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There was only 7 Hussars regiments in the french army
Light cavalry was much rarer in western armies in the eighteenth century with the majority of cavalry being either horse (heavies) or dragoons. As the ninetenth century progressed, with the odd exception, western cavalry became increasingly generic.
Great responses, thanks guys.So did the British not have 'heavy cavalry'? Were dragoons the heaviest they had?I was aware that heavy cavalry used straight swords and light cavalry used sabres - hadn't noticed that dragoons had the straight swords too.But I just noticed the Perry British dragoons have sabres, and are called 'light dragoons'. So... there were 'line' and 'light' dragoons? The Perry plastic Brit dragoons are the lighter sort, and they don't do a plastic set yet for the heaviest British cav, which would be 'line dragoons'? Man it does get confusing.Did all cavalry have firearms as well as swords, and if so how often did they actually use them?Were carabiniers just cursassiers with firearms? Did they function differently tactically?Did they become more generic leaning towards heavy or light roles? Or just settled into a role between the two?
Great responses, thanks guys.So did the British not have 'heavy cavalry'? Were dragoons the heaviest they had?
Dragoon straight swords were much different to cuirassier straight swords. Dragoon swords were shorter and broader and could be used for slashing as well as stabbing. Heavy cav swords were like long pointy needles and could not be used for slashing.
All regiments labelled Dragoons or Dragoon Guards, as well as the Lifeguards and Royal Horse Guards were British heavy cavalry (sometimes the Dragoons are described as medium, but their use was the same). As stated, they were big men on big horses with heavy swords, and at the charge would usually form close together in a compact block for greater impact. Britain didn't send any heavy cavalry to the Peninsular campaign, so this might be where the confusion arose.
The Household Cavalry and several regiments of both Dragoons and Dragoon Guards fought in the Peninsular War.
All cavalry had firearms, except lancers. Except when the firearms weren't issued.
Carabiniers = cuirassiers, but had white uniforms.