Trooper, 2nd Hussars, 1807

[Ratch]

Hussars enjoyed great popularity, particularly in the French army. Their name means corsairs, pirates or raiders, derived from the Mongol hoards. These excellent horsemen scoured ahead of the main army, striking terror into the enemy populous. They wore a wolf’s skin across their left shoulder as a light shield. This was replaced by the pelisse – itself a corruption of pelz or animal skin. They wore long moustaches and their hair was worn in cadanettes; three plaits, one at the rear and one in front of each ear.