Prelude to Leipzig:

Comparison of Cavalry Types at Liebertwolkwitz
(14 October 1813)


TypeRegts.French Sqds.MenMenAllied Sqds.Regts.
Hussars, Chasseurs, Chevaulegers 6191,7382,296216
Lancers, Uhlans, Cossacks487701,4691536
Dragoons10273,09844041
Cuirassiers0002,099184
Totals20545,6066,3045814


Hussars, Chasseurs, Chevaulegers were considered "light" cavalry armed with sword, pistol, and carbine. Lancers (chevaulegers lanciers), Uhlans, and Cossacks were also categorized as "light" but carried a lane as their primary weapon. Cuirassiers were considered "heavy" or "battle" cavalry, equipped with metal breastplate and back plate (cuirass) and steel helmets, straight thrusting swords and pistols, and mounted on biger horses intended for their "shock" effect in charges. French Dragoons were in heavy divisions, but wore no body armor and were heavy cavalry only by virtue of their designation with the Cuirassiers as cavalerie. Trained to fight on foot as well as on horseback, dragoons were intended for a very different employment than Cuirassiers. In most cases, fench Dragoons were not an even match against Allied Cuirassiers.

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