Enemies of cuirassiers of the XNUMXth century

135

A. I. Charlemagne. "Dragoons of the Northern War (1720s)", 1871

Rivals in the art of abuse
Do not know peace among yourself;
Bring tribute to the dark glory,
And revel in the enmity!
Let the world freeze before you
Marveling at the terrible celebrations:
No one will regret you
No one will bother you.
AS Pushkin


Military affairs at the turn of the eras. History cuirassiers ended quite late, namely in 1914, when the last cuirassiers, French, showed their complete ineffectiveness in the new conditions. But this took a long time - more than 200 years, when the cuirassier cavalry, which replaced the men at arms of the XNUMXth century, became the main striking force of the generals on the battlefields. But the fact is that, due to their value, the cuirassiers were not the "main cavalry" of the war. There were many types of cavalry that solved their tasks and even, it happened, fought with cuirassiers in equestrian combat. Today we will begin to get acquainted with the most massive types of cavalry - the enemies of cuirassiers, in different countries, at different times and with all sorts of their national characteristics ...



As it was already noted here in one of the previous materials of the cycle, Peter I, creating the Russian regular army, made all his cavalry dragoon, and used the Cossacks as light cavalry. However, it turned out that by the time the first regiments of the new army appeared, the first Russian regular dragoon regiment ... already existed. And it was formed even before the beginning of the Northern War on September 1, 1698, and not from people of ordinary rank, but from noblemen and gentry ignoramuses, Moscow servicemen and even tsarist entourage. Avton Mikhailovich Golovin was appointed commander of the regiment. And since the dragoons were stationed in the village of Preobrazhenskoye, the new regiment received the same name. The regiment had four companies, and in 1700 there were already 12. True, one cannot say that he made a great impression. The fact is that his horsemen were armed with what: who what weapon got it, so he served! True, the treasury gave them 1000 sabers and a few fusions, but it is clear that the latter were not enough for everyone, and the soldiers themselves bought everything else. The same was the case with horse ammunition. Saddles were used very different, as, indeed, horses ... Well, then things went much faster. In 1700, besides Preobrazhensky, two more such regiments were formed, and by the end of the year there were 12 of them in the Russian army.

The defeat at Narva also played an important role in the development of the Russian cavalry. Prior to this, Peter still counted on irregular and local cavalry units. But they showed their complete non-combat capability. And he abandoned the concept of irregular units and over the years of his reign created ... 32 dragoon regiments!

At first, the regiments of Russian dragoons were named after their commanders. Then, after 1708, the regiments were named after the places of their creation and recruitment. Each regiment, in fact, was an analogue of an infantry regiment and consisted of 10 companies of 120 people each. Each regiment also had three three-pound guns. In 1704, a company of 140 grenadiers was added to the dragoon regiments; in 1711 they were organized into three regiments of mounted grenadiers.


Russian dragoon 1709 Fig. from the book: V. Vuksic, Z. Grbasic. Cavalry. The history of fighting elite 650BC - AD1914. L .: Cassell, 1994. P.157

During the Great Northern War (1700-1721), Peter had two large dragoon formations: the first, under the command of Menshikov, consisted of 11 regiments, the second, under the command of General Golitsyn, of 10. Thus, the tsar had two large units at his disposal mounted infantry, armed with its own artillery and everything necessary for independent action in the vast Russian expanses.

Surprisingly, it is a proven fact that Russian dragoons and their horses suffered surprisingly little losses from exhaustion, disease or cold weather during hostilities and long campaigns throughout the Northern War! So the concept of dragoon cavalry in Russia at that time completely justified itself!

It is interesting that in everything related to military fashion, Peter was guided exclusively by the West and, in particular, by France. And it should be noted that he had reasons for doing this. Indeed, reforms similar to those that he himself carried out were launched there almost earlier than in all other European countries. Thus, the first French regular units were formed at the beginning of the 1635th century. The first seven cavalry regiments were formed in 1659; by 112, their number had grown to 1668. Around 80, their number leveled off to about 1672. It is interesting that, although the regiment commander was a colonel, every officer of the regiment, including himself, headed one of the companies, so there were companies of a colonel, lieutenant colonel, major and captain. The first three regiments were considered guards, and from the fourth to the thirteenth from 4 they were called royal regiments: the 5th royal, 1690th and so on. According to the rules of XNUMX, the royal regiments and regiments formed with money from the nobility were allowed blue uniforms with red cuffs on the sleeves, while all others had gray uniforms and also red cuffs. Only units of the Life Guards (Maison du Roi) could wear red uniforms, which made them stand out among all the others. The dragoons' armament consisted of a carbine hanging from a sling, two pistols and a broadsword.


French line dragoons of 1690: a private on the left and an officer on the right. Fig. from the book: V. Vuksic, Z. Grbasic. Cavalry. The history of fighting elite 650BC - AD1914. L .: Cassell, 1994. P.143

The regiments were at first rather small in number and only at the beginning of the XNUMXth century did they become real tactical formations for the battlefield.

The first grenadiers also appeared in France during the Thirty Years' War as part of the musketeer units. In each unit, several of the most daring soldiers were selected to attack enemy fortifications in small groups and throw grenades at them. Since 1667, each company had four grenadiers armed with a saber, an ax and three or four grenades, which they carried in a bag slung over their shoulder. In 1671, he added a flint musket, and from those who had previously been dispersed in separate companies, they formed a regimental grenadier company of 35 people. Other armies followed suit and also began to form grenadier units.

They differed from all other infantry units in a headgear, which took its shape mainly for practical reasons: in order to light the fuse of a grenade before throwing it, the grenadier needed both hands, and to free them, he had to put the gun on his back. The wide-brimmed hat or cocked hat was too large and made it difficult to do so, so it was replaced with a more practical tassel cap. Over time, the headdresses of the grenadiers became more complex and high, and in England, Sweden, Russia, Denmark and Prussia, they became like a bishop's miter with a hammered metal forehead. Austria, France, Bavaria, and Piedmont, however, continued to use the cheaper cap. Well, the image of a grenade with a lit wick was almost universally accepted by European grenadiers as their insignia.

And if the musketeers were put on horses, why not put the grenadiers on them? At first, they were listed in the same regiment as the dragoons, but at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, separate squadrons and regiments were created from them. In England and France they formed part of the Guard, while in Russia, Spain, Hanover and Saxony they were line units. In Austria, the grenadier companies of the dragoon regiments were used for special missions, although they were still considered dragoons. They later became elite heavy cavalry units. During the Napoleonic wars, they disappeared from the lists of the army, and only one regiment with this name remained in the French guard.


Horse grenadier 1705 Fig. from the book: V. Vuksic, Z. Grbasic. Cavalry. The history of fighting elite 650BC - AD1914. L .: Cassell, 1994. P.151

One can imagine how spectacular the attack of the mounted grenadiers looked when they rushed towards the enemy with a grenade in one hand and a smoking wick in the other. You need to quickly apply the fuse to the fuse, wait for the latter to hiss and then again at full gallop, sweeping along the ranks of the enemy infantry, skillfully throw it at the enemy's feet. Usually there were two grenades in the bag, each of them weighed 700-800 grams. And this "work" was very dangerous, which is why they refused it. After all, if something is almost wrong, as a grenade exploded in the hands of a grenadier with all the ensuing consequences.

Back in 1498, the Viennese gunsmith Kaspar Zoller, in order to increase the accuracy of the arquebus, developed a method of cutting four straight grooves in the barrel - rifling, and this is how the rifled weapon appeared. Then the rifling began to be made with screws. Increased accuracy. It became possible to make barrels shorter, so that the weapon became both lighter and less bulky. The French called it a carbine. Arab horsemen were also armed with similar weapons. In Arabic, "karab" means "weapon", and in Turkish "karabula" means "shooter". So the eastern origin of this name is also possible.

However, it is not the origin of the word that is important to us, but the fact that the new weapon was called a carbine and began to be widely used in the cavalry. They began to make them smooth-bore, and although the main reason for their name (rifled barrel) has disappeared, the name has survived. Over time, the carbine began to be used as a shortened musket, whether rifled or not.

In 1679, Louis XIV (1643-1715) ordered carbines to be issued to the two best riflemen in each cavalry company of his line regiments. After the superior effectiveness of such horsemen, whose main targets were the officers of the enemy, was demonstrated, the king decided in 1693 to form a whole regiment of carabinieri and gave it the name of the Royal Carabinieri.

The Bavarian Elector Maximilian II Emmanuel, who had good political and family ties with the French court, followed his example and adopted the carabinieri in 1696, and the term "carabinieri" became common in the Bavarian army.

In the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), Bavaria joined France, but the Franco-Bavarian army was defeated in 1704 at the Battle of Blenheim. The Bavarians retreated across the Rhine and, due to heavy losses, disbanded their three dragoon regiments (at that time they were considered light cavalry) in order to strengthen the three cuirassier regiments. Of the remaining 344 people, a six-squadron light cavalry regiment was formed, which, in honor of the six-year-old son of Maximilian II, was named the carabinieri of Prince Philip.


Horseman of the Bavarian Prince Philip of the Carabinieri Regiment, 1704 Fig. from the book: V. Vuksic, Z. Grbasic. Cavalry. The history of fighting elite 650BC - AD1914. L .: Cassell, 1994. P.153

As fate would have it, in their first campaign, during the Battle of Elixem (1705), Prince Philip's Carabinieri clashed with a regiment of British cavalry, also known as the Carabinieri. Heavy casualties took place on both sides, with the Bavarians losing their military standard, captured by the British. But ... as a result of a counterattack by cuirassiers from Cologne, the standard was repulsed and returned to the confused Bavarians.

Due to the weak influx of recruits, the regiment was disbanded in 1711, and its men joined other regiments.

It is clear that "heavy riders" were unsuitable for solving many important tasks that were easily solved by riders with light skins. For example, hussars! During the Great Turkish campaign against Vienna (1683), Austria was devastated by both Turks and Tatars, and light Hungarian horsemen - hussars. They were led by Imre Thokli, a Hungarian prince who led the uprising against the Habsburgs. With the help of allied troops from Poland and the German states, the Austrians managed to defend Vienna, and then launch an offensive against Turkey. And just then, preparing for further campaigns to the east, the Austrian Emperor Leopold I founded the first regular Austrian hussar regiment (in 1688).


Austrian hussar 1688 Fig. from the book: V. Vuksic, Z. Grbasic. Cavalry. The history of fighting elite 650BC - AD1914. L .: Cassell, 1994. P.147. Pay attention to the complex composition of the rider's weapons. In addition to the saber, he has a six-piece stuck behind his belt, pistols in holsters, and a konchar hangs under his thigh at the saddle - a specific and very long stabbing weapon that replaced a lance for many riders. Interestingly, the horse's harness is clearly of Turkish origin with pendants decorated with boar tusks.

The Austrian army already had detachments of light horsemen, which could number up to 3000 people. They were led by Hungarian and Croatian nobles who could change overnight, especially if the Viennese court tried to force them to fulfill their feudal duties. Therefore, Leopold ordered Count Adam Chobor to select 1000 people and form them into an imperial hussar regiment, which would be paid from the imperial treasury, and by virtue of this, remain loyal to the crown. It was supposed to consist of men between the ages of 24 and 35 and have horses ranging in height from 140 to 150 cm, 5 and up to 7 years old. The regiment had ten companies of 100 hussars each. Officers of other Austrian regular cavalry units had a low opinion of the hussars, considering them "a little better than bandits on horseback." However, they proved to be very effective in combat. Therefore, in 1696, a second regiment was formed under the command of Colonel Dick, and there a third, commanded by Colonel Forgach, in 1702. The idea seemed sound, and the hussar was brought up in France (1692) and in Spain (1695).

To be continued ...
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  1. +9
    25 July 2020 06: 10
    Good morning to everyone and good mood! smile

    The history of cuirassiers ended quite late, namely in 1914,


    It is very strange, the machine gun was invented much earlier (1883), I'm not talking about mitrailleuses and simple infantry rifles, which did not care whether the rider had a cuirass or not. The shell-type rifle bullet sewed with equal ease both a simple uniform and a heavy cuirass.

    Another thanks to Olegovich for another interesting opus. I especially "liked" the tactics of the mounted grenadiers, there were simpler methods of suicide. hi
    1. +8
      25 July 2020 06: 36
      Dear Konstantin! And this is the inertia of thinking! I already wrote that as a child from 1954 to 1961, as it turned out later, he lived among the same things as my grandfather, who was born in 1891. And the spoken language was on the same level. By 1961, the new things in the house were a radio, a TV, a refrigerator, an electric stove, and two new chairs. Everything else from that time. And in the 19th century, progress was even slower, including in consciousness. And then ... the history of the war is accelerating. And they were not in Europe from 1871 to 1912!
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    2. +7
      25 July 2020 06: 40
      Uncle Bones, hello and respect !!! Once again he overtook me with the first comment, but his sun rises two hours later !!! With me "plus"!
      I'm going to pump water out of the underground !!!
      1. +9
        25 July 2020 07: 10
        Vlad! hi
        It's simple. When you have 7 in the morning, Uncle Kostya still does not go to bed.
      2. +4
        25 July 2020 07: 42
        Quote: Kote pane Kohanka
        I'm going to pump water out of the underground !!!

        And a lot has leaked?
        1. +9
          25 July 2020 08: 03
          I have it godly. The beds and the underground flooded when the electricity was cut off! Saved the drainage that was updated the day before.
          My father-in-law's garage floated away. Fortunately, I managed to overtake the car. Motoblock on Tuesday dug out completely in a flock filled with stones and silt on the steering wheel. Out of 4 wheels, found 2!
          And so only on the river. The screensaver of 7 bridges survived - two. The rest sailed away including 2 cars. I won't say anything about garages, 3 houses were washed away, two of them are flooded (concrete). They drowned 3 trucks, including the Ural and ZIL-131, passenger cars are still being assembled, one was found 25 km downstream!
          And this is a river - a brook two meters wide in summer !!!
          1. +9
            25 July 2020 08: 26
            Lord! How do you live there? This is fear and horror ... And often you do this?
            1. +8
              25 July 2020 08: 56
              It's strange, Vyacheslav Olegovich, why aren't you terrified how people in St. Petersburg lived before the dam was built?
              1. +8
                25 July 2020 10: 33
                Quote: 3x3zsave
                It's strange, Vyacheslav Olegovich, why aren't you terrified how people in St. Petersburg lived before the dam was built?

                Anton, seditiousness of the idea of ​​the Ural mining towns is a developed irrigation system! Demidov dams stand for 300 years and do not cry. Unless, of course, the human factor intervenes. Serebryanka overflowed the banks, the plant lowered the locks and equalized the water pressure. The rivers splash and middle are located below the dam, and they came off in full. In fact, the streams are even, in the deepest place up to a meter, no more than three or four wide in a flood. The difference in ground level in the city and rivers is under 50 meters + the mountain itself added 480 meters to 100. Approximately 10-25 meters - one meter. The rivers run in karst gullies (canyons), the height of which reaches a three-five-storey building. The screensaver is supported by Mount Kabatskaya, here all 150 meters, Sergi Mountain Bolnichnaya and Orlova are both about 500 meters. In principle, there should be no floods, spring floods are not driven by the dam. Only those who tried to build houses within 50m on the low bank of the river suffered. Spring made an annual adjustment. But these were isolated clinical cases. Only vegetable gardens went beyond the red line.
                This is truly an anomalous case! Mountains and rivers showed who is the boss. No harm done. The temples are jam-packed with parishioners! Power is being promoted! The Ministry of Emergencies (he personally observed the picture in the upper reaches of the Zastavka), in the amount of fifty people on one rubber boat, eat, drink and occasionally transport drunks from one to the other bank who go to the mainland for "Pivasik". Although it is possible and through the mountain, but God himself sent the boat and the Ministry of Emergencies!
                It is funny and sad at the same time!!! God forgive me!
                1. +4
                  25 July 2020 10: 41
                  In my small homeland, at the beginning of summer, the same garbage was. I probably heard about the story of the railway bridge across the river. Cola?
                  1. +4
                    25 July 2020 10: 47
                    Quote: 3x3zsave
                    In my small homeland, at the beginning of summer, the same garbage was. I probably heard about the story of the railway bridge across the river. Cola?

                    Yes, Anton heard, but that flood! And here in the middle of summer and such. It shouldn't have been, but - sailed !!!
                    1. +4
                      25 July 2020 10: 52
                      The fact of the matter is that there has never been such a flood since the beginning of the last century.
            2. +5
              25 July 2020 10: 10
              Now I went to the store! The middle river (the stream is a meter wide) demolished a concrete pedestrian bridge on the street. Victory.
              Quote: kalibr
              Lord! How do you live there? This is fear and horror ... And often you do this?

              We live normally. This has never happened before. Abnormal precipitation is not even monthly, but annual. Over Mount Sholum, on the slope of which the city itself is located. For three hours, all the roads were rivers, the gardens were swamps, the rivers turned over meter-long boulders! The riverside roads were simply washed away.
              It was aggravated by the fact that this year they tried to improve the playground at the mouth of the Zastavka! They dumped the cape and narrowed the river bed. Capital pedestrian and road bridges were first clogged with garages, cars and rubbish. The river overflowed and began to heat the factory and office buildings. In the middle course of the river, because of this, the water level dropped and he began to break bridges and houses!
              The Ministry of Emergency Situations did not work. They drowned the Urals and watched with a sage look as the gate, cars and
              zakuta. Although if wisely they threw pipes on the lower pedestrian bridge. And they began to pull garbage from them with chain pokes, the damage would not be so terrible. The terrain, by the way, assumed this. But Mother Russia is famous for This and the roads! Well, somewhere like that. God had mercy on me. In the underground there was a drainage pump that honestly worked one hundred percent. After turning off the light, the water rushed up to the knee. Now it works every 15 minutes, Water presses. The drainage pit 3x3x5 meters was full of water up to its neck. It was empty before the flood.
              Well, somewhere like that!
              1. VIP
                +5
                25 July 2020 15: 00
                "they dumped the cape and narrowed the river bed," but the river did not like it.
                How many times I am convinced that with nature it is better to be on you. Cheaper will come out
          2. +4
            25 July 2020 10: 16
            It's a nightmare! And with us, from Monday, they promise a heat again, if it was wrong! Well, where should the peasant go? wassat drinks
            1. +4
              25 July 2020 10: 33
              Migrate along the edge of the cloud front on your quad!
              1. +4
                25 July 2020 11: 26
                Yeah, that's how I imagine it. wassat
                1. +3
                  25 July 2020 11: 31
                  good
                  Malibu Rescuers, damn it!
                  Where is the aqualung ?!
                  1. +2
                    25 July 2020 11: 36
                    With scuba gear, alas, that's it! The doctors were hacked to death. And in the past, the first class in the third group of specialization. It's a pity I didn't have a chance to go to the Caribbean, but I taught the children, my son went somewhere in the Hawaiian region to the drowned "Libertos", buzz! smile
                    1. +2
                      25 July 2020 12: 05
                      "Scuba divers are not a game!"
                2. +7
                  25 July 2020 12: 28
                  Don't forget to wear cuirasses, racers. And the girls in them. laughing

                  1. +5
                    25 July 2020 12: 44
                    Baba, that on the ship, that on the ATV - all the same - a woman. laughing
                  2. VIP
                    +4
                    25 July 2020 15: 03
                    Why is the girl pretty
                    1. +5
                      25 July 2020 16: 15
                      Masha is good, but not ours. request
                  3. +6
                    25 July 2020 17: 23
                    The figurine is not bad, and the face is so-so. Her trump card is her youth
                    1. +2
                      25 July 2020 22: 59
                      The figurine is not bad, and the face is so-so. Her trump card is her youth

                      Taste and color ... Preferences are different!
                      I read a work in which the "evil genius" decided to show a race of handsome men and women!
                      The work ended with the fact that this "race of beautiful people" developed an attraction to people with physical and cosmetic defects!
                      Yes, and in different tribes to this time have their own criteria and concepts of beauty.
                    2. +1
                      26 July 2020 20: 05
                      Quote: Astra wild
                      The figurine is not bad, and the face is so-so. Her trump card is her youth

                      If you take a picture correctly, and before that slightly "warm up", the face will be 100500! But we do not know how it is with the legs. If straight and long, it can go easily in "model" laughing
            2. +5
              25 July 2020 10: 43
              Quote: Sea Cat
              It's a nightmare! And with us, from Monday, they promise a heat again, if it was wrong! Well, where should the peasant go? wassat drinks

              Uncle Kostya, it's not a joke, the whole city dreamed of rain! Many may have prayed! Mother-in-law On Sunday when we were leaving, God ate all the baldness !!! Father-in-law on Tuesday When the walk-behind tractor was dug out to me in quiet he gave out, "the women are stupid" !!!
              I have now started up the sprinklers and are watering the garden from the drainage hole! Heat!!!
              1. +4
                25 July 2020 10: 47
                On Thursday, having arrived at work, I did not get out of the car for half an hour, waiting for a downpour.
                1. +4
                  25 July 2020 10: 49
                  It has always been so normal! It pours, well, let it pour, but here. I have no words.
                  1. +3
                    25 July 2020 10: 57
                    In the Primorsky District of St. Petersburg, any heavy downpour turns into a local disaster.
              2. +4
                25 July 2020 11: 12
                Vlad, hello and I'm sorry that "got in front of the dad". smile

                And I, in the sense of ratsuhi, came up with the idea of ​​watering the garden with the help of "Karcher", I connect it to the water supply and put the divider, it turns out rain. But greenhouses are not allowed, my wife says that the water is too cold, I have to drag watering cans from the barrel.))
                1. +1
                  26 July 2020 00: 57
                  Uncle Kostya, have you tried lowering the "supply" hose into the barrel?
                  1. +1
                    26 July 2020 13: 32
                    What the hell? Then add water to the barrel itself? It is not rational, and there is some water with a cassock.
                    1. 0
                      26 July 2020 13: 35
                      Is it rational to carry a watering can?
                      1. +2
                        26 July 2020 13: 41
                        There are some plants in the garden that can only be watered with a watering can, but in greenhouses you cannot crawl through every corner with a hose. I am a simple executor in these matters, as ordered, and act.
                      2. +1
                        26 July 2020 13: 54
                        It's up to you, of course, but if you really "tamper", I would muddy drip irrigation on greenhouses.
                      3. +2
                        26 July 2020 15: 25
                        There are only two of them, it is easier to water. And for drip devils how many pipes are needed, the game is not worth the candle.
    3. +5
      25 July 2020 11: 44
      the machine gun was invented much earlier (1883), I'm not talking about mitrailleuses and simple infantry rifles, which did not care whether the rider had a cuirass or not.

      Firstly, there were not so many machine guns even at the beginning of the First World War. About "absolutely all the same", if you please:
      "... Nevertheless, they did not abandon cuirasses, in the 1880s they switched to chromium steel for the bib, which, with the same thickness and weight, protected from a Gra rifle bullet somewhere with 100 meters, and since 1891 - on chromium-nickel (almost unique aviation armor AB-1) in the new, latest model of the cuirass - the sample of 1891 (it still had a difference - it was more convenient to shoot from a carbine, greater hand mobility). Such a cuirass on trials was not penetrated by the standard French rifle Lebel Mle1886 with M bullets from a distance of 375 meters ... In the 1890s, a "lightweight" aluminum cuirass was tested. A bib sheet with a thickness of 3,5 mm held the bullet of the standard new 8-mm revolver Mle1892, "
      (https://borianm.livejournal.com/963628.html)
      Again, in addition to bullets, there are also debris. A modern bulletproof vest will not give you guarantees either, but they are not going to refuse them, on the contrary.
      1. +3
        25 July 2020 11: 51
        Obviously, they dunked the cat with their nose. laughing And when did the steel core bullet appear?
        1. +6
          25 July 2020 12: 10
          I could be wrong, but massively - already PMA, before that there was no special need. Prior to that, the gunpowder used was changed, the caliber and the design of small arms were reduced. Multifactorial process.
          Overall, the evolution of protective gear is very curious. Now, when relatively small contingents of professionals or semi-professionals are fighting on the battlefield (I mean, of course, countries of the 1st and partly of the 2nd world), "armor" again began to grow in quantity and variety. Helmet, goggles for protection against small fragments, body armor, protection of joints. In addition, now hostilities are often conducted in urbanized areas, which also leaves an imprint (getting on the head with a brick is not pleasant).
          Another direction of the "armor" renaissance is acting in the conditions of the "city guerrilla". German police officers, for example, are already quite officially using steel chain mail.
          1. +4
            25 July 2020 17: 28
            "steel cuirasses are already officially used" a new well-forgotten past?
      2. BAI
        +2
        25 July 2020 21: 21
        Firstly, there were not so many machine guns even at the beginning of the First World War.

        And what does "a lot" or "a little" mean? In the Russian army in 1914 there were 4152, in the German - 9000. Is this a lot or a little? By 1917, everything had increased several times, among the Austrians, 16 times.
    4. +1
      25 July 2020 16: 07
      What does machine guns and rifles have to do with it? The cavalry was widely and successfully used throughout WWII, civilian women, interwar conflicts, as well as in WWII. If the internal combustion engine had not been invented, then they would have fought on horses.
      1. +2
        25 July 2020 16: 18
        ... and also in WWII.

        Are you talking about the Polish attack on German tanks? laughing
        1. +1
          25 July 2020 16: 25
          This is me about the attack of the Italian cavalry against the Russian infantry. The Italians won.
          1. +2
            25 July 2020 16: 26
            More details, if not difficult.
            1. +1
              25 July 2020 16: 39
              Cavalry attack at Izbushensky farm. The losses of the cavalry were small in comparison with the losses of the Red Army, although the attack took place head-on. For example, in the charters and instructions of the 18-19 centuries, such attacks were strictly prohibited due to super-high losses.
              1. +2
                25 July 2020 17: 05
                Ahhh ... so after all the Red Army, and in it whoever served, and you
                against the Russian infantry
                ... Doesn't convince, not once. Not an argument, it's better about the Poles.
              2. +4
                25 July 2020 23: 05
                The attack was on the attacking infantry!
                Attack of the regiment "Savoy Cavalry"
                December 18, 2014 VO
                Alexander Dantonov
        2. BAI
          +5
          25 July 2020 21: 23
          The last cavalry attack was in August 1942, near Kushchevka.
          1. +1
            25 July 2020 21: 44
            Yeah. Then the checkers were taken away from the cavalrymen and were given only on holidays for parades. Otherwise, they could still stir up some kind of attack in the horse ranks.
    5. +1
      26 July 2020 23: 48
      I especially "liked" the tactics of the mounted grenadiers, there were simpler methods of suicide.

      After all, we are talking about the time of reitar and pikemen, only the musketeers appeared. This is not the same infantry.
      So - against their square or third, a grenade thrown by a rider is extremely effective.
      So this is not suicide at all, but a normal tactic.
      And only the appearance of field fortifications and effective riflemen made it too risky.
  2. +5
    25 July 2020 06: 12
    Vyacheslav Olegovich, thank you! Eyes ran away from the variety of illustrations! I felt a little like a child, images of "opponents of cuirassiers" carried away no less than the article itself!
    Good day to all !!!
    1. +6
      25 July 2020 06: 37
      Good day, Vladislav! I also like beautiful pictures drawn with skill.
  3. +6
    25 July 2020 06: 12
    Thanks to the author for the work, it was interesting to read ...
    It is clear that "heavy riders" were unsuitable for solving many important tasks that were easily solved by riders with light skins. For example, hussars!
    The heavy cavalry was also very expensive to use frequently. One horse and its "service" was worth what.
    1. +6
      25 July 2020 06: 36
      In Soviet times, explaining historical processes, many used the laws of physics. Including the rejection of heavy cavalry wink
      In these investigations, many formulas proved that light cavalry is an order of magnitude more effective than heavy !!!
      That has been proven by history more than once or twice! For example, Austerlitz, where our heavy Life Guards were mowed down almost to zero !!! Later, the sad event was repeated several times. However, this does not implore the heroism of our cavalry guards and cuirassiers. By the way, in the Crimean War, we similarly took out the "color of the red cavalry" near Bakalava.
      I'm interested in something else. Peter, creating dragoons, aimed specifically at the mounted infantry! Under him, it was used, not often, but the facts are documented. However, with his descendants, this feature of the dragoons ceases to be used. Maybe someone from the members of the forum will remember the dismounting of dragoons in the Patriotic history?
      Regards, Vlad!
      1. +8
        25 July 2020 06: 50
        Quote: Kote pane Kohanka
        For example, Austerlitz, where our heavy Life Guards were mowed down almost to zero !!!

        Not a very good example. Our Life Guards Cuirassier Regiment fulfilled its duty to the end, saving the remnants of the army
        Quote: Kote pane Kohanka
        By the way, in the Crimean War, we similarly took out the "color of the red cavalry" near Bakalava.

        Unsuccessful again. The light cavalry was defeated near Balaklava, the "Heavy Brigade" of the English cavalry escaped this fate that day
        Quote: Kote pane Kohanka
        Peter, creating dragoons, aimed specifically at the mounted infantry!

        Not only. According to European traditions, each type of cavalry had a certain standard of horses. In Russia then it was very bad with the thoroughbred horse stock, our horses barely met the dragoon standard.
      2. +7
        25 July 2020 07: 08
        In the summer of 1812, the issue of dismounting dragoons, as a tactical technique, in the Russian army ended once and for all. The guns were taken away from them, transferred to the forming militia, and they were never returned later.
        1. +6
          25 July 2020 07: 27
          Quote: 3x3zsave
          In the summer of 1812, the issue of dismounting dragoons, as a tactical technique, in the Russian army ended once and for all. The guns were taken away from them, transferred to the forming militia, and they were never returned later.

          Well, not entirely true ...
          “In 1833, on the initiative of Emperor Nicholas I, a separate dragoon corps was created, consisting of two divisions of four regiments each, with 32 guns and a pioneer cavalry division with 18 pontoons. as infantry. The corps regiments had 10 active squadrons and one reserve. The ninth and tenth squadrons were called pikemen and were armed with short carbines and pikes with weathercocks. "
          And it is also worth remembering the Nizhny Novgorod Dragoon Regiment, which heroically fought in the Caucasus.

          1. +8
            25 July 2020 07: 46
            I agree, however:
            1. Having existed until 1856, the corps did not take part in hostilities.
            2. War in the mountains has its own specifics.
          2. +3
            25 July 2020 10: 06
            Sergei hi , and below who stands with a carbine and a confederate?
            1. +3
              25 July 2020 11: 45
              hi
              Quote: Sea Cat
              and below who stands with a carbine and a confederate?

              Nizhny Novgorod, only he is wearing a cap ...

              1. +3
                25 July 2020 11: 51
                Thank you, everything is clear. hi
      3. +8
        25 July 2020 07: 37
        As far as I remember, our cuirassiers at Austerlitz did not have cuirasses either. Then they returned.
        1. +7
          25 July 2020 07: 52
          Good morning!
          Quote from Korsar4
          As far as I remember, our cuirassiers at Austerlitz did not have cuirasses either. Then they returned.

          Yes, it was not!
          In 1807, a cuirass with a face plate was adopted, before the Patriotic one - a full one. Although the officers of the cuirassier and cavalry regiments could, according to the regulations, wear both foreign and old Russian cuirasses of the last quarter of the 18th century in battle.
    2. +6
      25 July 2020 08: 00
      One horse and its "service" was worth what.
      It is in this connection that the corps indicated by you below was disbanded.
  4. +6
    25 July 2020 07: 48
    Thank you, Vyacheslav Olegovich!
    Will there be material about horse artillery?
    1. +5
      25 July 2020 08: 03
      Terribly interesting, what is the minus?
      1. +4
        25 July 2020 10: 03
        In recognition of your undeniable merits, nephew. smile drinks
        1. +5
          25 July 2020 10: 20
          "I'm sure God will forgive me
          and excitement, and blissful laziness;
          it doesn't matter what I've achieved
          and more importantly, that he lived every day. "(C)
          1. +4
            25 July 2020 11: 00
            "Do not fall into melancholy or excitement you
            Even in the most innocent game "(c).
            1. +3
              25 July 2020 11: 09
              "But I don't cry and I don't cry,
              I openly answer all questions,
              That our life is a game, and who is to blame
              That I am addicted to this game? "(FROM)
            2. +3
              25 July 2020 11: 33
              "You are gambling, Paramosha, gambling will destroy you." (from)
              1. +2
                25 July 2020 12: 13
                "I will play both" red "and" black ",
                And in Monte Carlo I'll screw all the corners
                Will stay in their gambling houses,
                Some vaunted green tables "(C)
                1. +3
                  25 July 2020 12: 43
                  "Found a deck, gentlemen, a fake deck ..." (C) angry
              2. +5
                25 July 2020 20: 24
                "- Excuse me, you seem to be in underpants?" (from)
      2. +5
        25 July 2020 11: 54
        Someone probably doesn't like horses or artillery laughing
        1. +4
          25 July 2020 12: 06
          Or me ... crying
        2. +3
          25 July 2020 12: 41
          Gogi, do you love pamidori?
          Eat yes, and so - net! laughing
          1. +5
            25 July 2020 12: 52
            Quote: Sea Cat
            Gogi, do you love pamidori?
            Eat yes, and so - net! laughing

            laughing
            - Said, why is the saddle wet?
            - So they shot ...
            1. +3
              25 July 2020 14: 59
              "- You are offended, chief! Sweaty!"
      3. +3
        25 July 2020 17: 00
        I would venture to suggest that from envy. You know how to give good comments, and not everyone likes it.
        Hee hee. Just kidding
        1. +2
          25 July 2020 17: 08
          I am cheerful, eater and playful. For which we are respected by comrades. I'm a jester.
    2. +7
      25 July 2020 08: 27
      More likely "no" than yes, although the topic is interesting. It all depends on the search for information and ... illustrations. And then I already know how many applications have been sent?
      1. +4
        25 July 2020 08: 38
        It's a pity of course. As far as I understand, horse artillery was created precisely for maneuverable counteraction to attacks of a dense horse formation.
        I don't know about applications. It would be interesting to know the topic.
  5. +8
    25 July 2020 08: 05
    Amateur Opinion is a very good article cycle, especially for a non-expert like me. I read it with interest. The comments are often very interesting too.
  6. +3
    25 July 2020 09: 35
    An interesting article, very rich in information, thanks to the author and a big plus.
    Smiled at the photo.
    The Russian dragoon looks like a villain from the movie, however, the Bavarian carabiner is still handsome :)
    In addition, the Bavarian just has a huge horse, which is probably not easy to feed on a campaign.
    Headdresses of equestrian grenadiers are in my opinion the height of inconvenience.
    In battle will fall, and throwing weapons is not easy.
    I also drew attention to the following: for the extermination of enemy officers they were armed with short carbines, although it is more logical on the contrary to increase the accuracy of shooting what
  7. +8
    25 July 2020 09: 49
    in holsters pistols

    In olstrakh.
    1. +6
      25 July 2020 10: 05
      Great point!
  8. +4
    25 July 2020 11: 47
    The history of cuirassiers ended quite late, namely in 1914, when the last cuirassiers, French, showed their complete ineffectiveness in the new conditions.

    The heavy cavalry of the Russian army also had its disappointment - the famous Battle of Kaushensky in 1914. Eight regiments of excellent Guards cavalry can do nothing with 8 battalions of the Landwehr (although the numerical advantage there was not so great). In the Napoleonic era, they would have simply worn them down, but during magazine rifles, machine guns and shrapnel - alas ...
    1. +3
      25 July 2020 13: 12
      So in the years of WWII, the cavalry was used more as mobile infantry. Rare exceptions are the attack by the Polish lancers of Guderian's motorized infantry battalion (the tale went from there about with a saber to tanks), effective finishing off by Dovator in 1941, actions at the Kushchevskaya Kuban Cossack Division, actions of Konev's cavalrymen in 1944. Of the less successful are the actions of Shkuro trying to throw the Americans into the English Channel - a fiasco. Actually, the Wehrmacht cavalry operated quite successfully in France in 1940.
      1. +4
        25 July 2020 14: 05
        In principle, against the background of widely advertised mechanization, the role of the horse in the Wehrmacht is very underestimated. The horse population of the German army, for the entire period of WWII, is estimated at 5 million units.
        Actually, the Germans have always tried to implement the principle: "It's better to go badly than go well."
        1. +2
          25 July 2020 15: 06
          Quote: 3x3zsave
          In principle, against the background of widely advertised mechanization, the role of the horse in the Wehrmacht is very underestimated. The horse population of the German army, for the entire period of WWII, is estimated at 5 million units.
          Actually, the Germans have always tried to implement the principle: "It's better to go badly than go well."

          But the bulk of the Wehrmacht's horses were used for transportation. We're talking about the cavalry
          1. +4
            25 July 2020 15: 13
            We're talking about the cavalry
            We, in principle, talk about anything, if the author and the moderators do not mind.
            1. +3
              25 July 2020 15: 23
              Yes laughing
              I read that due to the abundance of horse-drawn traction, the speed of the Wehrmacht's advance to Moscow was not much higher than that of Napoleon's army
              1. +2
                25 July 2020 15: 36
                Well, as it were, 40 kilometers a day, a very good speed. Given the fierce resistance that the Wehrmacht has not yet met.
                1. 0
                  25 July 2020 16: 24
                  They mostly bypassed the centers of resistance
      2. +3
        25 July 2020 14: 29
        Well, after all, we are talking about the First World War) Then there were cavalry clashes and full-fledged horse attacks.
        the actions of the Shkuro Cossacks, who tried to throw the Americans into the English Channel - a fiasco.
        - this is something unknown to me. Moreover, Shkuro did not command combat units in WWII and did not take any personal participation in battles, so, a purely decorative figure at that time.
        The Cossacks of the 15th Corps in Yugoslavia fought at the end of the war against Soviet troops and Bulgarians, not without success, it was.
        1. +3
          25 July 2020 15: 09
          One of the Cossack units was used in France against the Americans. Later, they handed over Soviet checkers (they were used to arm the Cossacks) to the command of the Red Army when they met. Source; Beaver, Normandy Landing
          1. +5
            25 July 2020 15: 27
            Well, in the hodgepodge of the "eastern battalions", the Cossack units were really present - the 360th Cossack Grenadier Regiment of Evert von Renteln fought against the Americans (south of Normandy), but what kind of "throw off" there - they mostly toiled around the encirclement, but did not surrender and did not crush themselves gave.
            By the way, to the topic of the article - von Renteln at one time was a volunteer of the Life Guards Cavalry Regiment. So we can say that one cuirassier also fought against the Americans.
            In the photo he is on the right.
            1. +1
              25 July 2020 16: 26
              A very dubious cuirassier. Military career - logistics. The result of life is hanged.
              1. +3
                25 July 2020 17: 08
                Military career - logistics.

                However, the wound has +
                - Promoted for distinction in cases against the enemy in cornet with seniority 6.08.1914/XNUMX/XNUMX.
                - Order of St. Anna of the 4th degree with the inscription "For Bravery" (VP 20.03.1915/XNUMX/XNUMX, for differences in cases against the enemy)
                - Order of St. Vladimir of the 4th degree with swords and a bow (VP 20.05.1915, for differences in matters against the enemy)
                In Civil - battalion commander and regiment commander of the SZA.
                WWII - regiment commander again - badge for injury, Iron Cross 1st and 2nd class.
                Some kind of not quite ordinary logistics.
                1. +2
                  25 July 2020 17: 23
                  Let's be objective. Some awards are not very true. Ramzan Kadyrov - is he really a Hero of Russia?
                  1. +5
                    25 July 2020 17: 34
                    Let's be objective: perhaps you have more information about Renteln than I do. He did not occupy positions in the rear. Did he have any kind of broad patronage in RIA? Maybe, although at the beginning of WWI he was an ordinary reserve warrant officer. It turns out, however, that the Wehrmacht also had a "shaggy paw" - the LCD is not quite an ordinary award .. Share your information.
                    1. +1
                      25 July 2020 17: 44
                      On the one hand, we got away, comrade. My information about this person, from Wiki.
                      On the other, groans: maybe we're talking about ginger people?
                      1. +3
                        25 July 2020 18: 17
                        On the (rather informative) site https://ria1914.info you can find a lot of information about him. True, it is said that he "died in prison." But according to other sources, he was executed on 5.01.1947/XNUMX/XNUMX.
                        I think Renteln is simply unpleasant to you personally, as a man who fought in WWII for the Germans.
                      2. +5
                        26 July 2020 01: 34
                        Sorry, dear comrade! We are really talking about different Rentelnas. You are about Ewald, I am about Theodore.
                        As for personal enmity ... For me, such personification of history is like a question: Who are you for? For Mark Antony or for Octavian Augustus?
                      3. +1
                        26 July 2020 09: 12
                        Quote: 3x3zsave
                        For me, this personification of history is like a question: Who are you for? For Mark Antony or for Octavian Augustus?

                        No, Anton! Sorry! Here and on this particular person, I disagree! This is the enemy! And the enemy is in the form of someone else's army. No, I disagree!
                2. +4
                  25 July 2020 20: 28
                  Quote: Ryazanets87
                  Some kind of not quite ordinary logistics.

                  Good evening! Really not ordinary! Awarded ZhK 1 and 2 classes for battles with our partisans on June 4 and September 23, 1943. The 750th regiment under his command operated in the Dorogobuzh region, and before that he commanded the 638th company, near Rzhev. This cavalryman does not cause sympathy.
            2. +3
              25 July 2020 20: 31
              And on the left is a certain junior lieutenant Isaev, his colleague.
              1. +1
                26 July 2020 01: 36
                Stirlitz ???
                1. +1
                  26 July 2020 06: 38
                  Quote: 3x3zsave
                  Stirlitz ???

                  At first, I thought so myself! laughing But .... I did not find information about him, perhaps another traitor to the Motherland, perhaps an emigrant from the former. I actually found information and photos about him on the White Deed * site.
                  1. +2
                    26 July 2020 09: 05
                    But, alas! There was nothing else besides the military rank and surname! It was only about the medals received in battles in the East / that is, he fought with our people, bastard! /, About the tank emblem, about the stripe for injury. hi
    2. -1
      25 July 2020 16: 23
      Rave. The battle of Minden, where a thin red line wiped out all the cavalry, or the retreat of Neverovsky completely refutes your words. There has never been anything "trampled on the infantry," the cavalry won only through cunning.
      1. +4
        25 July 2020 16: 50
        Hold on to the "framework", Mr. neophyte !!! If you want to be rude, be rude culturally! With similar bursts of unsatisfied "ego", return to "Answers mail.ru"
        1. -6
          25 July 2020 22: 24
          Who are you to tell me? Get out of here yourself. Please tell your mother about how the evil uncle from the Internet made you a remark, heh.
          1. +8
            25 July 2020 23: 16
            Who are you to tell me? Get out of here yourself. Please tell your mother about how the evil uncle from the Internet made you a remark, heh.

            With a similar attitude towards strangers, you will not be here for long.
            We have been to VO "foul language" and more serious. And where are they?
            And they are already gone!
          2. +3
            26 July 2020 00: 37
            I remember, dude! laughing
  9. +2
    25 July 2020 12: 24
    By the way, it is not entirely clear why, speaking of heavy cavalry, the author bypassed the winged hussaria.
    The end of the article, as it were, hints that the next article of the cycle will focus on hussars and light cavalry, but the winged hussaria, despite the similarity in name, clearly does not belong to the light one, in my opinion.
    1. +4
      25 July 2020 13: 48
      By the way, it is not entirely clear why, speaking of heavy cavalry, the author bypassed the winged hussaria.
      Apparently, because I already talked about it.
      1. -1
        25 July 2020 14: 08
        Yes I remember.
        It’s just strange that they are not even mentioned in the general context.
        1. +3
          25 July 2020 14: 29
          You see, colleague, each author has his own style. Shpakovsky, as a person who is carried away, is not interested in covering a single topic for a long time, and human memory is a fragile substance.
  10. +3
    25 July 2020 14: 39
    Vyacheslav Olegovich, always believed that the Preobrazhensky and Semyonovsky regiments were infantry. Now I looked at Vika: "formed by Peter 1 from the amusing village of Preobrazhensky 1691" included "1st Guards Infantry Division".
    Sorry if, what's wrong
    1. +4
      25 July 2020 15: 44
      In 1708, the "Transfigurations" were put on horses.
      1. +2
        25 July 2020 16: 53
        I also read about this in Vika
        1. +2
          25 July 2020 17: 04
          My Fair Stranger, the beauty of the situation is that most of the commentators for each of the published articles, before writing a comment, consulted Wikipedia. laughing
          1. +3
            25 July 2020 17: 39
            Sorry, but where else to check. Few remember from memory when the same Preobrazhensky regiment was formed. I suspect that you do not bypass Vika either
            1. +2
              25 July 2020 17: 50
              I suspect that you do not bypass Vika either
              Undoubtedly! And where else to draw absurdities ???
  11. +6
    25 July 2020 16: 42
    wink
    I studied the article of the author respected by me, looked through the comments, but still did not understand who the enemies of the cuirassiers were? A square of infantry? Canister of light field artillery? Light cavalry? Machine guns of the late 19th century?

    About dragoons, mounted grenadiers (except for hand grenades, hand mortars were used) is stated intelligibly. Thank! At the time of Suvorov, the headdresses of the grenadiers were small helmets with protective vertical shields. Paul I, in the Prussian manner, introduced high frame caps on a whalebone frame with a high front shield.

    By the way, discussing the cuirassier together with the Polish hussars (the same as the reiters) is like comparing the Red Army infantry of the early 30s with the SA motorized riflemen of the 70s.
    This is a different era, a different battle tactics ...

    For horse-drawn transport, for a cart pulled by one horse, when transporting a load of 250-300 kg., 40 km per day - the limit of movement, with the obligatory stand (unharness and rest) for the night, feed oats at least 5 kg. (a horse will not last long on hay or straw).
  12. +1
    25 July 2020 16: 51
    "private on the left, officer on the right" Vyacheslav Olegovich, how did officers differ from privates in the Russian army since 1700?
    From fiction, I came to the conclusion: the officers were distinguished by a belt-scarf, a better uniform. And how to distinguish company commanders from battalion commanders or regimental commanders: is that in person?
    1. +2
      25 July 2020 17: 29
      On a sling, the officer is girded with a scarf, in a sling wears a sword, leggings (gloves with a bell), a caftan cut from thin cloth, a plume on a cocked hat (probably if the rank is higher than the second lieutenant) made of high-quality felt, boots.
      In Peter's times, and, probably, up to the end of Elizabethan times.
  13. BAI
    +1
    25 July 2020 20: 50
    For example, hussars!

    And what did the author ignore the Polish "winged" hussars?
  14. +4
    25 July 2020 21: 41
    Ulan will beat the hussar
    The dragoon will beat the lancer.
    The grenadier will get the dragoon with a bayonet.
    We'll light our pipes
    We'll load the cannons.
    Come on, fell guys
    The Lord will not leave us!
    1. +4
      25 July 2020 22: 00
      * .... The commanders answer, everyone is trembling:
      -Bombardiers at the tavern are drunk! * laughing
      Julius Kim.

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