French NCO 5e Hussards 1807
Uniform Study
by Adrian George
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Illustrated is a Marechal-des-logis,
of the 5th Hussar regt.
circa 1807. This determined
looking veteran is wearing a mixture
of campaign and full dress uniform,
his shako and shabretache are lacking
their oilskin covers, which would normally
be worn on campaign as protection from the
elements. His white pelisse is draped from
the shoulder in true Hussar fashion, on active
duty this expensive item would be
packed away, left at the depot or in some
cases worn fully as protection against the
cold. The braded dolman was also often
replaced by the less impressive but far more
practical ‘Kinski’ tunic, more akin to the
Chasseur regiments.
In 1807 the 5th Hussars were brigaded
with the 3rd Chasseurs and 7th Hussars, the
brigade, commanded by General Pajol, was
part of General Lasalle’s light cavalry division.
Although present at the Battle of Eylau,
this fine formation under Frances’ finest
light cavalry commander remained idle on
the French left, and did not participate in
Marshal Murat’s massed cavalry charge.
Despite this the 5th Hussars boasted a
fine campaign record, including Austerlitz,
the Eggmuhl and Wagram campaigns, the
invasion of Russia and the gruelling
victories and ultimate deafeats of
1813-14. Finally the 5th was one
of only five Hussar regiments that
took part in the Waterloo campaign.
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