manoeuvrability." (A. Prokesch - ‘Ueber den Kosaken, und dessen Brauchbarkeit im Felde’) The Dutch lancers were too phlegmatic for this kind of warfare. (Britten-Austin) The Polish 10th Hussar Regiment was the first Napoleonic unit to enter Mocow in 1812. They were followed by Prussian uhlans, Wirtembergian chasseurs and Pajol's French hussars and chasseurs. However the beginnings of the Polish cavalry during the Napoleonic wars were modest. The first units were formed in 1806-7 and Chlapowski writes: "Foot drill went very well with such enthusiastic citizens as tehse, but mounted drill was very difficult as their horses were all too lively for the ranks and kept breaking up the lines. One should avoid putting over-lively horses in the ranks, as horses always become livelier still when brought together." (Chlapowski / Simmons - p 9) In 1812 the cavalry was excellent. Chlapowski writes: "I was most impressed by the appearanace of Prince Sulkowski's cavalry division. They had a good soldierly appearance and their horses were magnificent. ... the 5th Chasseurs, who were very fine and even better mounted than the 13th 'Silver' Hussars." Horses Poland had large studs of military horses. Napoleon purchased thousands of Polish horses, and thousands were simply taken by the French troops. Even in 1812. According to Vaudoncourt some of the Lithuanian uhlans survived the campaign in Russia in pretty good shape. Unfortunatelly, the 17th and 19th Uhlan Regiment were stripped of all their horses in an effort to remount Napoleon's cavalry of Imperial Guard. (Nafziger - "Lutzen and Bautzen" p 9) Light Horses The horses of central and eastern Europe being smaller and more agile, the first application of their capabilities for war purposes seems everywhere to have been as light cavalry mounts. The Poles, thanks to their wars against the Turks, Cossacks and Russians who always had an excellent lighthorsemen, had maintained greater dash and mobility than many of the westerners. Prussian king Frederick the Great, considered the big "German horses" as the best suited for heavy cavalry. The "Polish horses" (Polish, Hungarian and Russian) were considered as the best for the light cavalry and were obtained from the well-paid Jewish dealers. The king and his generals rode on English horses. The Polish horses were used not only by Polish cavalry, but also by Saxon hussars and chevaulegers and Prussian, Austrian and French light cavalry. Most common colors were bays and chestnuts. Heavy Horses The big horses for Polish 14th Cuirassier Regiment were purchased in Germany. Weapons The uhlans were armed with saber, pistol and a lance. The chasseurs-a-cheval were armed with sabers, carbines and were issued lances for the 1809 and 1813 campaigns (to make up for the lack of carbines). The "Krakus" Regiment carried lances but never carbines. Lance The Polish cavalry could be seen to have been instrumental in the retention of the lance until its widespread readoption in the Napoleonic period. Napoleon send Polish lancers as instructors to the French lancer regiments. There were regulations for the exercise and manoeuvres of the lance compiled entirely from the Polish system instituted by Prince Poniatowski and General Krasinski. These were also adapted to the formations, movements and exercise of the British cavalry by Reymond Hervey De Montmorency (London, 1820) The Polish lance was 265-277 cm long. It was quite light weapon, so much so that one could hold it between the looped forefinger and the middle finger of the right hand raised above the head, delivering, in this manner a very powerful thrust called "par le moulinet'. In the hands of an experienced uhlan it was an effective and terrible weapon. (Nafziger and Wesolowski - "Poles and Saxons of the Napoleonic Wars" p 48) Saber The Poles were equipped with several types of sabers: - Polish curved sabers (produced in liberated Galicia) - Prussian 1721 Model hussar curved saber - Prussian 1797 Model dragoon straight "pallash" - Austrian 1803 Model hussar curved saber - French IX, XI and XIII Model curved and straight sabers - Russian sabers of various models Carbine and Pistol The Poles carried captured Prussian and Austrian carbines and French 1763 and Model 1786 carbines. Many pistols were the French Model 1777. Strength and Organization Poland was an open, flat country bordering the steppes of Asia. It always had a high ratio of cavalry, higher than any western European army. General Jomini wrote: "As a general rule, it maybe stated that an army in an open country should contain cavalry to the amount of 1/6 its whole strength; in mountainous countries 1/10 will suffice." In Poland the ratio was even higher. Actually Poland (Grand Duchy of Warsaw) was the only country in Europe which in some point had an army with more cavalry regiments than infantry regiments. In contrast Switzerland had almost no cavalry at all. In the end of 1813 Napoleon entertained thoughts of completely disbanding Polish infantry and organizing four uhlan and two Polish-Cossack regiments. The cavalry regiment consisted of staff and usually 3 (in 1806-1809) or 4 squadrons of two companies each. The 4-squadron regiment was commanded by colonel, major, 2 chefs d'escadron and 2 adjutanbts-majors. There were also standard-bearer and trumpet-major. In 1810 the organization of company was as follow: 4 officers: captain, lieutenant and 2 sous-lieutenants 14 NCOs: sergeant-major, 4 sergeants, fourrier and 8 corporals Others: blacksmith, 2 trumpeters and 79 privates Total strength = 100 men (+ 2 enfants de troupe) In November 1807 were: 1st Cavalry Regiment (653 men) - Col. J.M.Dabrowski 2nd Cavalry Regiment (571 men) - Col. Kwasniewski 3rd Cavalry Regiment (857 men) - Col. Laczynski 4th Cavalry Regiment (823 men) - Col. mecinski 5th Cavalry Regiment (943 men) - Col. Turno 6th Cavalry Regiment (996 men) - Col. Dziewanowski The Poles numbered their cavalry regiments not by/within type but like the British, ŕ la suite. In January 1809 were: 1st Chasseur-a-Cheval Regiment (745 men) - Col. Przebendowski 2nd Uhlan Regiment (880 men) - Col. Tyszkiewicz 3rd Uhlan Regiment (719 men) - Col. Laczynski 4th Chasseur-a-Cheval Regiment (??? men) - Col. Mecinski 5th Chasseur-a-Cheval Regiment (596 men) - Col. Turno 6th Uhlan Regiment (691 men) - Col. Dziewanowski In November 1809 were formed: 7th Uhlan Regiment (840 men in 4 squadrons) - Col. Zawadzki 8th Uhlan Regiment (954 men in 4 squadrons) - Col. Rozwadowski 9th Uhlan Regiment (936 men in 4 squadrons) - Col. Przyrzychowski 10th Hussar Regiment - "Golden Hussars" (803 men) - Col. Uminski 11th Uhlan Regiment (899 men in squadrons) - Col. A. Potocki 12th Uhlan Regiment (943 men in squadrons) - Col. Rzyszczewski 13th Hussar Regiment - "Silver Hussars" (1.048 men !) - Col. Tolinski 14th Cuirassier Regiment (610 men in 2 squadrons) - Col. Malachowski The Poles formed one regiment of cuirassiers but Napoleon felt that they were too expensive and suggested chasseurs or uhlans. So the King of Saxony (the head of the Duchy of Warsaw) issued decree that directed the conversion of these cuirassiers into chasseurs. Poniatowski attempted to persuade him into converting the cuirassiers into dragoons but the King repeated his statement. Poniatowski agreed but added that it will take a long time due to practical obstacles. Soon however erupted war against Russia and there was no time and money for the conversion. 15th Uhlan Regiment (916 men in 4 squadrons) - Col. Trzecieski 16th Uhlan Regiment (661 men in 4 squadrons) - Col. Tarnowski In 1811 each cavalry regiment raised a depot squadron of 2 companies. Due to financial difficulties in the Grand Duchy Napoleon in early 1812 took into French pay the 9th Uhlan Regiment. When Napoleon liberated Lithuania (which had been part of Poland) several new regiments were raised: 17th Uhlan Regiment - Col. Tyszkiewicz 18th Uhlan Regiment - Col. Wawrzecki 19th Uhlan Regiment - Col. Rajecki 20th Uhlan Regeiment - Col. Obuchowicz 21st Uhlan Regiment - Col. Col. Lubanski Lithuanian_Tartar Squadron - Mustapha Murza Achmatowicz There were several regiments in the French service: 1st Lancer Regiment of the Guard (Old Guard) 3rd Lancer Regiment of the Guard (Young Guard) 1st Vistula Uhlan Regiment 2nd Vistula Uhlan Regiment In May 1815 Napoleon issued a decree organizing the 7th Chavauleger-Lancier Polonais. It consisted of 350 men and only 13 horses. The lancers fought on foot in the defense of the bridges in Sevres earning Marshal Davout's praise. After Napoleon's abdication all the foreign regiments were disbanded. The Polish units were absorbed into the Russian army except the lancers - they refused to serve for the Tsar, were disbanded and allowed to stay in France. Uniforms of Polish Cavalry The czapka was a traditional Polish headwear. The edges of the top square were reinforced with yellow metal and white cords (red for elite companies) hung from corner to corner. Tall black plume was worn on the front peak of the czapka (red for elite company and white for senior officers). There were also in use some non-regulation plumes cut "a la russe" or uncut long horse hair cascading down from the top. (Nafziger and Wesolowski - "Poles and Saxons of the Napoleonic Wars" p 51) A yellow "Amazon's Shield" bore regimental number and a white metal eagle. Some regiments however preffered a sunburst plaque with the eagle superimposed (the regiments formed in Lithuania wore a mounted knight instead of eagle). Just above the turban was worn a white band (golden for officers). Uniforms of Uhlans All uhlans wore dark blue breeches with double side straps, dark blue coat (kurtka) with regimental lapels and yellow buttons. The lance pennants were of different colors: - red over white in 2nd, 3rd, 15th and 16th Uhlan Regiment - red over white and a dark blue triangle at the shaft of the lance in 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th and 12th Uhlan Regiment - blue over white in 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Uhlan Regiment The men of elite company of uhlan regiment wore one of the three types of headwear: - bearskin - colpack/busbie with red bag - czapka sewn around with black lambskin (it lloked like bearskin) In 1806-1809 the uhlans of 1st Division wore: - red (piped white) collar and cuffs, yellow facings (piped white) and side straps The uhlans of 2nd Division wore: - crimson (with white piping) collar, cuffs, facings and side straps The uhlans in 3rd Division wore: - white collar, cuffs, facings, and side straps ~ Uniforms of Uhlans ~ 1809-1812 Regiment Collar - Piping Turnbacks - Piping Side straps on breeches 2nd Red - White Dark Blue - Yellow Yellow 3rd Crimson - White Dark Blue - White Yellow 6th White - Crimson Dark Blue - Crimson Crimson 7th Yellow - Red Dark Blue - Red Yellow 8th Red - Dark Blue Dark Blue - Red Red 9th Red - Dark Blue Dark Blue - White Red 11th Crimson - Dark Blue Crimson - White Crimson 12th Crimson - White Dark Blue - White Crimson 15th Crimson - White Crimson - White Crimson 16th Crimson - White Dark Blue - Crimson Crimson 17th Crimson - Dark Blue Dark Blue - Crimson Crimson 18th Crimson - Dark Blue Crimson - White Crimson 19th Yellow - Dark Blue Dark Blue - Yellow Yellow 20th Crimson - Dark Blue Yellow - Dark Blue Yellow 21st Orange Orange Orange or Crimson Uniforms of Chasseurs The chasseurs-a-cheval wore dark green coat (kurtka) with yellow buttons and dark green breeches. The boots were below knee. The men of elite company in every regiment wore black busbies/colpacks with a bag in regimental color. Red plume and red cords were attached to the headwear. The men of center companies wore shako with metal plaque and white cords. The plume was in regimental color (tipped with dark green). The senior officers distinguished themselves with white plumes and silver cords. ~ Uniforms of Chasseurs ~ Regiment Coat Collar Cuffs Turnbacks 1st Dark Green Red Red Red 4th Dark Green Crimson Crimson Crimson 5th Dark Green Orange Orange Orange Uniforms of Hussars The hussars wore dark blue dolman and dark blue pelisse with black fur for the 10th Regiment or white for the 13th. (Nafziger and Wesolowski - "Poles and Saxaons of the Napoleonic Wars" p 50) The lace between rows of buttons for officers was strung gold for the 10th Regiment and silver for the 13th. The collar was crimson, the breches were dark blue with yellow (for 10th) or white (for 13th) single side stripes and thigh knots. For campaign they wore grey breeches with crimson side straps and the inside of the legs strengthened with leather. All hussars wore Hungarian boots. The shako was black (in 10th) or light blue (in 13th), black plumes was attached to shakos. The men of elite company wore black busbies/colpacks with red cords and red plumes. The senior officers distinguished themselves with gold or silver cords and white plumes. Uniforms of Cuirassiers The cuirassiers were dressed like their French counterparts. The breeches were white leather, the plume was red, the black boots were reaching above the knees. The collar was red. The privates wore red epauletes, the NCOs had red with yellow and the officers gold epauletes. The helmet and cuirass were of French model. (Note: there were no cuirasses after 1812).

. Napoleon saw the Krakus mounted on peasant ponies and laughed out loud. He called them “my pygmy cavalry.” But when they began maneuvering, deploying and charging, all in a fast pace, his amusement switched to admiration. In the end of review individual riders presented their incredible skills. Stones were placed on the ground and they came at speed picking them off the ground. Napoleon called for the commanders of French cavalry and said: look at these kids. They are superb horsemen, they captured allied general, a Cossack standard and dozens of prisoners. And they accomplished it in short time. Then he asked the generals; who of you brought me a Cossack as prisoner in the last or this campaign ? "My Pygmy Cavalry" - Napoleon The Krakus Regiment The Krakus Regiment, pronounced crack-coos, was formed in 1813. On 25th September 1813 on the road to Bautzen the Polish troops met Napoleon. The Emperor reviewed the Krakus Regiment mounted on their peasant ponies and laughed out loud. He called them “my pygmy cavalry.” But when they began maneuvering, deploying, charging and ploying, all in a very fast pace, his amusement switched to admiration. In the end of the review individual riders presented their incredible skills. Stones were placed on the ground and they came at speed picking them off the ground with easy. Impressed Napoleon called for the commanders of French cavalry and said: look at these kids. They are superb horsemen, they captured allied general, Cossack standard and dozens of prisoners. And they accomplished it in short time. Then he asked the generals; who of you brought me a Cossack as prisoner in the last or this campaign ? Then he turned to General Uminski and said: I want 3.000 of such warriors. "Generale, musze miec takich 3.000 ludzi". (Morawski & Wielecki - "Wojsko Ksiestwa Warszawskiego", Vol I p 122) In 1813 the officers gave commands by waving a handkerchief, in 1814 this function was performed by using a horsetail on a pike in the manner of the wild Tartars. It was excellent tool for small warfare as the regular cavalry used the trumpets for communication, more suited for noisy battlefield than for chasing the elusive Cossacks. Uniforms In 1814 the privates adopted an unusual melon-like crimson beret. The Krakus wore the folk costume of the Krakow region. The headwear was called krakuska and consisted of square topped but soft (hard for uhlans and infantry) czapka without the visor. The krakuska was red with black or white lambskin turban. Some privates wore captured Cossack colpacks. The cockade and plume were white. Their single breasted and full skirted coat was either brown or white with embroidery and appliques. The collar and cuffs were crimson with white piping. A crimson sash was worn at the waist. The legwears were either wide pantaloons (Cossack type) or tight breeches. Weapons The "Krakus" were armed with lances (with or without pennants), sabers and pistols. No carbines, no musketoons, no rifles. The Pygmies in Combat The Krakus Regiment was a valuable unit for Napoleon. Some of the privates and officers spoke German and Russian language, their uniforms, horses and weapons were cheap and they beat the hell out of the Cossacks as no other French or Polish unit. Below are descriptions of several combats between the Krakus and the Cossacks. On 5th September 1813 the Krakus met several sotnias of Cossacks between Ebersbach, Sluknow and Kottmarsdorf. Two squadrons of Krakus under Major Rzuchowski attacked from the front, while one squadron under Captain Celinski moved around enemy's flank to cut it off from Herrnhut. The Cossacks were routed and lost 98 men (30 killed, 18 wounded and 50 were taken prisoner). The Krakus also captured approx. 100 horses. The Krakus lost 3 wounded. (Lukasiewicz - "Armia Ksiecia Jozefa, 1813" p 239) On 9th September 1813 at Strahwalde, General Uminski with Krakus Regiment (4 squadrons) and the Polish 14th Cuirassier Regiment (1-2 squadrons) charged against several sotnias of Cossacks and some dragoons (2 squadrons). The Cossacks fled before contact was made. The Krakus pursued them for a while and then made a turn and attacked the dragoons fleeing before the cuirassiers (no armor). The enemy lost 35 (incl. 10 prisoners), the Poles had 6 wounded. In this combat NCO Godlewski of the Krakussi captured standard of Grekov-V's Cossack Regiment. The trophy was immediately sent to Napoleon and Godlewski was awarded with two awards: French Legion d'Honneur and Polish Virtuti Militari. Unfortunately the standard was lost later on when the Russians captured an adjutant with it. (Lukasiewicz - "Armia Ksiecia Jozefa, 1813" p 242) The Krakus and squadron of cuirassiers were finally halted at Ebersdorf by Russian tirailleurs (foot jagers in skirmish order ?) In Gossnitz the regiment of Russian Soumy Hussars attacked part of the Krakus Regiment and took 60 prisoners. Edouard von Lowenstern writes: "In Gossnitz we bumped into the Krakau Cossacks, we flew at them, cut them up and - as they were badly mounted - captured some 60 of them." On 16th October 1813 near Wachau (south of Leipzig) the Krakus routed the Lifeguard Cossack Regiment. (Morawski & Wielecki - "Wojsko Ksiestwa Warszawskiego", Vol I, p 122 and Lukasiewicz - "Armia Ksiecia Jozefa, 1813" p 281)

. At Hohenlinden "Pawlikowski, a 23-year old NCO of uhlans, noticed Austrian infantry in a copse. Accompanied by a French chasseur named Gotebeuf, he charged the Austrians... After killing 2 officers with his lance he took prisoner 1 officer and 57 men. General Decean, who met him leading the prisoners, offered him a promotion to lieutenant, but Pawlikowski answered in broken French: 'No know read, no know write, no be officer." - Nafziger "Poles and Saxons" p 100 The Best Regiments Quality of Polish Cavalry According to George Nafziger (USA), author of numerous books, the best cavalry were: First tier cavalry: Saxony, Poland, France, Baden (ext. link), Hesse-Darmstadt (ext. link) Second tier cavalry: Prussia, Russia, Britain and Northern Italy Third tier cavalry: Austria, Wirtembergia (ext. link), Bavaria (link), Hesse-Kassel (link) and Westphalia Fouth tier cavalry: Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Naples (Southern Italy) (Source: "Imperial Bayonet" 1996 p 192) The quality of the Polish cavalry regiments varied, the best were the Guard lancers and the Vistula uhlans. The uhlans were the most numerous, some regiments were excellent (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th) while others were below the average. Below is a list of the best Polish cavalry regiments. 3rd Uhlan Regiment (3-ci Pulk Ulanów) 31 Battles:1807 - Szczytno, Passenheim, Ortelsburg, 1809 - Czestochowa, Nadarzyn (14th,17th,19th April), Grojec, Raszyn, Grochow, Radzymin (26th,27th April), Grochow, Slupca, Wielatow, siege of Zamosc, Zawady, Zaleszczyki, Horodenka, Tarnopol, Chorostkow, Wieniawka, 1812 - Mir, Borodino, 1813 - Gross-Schweidnitz, Altenburg, Penig, Wachau, Leipzig, detachment dfending Zamosc Colonels: Jun 1807 - Wojciech Mecinski, Tadeusz Tyszkewicz, 1812 - Augustyn Trzecieski, Alexander Radzyminski, Jan 1813 - Alexander Oborski 1st Chasseur-a-Cheval Regiment (1-szy Pulk Strzelców Konnych) 21 Battles: 1806 - Pultusk, 1807 - Tczew, siege of Gdansk, 1809 - Raszyn, Radzymin, Gora, Rozki, Sandomierz (on 6th,7th,15th,16th June), Wrzawy, 1812 - Grodno, Romanow, 1813 - Rumburg, Kirschenstein, Seidenberg, Haesslich, Altenburg, Penig, Wachau Colonels: Dec 1806 - Michal Dabrowski, Nov 1808 - Konstanty Przebendowski, Jan 1813 - Jozef Sokolnicki 5th Chasseur-a-Cheval Regiment (5-ty Pulk Strzelców Konnych) 19 Battles: 1807 - Tczew, Gdansk, Guttstadt, Heilsberg, Friedland, 1809 - Grzybow, Wiazownia, Gora, Kock, Sandomierz (17th,18th May), Rozki, Baranow, Nowe Miasto, Wrzawy, 1812 - Smolensk, Borodino, Chirikovo, Woronovo Colonels: Dec 1806 - Kazimierz Turno, March 1810 Zygmunt Kurnatowski 13th Hussar Regiment (13-ty Pulk Huzarów) 15 Battles: 1812 - Mir, Romanow, Smolensk, Borodino, Chirikovo, Woronovo, Maloyaroslavetz, Borisov, Beresina, 1813 - Hellensdorf, Peterswalde, Sere, Pirna (9th Oct), Dresden, Pirna (17 Sept) Colonels: June 1809 - Jozef Tolinski, Feb 1813 - Jozef Sokolnicki Krakus Regiment (Pulk Krakusów) 14 Battles: 1813 - Skarszew, Friedland, Georgenwalde, Strohweide, Neustadt, Frohburg, Luntzenau, Zehma, Rotha, Zetlitz, Wachau, Leipzig, 1814 - Claye, Paris Colonels:Mar 1813 - Alexander Oborski, Jan 1814 Jozef Dwernicki This unit existed only 2 years. 14th Cuirassier Regiment (14-ty Pulk Kirasjerów) 7 Battles: 1812 - Borodino, 1813 - Friedland, Pittersbach, Krakau, Strohweide, Weida, Leipzig Colonels: Sep 1809 - Stanislaw Malachowski, Jan 1813 - Kazimierz Dziekonski

Sources and Links.