Hungarian Hussars (ETW Unit)
Hussars are light cavalry, used to skirmish and for scouting ahead of an army.
Overview
Like other light cavalrymen, hussars have speed, “dash” and an elitist attitude towards enemies. Hungarian hussars are, without exception, superb equestrians, as might be expected for a Magyar force. Their organisational origin as irregular forces (reputedly recruited from among brigands) gives them a certain independence of spirit, something that aids them in reconnaissance work. They carry a curved sabre and a muzzle-loading smoothbore carbine. This is a smaller calibre weapon than an infantry musket, the “sawn off” length of carbines being a late development to make reloading on horseback an easier exercise.
Austria had raised units of irregular Magyar horsemen called “huszárok” in the mid-15th Century, and they had fought bravely for Matthias Corvinus, the King of Hungary and Croatia and Duke of Austria, but it was not until the 1680s that regular hussar regiments were formed. Having proved their utility in Austrian service, other nations soon added hussars to their own armies – and enthusiastically adopted hussar uniform as a fashion statement for cavalrymen. In some armies, hussar uniforms grew ever more gaudy, exaggerated and, frankly, needlessly suggestive in the cut of the very tight breeches! The cavalrymen didn’t mind at all that they were being dressed up like peacocks, as a splendid uniform was always useful in attracting the ladies!
Details
Hungarian Hussars are (surprisingly) only recruitable in the region of Hungary. This means if the player wishes to recruit Hungarian Hussars, Hungary must be held at all cost. Hungary hussars are ideal to skirmish the enemy and taking out enemy artillery before they can cause too much damage. If used properly, Hungarian Hussars can be used to flank the enemy infantry but after the charge as taken its toll, they should be removed from melee, especially against elite infantry and even line infantry after bayonets are researched.Hungarian Hussars are light cavalry and do not stand a chance against heavier cavalry such as Cuirassiers and Winged Hussars.