4th Hussar Regiment (France)
The 4th Hussar Regiment is a hussar regiment in the French Army, raised and embodied in 1783 and still in existence.
4th Hussar Regiment at the Battle of Friedland, 14 June 1807. Vive l'Empereur! by Édouard Detaille, 1891.
An officer of the 4th Hussar Regiment in 1840.
An Hussar of the 4th Hussar Regiment, during the War of the 5th Coalition.(1809)
The Regiment Insignia of the 4th Hussar Regiment.
Light cavalry comprised lightly armed and armored cavalry troops mounted on fast horses, as opposed to heavy cavalry, where the mounted riders were heavily armored. The purpose of light cavalry was primarily raiding, reconnaissance, screening, skirmishing, patrolling, and tactical communications. Prior to the 17th century they were usually armed with swords, spears, javelins, or bows, and later on with sabres, pistols, shotguns, or carbines.
Polish-Lithuanian light cavalry during the Battle of Orsha in 1514, by Hans Krell
The infamous Charge of the Light Brigade, in the Battle of Balaclava in 1854 (painted by William Simpson in 1855)
Mongol soldier on horseback, preparing a mounted archery shot
French 4th Hussar at the Battle of Friedland, 14 June 1807. Vive L'Empereur! by Édouard Detaille, 1891.