Austrian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (2): Cavalry

Osprey Men at Arms #181

by Philip J. Haythornthwaite

The mounted troops of the Hapsburg Empire comprised one of the most powerful forces of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). However, from the outset the cavalry's higher command was less capable than its infantry counterpart: appointments were influenced by nepotism and politics, which resulted in commands often being given to those who lacked experience. The cavalry underwent many re-organisations and expansions in the course of the wars that attempted to redress these matters, and to modernise the force as a whole. This title examines these processes and documents in detail the tactics, uniforms and equipment of the Austrian cavalry, covering Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Chevauxlegers, Hussars, Uhlan (lancer) and auxiliary units.

Genres: Military History, History

50 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 1986

About the author

Philip J. Haythornthwaite (born 1951) is an internationally respected and prolific author and historical consultant specializing in military history, uniforms and equipment. Whilst his main area of research is the Napoleonic Wars, his impressive list of publications covers a much wider range of periods from the English Civil War until WWI.

Reviews

[Mastersonmcvoidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book on the Austrian cavalry of the Napoleonic period, containing much detail on uniforms but little in the way of tactics. and organisation.

The coverage of organisation and tactics is brief, but has some interesting notes and statistics. It covers the various type of cavalry, including the Uhlans, Dragoons, Hussars, auxiliary cavalry and more. Some attention is given to the reforms of Archduke Charles with a short comment on the apparent myth of his iconic moment at the Battle of Aspern-Essling where he seized the colours and rallied his troops. The rest of the book covers the uniforms and their evolution in detail, but nothing too remarkable.

A good reference for the uniforms, but has little on the tactics and organisation.

Final Rating: 5/10

[Sean Chick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is mostly a detailed discussion of uniforms, with only a bit on tactics. It is rather disappointing.