Hussards de la Mort

French light cavalry company (1792-1793)
  • June 12, 1792
  • April 25, 1793
Country FranceAllegianceFrench Revolutionary ArmyBranchArmy of the NorthSizeCompany, 200Motto(s)Vaincre ou mourir, La liberté ou la mort, and Vivre libre ou mourir - Victory or death, Freedom or death, Live free or dieBlack  BlackMascot(s)Skull and crossbonesEngagementsFrench Revolutionary Wars
  • Battle of Valmy
  • Battle of Fleurus (1794)
Military unit

The Hussards de la Mort or Death Hussars were a French light cavalry company formed during the French Revolution.

History

A Death Hussar (to the left) in a painting representing the Battle of Fleurus.

On June 12, 1792 a squadron was created by the French Assembly formed from 200 volunteers. In July, Kellermann organizes the company naming Hussards de la Mort - Death Hussars. These volunteers, coming from mostly wealthy families, were provided with horses from the King's stables.[1][2]

On March 5, 1793 survivors of the squadron were merged into the 14th Cavalry Regiment by decree from the National Convention.

On April 25, 1793 the squadron was dissolved.

Uniform

  • Mirliton: black
  • Collar: black
  • Dolman: black
  • Pelisse: black
  • Facing : black
  • Braids: white
  • Breeches : black

The symbol of a skull and crossbones was placed on the mirliton, the sabretache and the shoulder sleeve. The uniform was inspired by the insignia of the Prussian hussars. Even after merging with the 14th Cavalry Regiment, they kept their uniform.

Mottos

Vaincre ou mourir, La liberté ou la mort ou Vivre libre ou mourir - Victory or death, Freedom or death, Live free or die

Theaters of operation

  • Battle of Valmy
  • Battle of Fleurus (1794)

See also

  • French cavalry regiments
  • French hussar regiments

Sources

  1. ^ Historique du 14e Chasseurs, Service Historique de la Défense
  2. ^ La Cavalerie pendant la Révolution, Desbrières et Sautai, 1907.

External links

  • Les Hussards français, Tome 1, De l'Ancien régime à l'Empire édition Histoire et collection
  • Uniform of the Death Hussars (in french)
  • Replicas of the uniform (in french)
  • The Death Hussars (in french)
  • 1793 Uniform illustration at NYPL
  • flagFrance portal