Death's Head Hussars (ETW Unit)
Hussars are light cavalry, used as skirmishers and for scouting ahead of an army.
Overview
These superb horsemen are a force that can be used as a screen by the main army, or for strategic scouting to locate the enemy. They are armed with curved sabers and smooth-bore carbine muskets. Their gaudy, almost popinjay uniforms should not lead enemies to underestimate them as mere dandies – these are trained, disciplined and dangerous soldiers.
Hussars have a certain swashbuckling attitude towards the business of warfare, and the bandit origins of the Hungarian “huszárok” are certainly evident. Even non-Hungarian hussars cultivate a slightly barbarous air, and little private or enemy property is safe when they are around! Oddly, they are also unusually democratic, and troopers expect to be consulted by their officers before attacking the enemy, again probably a legacy of their brigand heritage.
Historically, many nations adopted hussars after the Austrian type proved successful, and military fashions were also influenced by the hussars’ splendid and elaborate uniforms. Hussar uniforms became slight caricatures, but remained very fashionable and popular, particularly with ladies – perhaps it was the very tight breeches that were so appealing.
Details
Unique to Prussia, these units are superior versions of regular hussars and emphasize Prussia's advantage in light cavalry. Death's Head Hussars are available only with the Elite Units of the West DLC. Death's Head Hussars boast an unusually high defense stat, allowing them to weather drawn out melees much better than most other light cavalry. Unfortunately, they (like most other DLC units) are capped at only one regiment. They should be used to chase down fleeing enemies or deliver the finishing blow to wavering enemy troops. Due to their speed they can traverse the battlefield with ease, and arrive at places of need quickly.