Hussards de la Mort
The Hussards de la Mort or Death Hussars were a French light cavalry company formed during the French Revolution.
| Hussards de la Mort | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active |
|
| Country |  France |
| Allegiance | French Revolutionary Army |
| Branch | Army of the North |
| Size | Company, 200 |
| Motto(s) | Vaincre ou mourir, La liberté ou la mort, and Vivre libre ou mourir - Victory or death, Freedom or death, Live free or die |
| Black | Black |
| Mascot(s) | Skull and crossbones |
| Engagements | French Revolutionary Wars |
History
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
Sources
- Historique du 14e Chasseurs, Service Historique de la Défense
- 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)