Member-only story

Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry Dragoon Tactics: Elite 188 - A Detailed Review

Garrett Bell

·8.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry Dragoon Tactics (Elite 188)

6 min read · 3 weeks before

289 View Claps

15 Respond

Save

Listen

Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry Dragoon Tactics: Elite 188 is a comprehensive guide to the tactics and organization of the French heavy cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. This book provides a detailed overview of the equipment, training, and tactics used by these elite troops, as well as their role in the French army.

The book is divided into four main sections. The first section covers the history of the French heavy cavalry, from its origins in the Middle Ages to its zenith during the Napoleonic Wars. The second section discusses the organization of the heavy cavalry, including its regimental structure, command hierarchy, and uniforms. The third section examines the training and tactics of the heavy cavalry, covering topics such as horsemanship, weapons handling, and combat maneuvers. The fourth section analyzes the role of the heavy cavalry in the French army, including its use in battle, its strengths and weaknesses, and its impact on the course of the Napoleonic Wars.

Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry & Dragoon Tactics (Elite Book 188)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16563 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	64 pages

Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry Dragoon Tactics: Elite 188 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Napoleonic Wars or military history in general. The book is well-written and extensively researched, and it provides a wealth of information on the subject. If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the French heavy cavalry, then this book is a must-read.

Equipment

The French heavy cavalry was equipped with a variety of weapons and equipment, including:

Swords: The most common sword used by the heavy cavalry was the saber, a curved blade that was well-suited for both cutting and thrusting. Other swords used by the heavy cavalry included the straight-bladed палаш and the heavy two-handed broadsword.
Pistols: The heavy cavalry was also armed with pistols, which were typically carried in holsters on the saddle. Pistols were used for self-defense and for close-quarters combat.
Carbines: Some heavy cavalry units were also equipped with carbines, which were short-barreled muskets that could be fired from horseback. Carbines were used for dismounted combat, such as when the cavalry was supporting infantry or defending a position.
Lances: The lance was a traditional weapon of the heavy cavalry, and it was still used by some units during the Napoleonic Wars. Lances were long, wooden poles with a metal point at the end. They were used for charging at the enemy, and they could be devastating in close combat.

Training

The French heavy cavalry was trained to a high standard of horsemanship and combat skills. Recruits were typically young men from the upper classes, who had already received some basic military training. They were then sent to cavalry schools, where they were taught the basics of horsemanship, weapons handling, and combat maneuvers.

The training of the heavy cavalry was rigorous and demanding. Recruits were required to spend long hours in the saddle, practicing their horsemanship and swordsmanship. They were also required to undergo regular physical training, including running, jumping, and swimming. The training was designed to produce a force of highly skilled and disciplined cavalrymen, who were capable of fighting effectively in a variety of situations.

Tactics

The French heavy cavalry used a variety of tactics in battle, depending on the situation. Their most common tactic was the charge, in which the cavalry would form up in a line or column and charge at the enemy at full speed. The charge was a devastating tactic, and it could be used to break through enemy lines and rout their infantry. However, the charge was also a risky tactic, and it could be easily defeated by enemy artillery or infantry fire.

In addition to the charge, the French heavy cavalry also used a variety of other tactics, such as:

Skirmishing: Skirmishing was a tactic in which the cavalry would spread out and engage the enemy with their pistols and carbines. Skirmishing was used to harass the enemy, to cover the advance of other troops, or to delay their retreat.
Flanking attacks: Flanking attacks were a tactic in which the cavalry would attack the enemy from the side or rear. Flanking attacks were often used to surprise the enemy and to break through their lines.
Defensive positions: The French heavy cavalry could also be used in defensive positions, such as to hold a flank or to protect the rear of the army. In defensive positions, the cavalry would typically form up in a line or square and use their firepower to repel enemy attacks.

Role in the French Army

The French heavy cavalry played a vital role in the French army during the Napoleonic Wars. They were used for a variety of tasks, including:

Shock troops: The heavy cavalry was primarily used as shock troops, to break through enemy lines and rout their infantry. They were also used to support infantry attacks, and to protect the flanks of the army.
Recon

Napoleonic Heavy Cavalry & Dragoon Tactics (Elite Book 188)

4.7 out of 5