Volunteer Representative Squadron of City of Poznań in uniforms of 15th Poznań Uhlans Regiment

Polish Cavalry (Polish: kawaleria) can trace its origins back to the days of Medieval mounted knights. Poland had always been a country of flatlands and fields and mounted forces operate well in this environment. The knights and heavy horse cavalry gradually evolved into many different types of specialised mounted military formations, some of which heavily influenced western warfare and military science. This article details the evolution of Polish cavalry tactics, traditions and arms from the times of mounted knights and heavy winged hussars, through the times of light uhlans to mounted infantry equipped with ranged and mêlée weapons. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (960x1280, 617 KB) Uniforms of 15th PoznaÅ„ Reg. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (960x1280, 617 KB) Uniforms of 15th PoznaÅ„ Reg. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times. ... A statue of an armoured knight of the Middle Ages For the chess piece, see knight (chess). ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Uhlan dressed in the characteristic czapka. ... Mounted infantry were soldiers who rode horses instead of marching, but actually fought on foot with muskets or rifles. ... A period illustration of the Battle of Crécy. ... A mêlée weapon is any weapon that does not involve a projectile — that is, both the user and target of the weapon are in contact with it simultaneously in normal use. ...

Battle of Grunwald

Until 14th century the Polish armed forces were composed mostly of mounted soldiers. Initially only a part of prince's druzhina had horses, but with time the vast plains of Poland made creation of strong mounted units a necessity. By the start of 15th century, the core of the Polish armies was formed by mounted knights called to arms by the kings. The basic tactical unit of the army was a banner (chorągiew), that is a group of approximately 50 men financed by a noble clan, a notable person or a land. The banner fought separately and included all the necessary detachments, including own kitchen, tabors and servants. This 14th-century statue from south India depicts the gods Shiva (on the left) and Uma (on the right). ... For other uses, see Druzhina (disambiguation). ... (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ... For other uses, see Knight (disambiguation) or Knights (disambiguation). ... ChorÄ…giew pancerna of rotmistrz Józef Hulewicz painted by Wojciech Kossak. ... This is an article on the military formation called tabor. ...

Polish early 17th century Towarzysz pancerny.

One of the finest examples of usage of the early Polish cavalry was the Battle of Grunwald of 1410. During the battle, the Polish heavy cavalry was used to break through Teutonic lines. In addition, the Polish forces were helped by Lithuanian light cavalry of Eastern origins and by Tartar skirmishers, who used mostly hit-and-run tactics. During the battle, after initial clashes of the light cavalry, the Teutonic Order split its forces, which were then defeated by a heavy cavalry charge. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 472 × 599 pixelsFull resolution‎ (630 × 800 pixels, file size: 148 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Faithful reproductions of two-dimensional original works cannot attract copyright in the U.S. according to the rule in Bridgeman Art Library v. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 472 × 599 pixelsFull resolution‎ (630 × 800 pixels, file size: 148 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Faithful reproductions of two-dimensional original works cannot attract copyright in the U.S. according to the rule in Bridgeman Art Library v. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... Towarzysz pancerny Towarzysz pancerny (companion of mail-coated cavalry), plural: Towarzysze pancerni or Pancerni the name of a class of medium cavalry in 17th and 18th century Poland, so called after their armour made of chainmail (Old Polish pancerz). ... Combatants Kingdom of Poland Grand Duchy of Lithuania Teutonic Order and Mercenaries and Various Knights from the rest of Europe Commanders Władysław II Jagiełło, Vytautas the Great Ulrich von Jungingen† Strength 39,000 27,000 Casualties Unknown 8,000 dead 14,000 captured The Battle of Grunwald... March 29 - The Aragonese capture Oristano, capital of the giudicato di Arborea in Sardinia July 15 – Battle of Grunwald (also known as Tannenberg or Zalgiris). ... Teutonic Knights, charging into battle. ... Tartar may refer to: Look up Tartar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

16th and 17th centuries

In the 16th century the introduction of gunpowder and firearms made the medieval heavy cavalry obsolete. The standing army of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was gradually converted to other, more modern forms of cavalry. Under eastern influence, the armament of the cavalrymen was lightened and their speed and mobility increased, which added to the successes of the Polish cavalry in numerous wars against Muscovy, Turkey and the Tartars. With time the heavy cavalry became a Polish specialty. (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... Gunpowder (also called black powder) is a pyrotechnic composition, an explosive mixture of sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate that burns rapidly, producing volumes of hot solids and gases which can be used as a propellant in firearms and fireworks. ... Firearms redirects here. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Muscovy (Moscow principality (княжество Московское) to Grand Duchy of Moscow (Великое Княжество Московское) to Russian Tsardom (Царство Русское)) is a traditional Western name for the Russian state that existed from the 14th century to the late 17th century. ... Tatars or Tartars is a collective name applied to the Turkic-speaking people of Europe and Asia. ...

Commonwealth Hussar, wings visible. Painting by Aleksander Orlowski

1503 saw the formation of a first hussar unit in Poland. Being far more manoeuvrable than the heavily armoured lancers previously employed, the hussars proved vital to the Polish victories at Orsza (1514) and Obertyn (1531). By the reign of King Stefan Batory, the hussars had replaced medieval-style lancers in the Polish army, and they now formed the bulk of the Polish cavalry. This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Self-portrait Aleksander Orłowski (1777–1832) was a Polish painter and sketch maker, pioneer of litography in Russia. ... Year 1503 (MDIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... A British Hussar from the Crimean War Hussar (original Hungarian spelling: huszár, plural huszárok, Polish: Husaria) refers to a number of types of cavalry used throughout Europe since the 15th century. ... Towarzysz pancerny Towarzysz pancerny (companion of mail-coated cavalry), plural: Towarzysze pancerni or Pancerni the name of a class of medium cavalry in 17th and 18th century Poland, so called after their armour made of chainmail (Old Polish pancerz). ... The Battle of Orsha took place September 8, 1514, between the forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Kingdom of Poland (less than 30,000 troops), under the command of Hetman Konstanty Ostrogski, and the army of Muscovy under Konyushy (конюший, Tsars... Combatants Poland Principality of Moldavia Commanders Jan Amor Tarnowski Petru RareÅŸ Strength 4,484 cavalry 1,167 infantry 1,143 firearms 12 cannons 17,000 cavalry 50 cannons Casualties 256 killed 7,746 killed 1,000 captured 50 cannons lost The Battle of Obertyn (September 22, 1531) was fought between... For other persons of the same name, see Báthory. ...

Over the course of the 1500s hussars had become heavier in character: they had abandoned wooden shields and adopted plate metal body armour. With the Battle of Lubieszów in 1577 the 'Golden Age' of the husaria began. Until the Battle of Vienna in 1683, the Polish hussars fought countless actions against a variety of enemies, and rarely lost a battle. In the battles of Byczyna (1588), Kokenhausen (1601), Kluszyn (1610), Gniew (1626), Chocim (1673) and Lwów (1675), the Polish hussars proved to be the decisive factor often against overwhelming odds. One of the most notable examples of such victories of the Polish hussars was the Battle of Kircholm of 1605, in which 3,000 hussars under Jan Karol Chodkiewicz managed to defeat 14,000 soldiers of Charles IX of Sweden - with negligible losses. Events March 17 - formation of the Cathay Company to send Martin Frobisher back to the New World for more gold May 28 - Publication of the Bergen Book, better known as the Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, one of the Lutheran confessional writings. ... // For siege of Vienna in 1529 see Siege of Vienna Combatants Holy League: Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Austria, Saxony, Franconia, Swabia, Bavaria Ottoman Empire, Khanate of Crimea, Transylvania, Wallachia, Moldavia Commanders John III Sobieski, Charles V of Lorraine Kara Mustafa Pasha Strength 70,000, (10,000 during siege) 138,000, (200... Events June 6 - The Ashmolean Museum opens as the worlds first university museum. ... Combatants Poland Austria Commanders Jan Zamojski Maximilian III of Austria Strength 3700 cavalry, 2300 infantry 6000 infantry Casualties 1000 2000 The Battle of Byczyna took place on January 24 1588 between polish-lithuanian army of new elected polish king Sigismund III Vasa under command of hetman Jan Zamojski and austrian... Conflict Dymitriads - Polish-Muscovite War of 1609-1618 Date July 4, 1610 Place Village of Kluszyn, between Vyazma and Mozhaysk Result Polish victory The Battle of Kluszyn (Klushino) was fought on July 4th, 1610, between forces of the Russia during Russias Time of Troubles. ... Battle of Khotyn on 11 November 1673 was a battle where Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth forces under hetman Jan Sobieski defeated Ottoman Empire forces. ... Combatants Ottoman Empire Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Commanders Ibrahim Shyshman John III Sobieski Strength ~10,000 ~6,000 Casualties Unknown Negligible Battle of Lwów refers to a battle between the armies of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Ottoman Empire that took place near the city of Lwów (now Lviv) on... Combatants Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Sweden Commanders Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, Grand Hetman of Lithuania Charles IX, King of Sweden Strength 1,300 infantry 2,500 cavalry 5 guns 9,000 infantry 3,000 cavalry 11 guns Casualties 100 dead 200 wounded 8,000 dead The Battle of Kircholm (September 27, 1605... 1605 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ... Noble Family Chodkiewicz Coat of Arms Chodkiewicz Parents Jan Hieronim Chodkiewicz Krystyna Zborowska Consorts Zofia Mielecka Anna Alojza Ostrogska Children with Zofia Mielecka Hieronim Chodkiewicz Anna Scholastyka Chodkiewicz Date of Birth 1560 Place of Birth  ? Date of Death September 24, 1621 Place of Death Chocim Castle, Poland Jan Karol Chodkiewicz... Charles IX (Karl IX) (October 4, 1550 – October 30, 1611), was King of Sweden from 1604 until his death. ...

As one of the very few units in the Polish standing army (most of other units were formed as levée en masse), the hussars were well-trained and well-equipped. Until the 18th century they were considered the elite of the Polish armed forces. Because of the fame and prestige that surrounded the hussars, many of them were members of the nobility (szlachta). Although by the 18th century their importance was diminished by the introduction of modern infantry firearms and quick-firing artillery, the Polish hussars' tactics and armament remained almost unchanged. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with levée en masse. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... StanisÅ‚aw Antoni Szczuka, a Polish nobleman Szlachta ( ) was the noble class in Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the two countries that later jointly formed the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. ... A firearm is a kinetic energy weapon that fires either a single or multiple projectiles propelled at high velocity by the gases produced by action of the rapid confined burning of a propellant. ...

A mention should also be made of cavalry lighter than hussars - namely 'Pancerni' in the Kingdom of Poland or 'Petyhorcy' in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (the actual subject of the illustration) - whose offensive armament included a sabre and a bow, but no lance.

Uhlan fighting a foot soldier

In addition to the heavy hussar cavalry, the late 17th century saw the creation of yet another cavalry formation that influenced most European armies of the time: the uhlans. Initially a light cavalry formation formed by Polish Tatars (the very word ulan came from Tartar word oglan meaning a skilled warrior), the uhlan units were soon joined by other nationalities of Poland and in early 18th century the first uhlan regiment - known as National Cavalry - was formed by king Stanislaw August. The uhlans were light cavalry armed with lances, sabres and pistols, which gave them enough power and at the same time adding to their versatility and manouevrability. In addition, the Polish uhlans, or ulani as they were called in their native tongue, introduced a new uniform style composed of a colourful jacket with a coloured panel in the front, dark trousers with colourful stripes on the sides and a high, pointed cap called czapka (often rendered chapka in English). Download high resolution version (636x800, 241 KB) This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Download high resolution version (636x800, 241 KB) This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... Polish uhlans from Duchy of Warsaw army Uhlans (in Polish: UÅ‚an also spelled Ulan, German, from Turkish oÄŸlan [1]) were originally Polish light cavalry soldiers armed with lances, sabres, pistols, rifles; later they also served in the Prussian and Austrian armies. ... The Lipka Tatars were a noble military caste of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth who followed the Sunni branch of the Islamic religion and whose origins can be traced back to the Mongol Empire of Ghengis Khan, through the Khanate of the White Horde of Siberia. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... Soldier of the 1st Greater Polish Brigade of National Cavalry in the uniform introduced in 1790 National cavalry and artillerymen defending a rampart against Russian infantry in 1794, a painting by Aleksander OrÅ‚owski The National cavalry (Polish: ) was a branch of Polish cavalry in the Polish armed forces in... For other persons named Stanisław Poniatowski, see Stanisław Poniatowski. ... The term lance has become a catchall for a variety of different pole weapons based on the spear. ... Szablas in Muzeum Wojska Polskiego, Warsaw. ... A kurtka is the generic word for a jacket in a number of European languages, most notably in Polish and Russian. ... Czapka is a Polish generic word for a cap. ...

19th century: the Napoleonic Era

Battle of Somosierra, one of greatest successes of 19th century Polish cavalry

With the advent of the 19th century Poland was partitioned by her neighbours. However, the Polish army was not disbanded and instead most of it was simply drafted into the armies of the occupying countries. Thanks to that, the Polish cavalry traditions were retained. After the creation of Duchy of Warsaw, many Poles volunteered for the Polish cavalry units fighting in the Napoleonic Wars alongside the French army. ImageMetadata File history File links Szarza_w_wawozie_Somosierry. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Szarza_w_wawozie_Somosierry. ... Combatants France Spain Commanders Napoleon I of France Benito de San Juan Strength 45,000 20,000 infantry 16 guns Casualties Unknown 250 dead or wounded The Battle of Somosierra was a battle of the Peninsular War that took place on November 30, 1808 at the Somosierra pass in the... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Partitions of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (Polish: Rozbiór Polski or Rozbiory Polski; Lithuanian: Lietuvos-Lenkijos padalijimai, Belarusian: Падзелы Рэчы Паспалітай) took place in the 18th century and ended the existence of the sovereign Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. ... Coat of arms Map of the Duchy of Warsaw after 1809. ... Combatants Austria[a] Portugal Prussia[a] Russia[b] Sicily[c] Sardinia  Spain[d]  Sweden[e] United Kingdom French Empire Holland[f] Italy Etruria[g] Naples[h] Duchy of Warsaw[i] Confederation of the Rhine[j] Bavaria Saxony Westphalia Württemberg Denmark-Norway[k] Commanders Archduke Charles Prince Schwarzenberg Karl Mack...

The new formation of uhlans proved to be not only fast and effective, but also very influential: during the Napoleonic Wars the uhlans of the Duchy of Warsaw were among the most effective cavalry units and by the end of that period most of European states copied both their tactics and their uniforms. Together with the French, the Polish cavalry took part in many of the most notable battles of the Napoleonic period, including the battles of Smolensk, Fuengirola, Raszyn, and many others. Also, the Polish cavalrymen were the first unit of the Napoleon's Grande Armée to enter Moscow Kremlin during the Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Finally, the Polish cavalry detachments were also present in Haiti, where they helped the French administration to quell a slave revolt. However, perhaps the most notable success of the Polish cavalry in that period (and certainly the best known) is the Battle of Somosierra, a part of the Peninsular War. Combatants Austria[a] Portugal Prussia[a] Russia[b] Sicily[c] Sardinia  Spain[d]  Sweden[e] United Kingdom French Empire Holland[f] Italy Etruria[g] Naples[h] Duchy of Warsaw[i] Confederation of the Rhine[j] Bavaria Saxony Westphalia Württemberg Denmark-Norway[k] Commanders Archduke Charles Prince Schwarzenberg Karl Mack... The First Battle of Smolensk took place on August 17, 1812, between 175,000 French under Napoleon Bonaparte and 130,000 Russians under Prince Bagration, of whom about 50,000 and 60,000 respectively were actually engaged. ... Battle of Fuengirola was one of the battles of the Peninsular War. ... Battle of Raszyn Conflict Napoleonic Wars Date April 19, 1809 Place Raszyn, Poland Result Austrian defeat The first Battle of Raszyn was fought on April 19, 1809 between armies of Austria and the Duchy of Warsaw as a part of the War of the Fifth Coalition in the Napoleonic Wars. ... La Grande Armée (in English, the Big or Grand Army) is the French military term for the main force in a military campaign. ... The Moscow Kremlin (Russian: Московский Кремль) is a historic fortified complex at the very heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River (to the south), Saint Basils Cathedral (often mistaken as the Kremlin) and Red Square (to the east) and the Alexander Garden (to the west). ... Kazan Cathedral in St Petersburg and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow were built to commemorate the Russian victory against Napoleon. ... Combatants France Spain Commanders Napoleon I of France Benito de San Juan Strength 45,000 20,000 infantry 16 guns Casualties Unknown 250 dead or wounded The Battle of Somosierra was a battle of the Peninsular War that took place on November 30, 1808 at the Somosierra pass in the... For the 1862 American Civil War campaign, see Peninsula Campaign. ...

19th century Polish uhlan

During his advance on Madrid, Napoleon was blocked on November 30, 1808, by 9,000 Spaniards under General San Juan in the valley of Somosierra in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Because of the rough and uneven terrain, the Spanish forces could not easily be outflanked. Their positions were well-fortified and guarded with artillery. Impatient to proceed towards Madrid, Napoleon ordered his Polish light cavalry escort of some 87 troops, led by Jan Kozietulski, to charge the Spaniards. Despite losing two thirds of their numbers, the Poles succeeded in forcing the defenders to abandon their position. Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Polish uhlans from Duchy of Warsaw army Uhlans (in Polish: UÅ‚an also spelled Ulan, German, from Turkish oÄŸlan [1]) were originally Polish light cavalry soldiers armed with lances, sabres, pistols, rifles; later they also served in the Prussian and Austrian armies. ... For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ... is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1808 (MDCCCVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Somosierra is a mountain pass in the Sierra de Guadarrama north of Madrid in Spain. ... Satellite Map of the Sierra de Guadarrama. ... This article is about the Spanish capital. ... Jan Kozietulski Baron Jan Leon Hipolit Kozietulski (b. ...

20th century: the Polish-Bolshevik War

After Poland was re-established following WWI in 1918, there were already several Polish cavalry units existing. Some of them were created as parts of either Austro-Hungarian or German Armies while others were created in Russia and as part of the French-based Blue Army. Because of that, each cavalry unit in the reborn Polish Army used different uniforms, different equipment and different strategy. However, all of the units shared the same traditions and, despite all the differences, were able to cooperate on the battlefield. Anthem: Mazurek DÄ…browskiego Capital Warsaw Language(s) Polish Government Republic President List Prime minister List Legislature Sejm Historical era Interwar period  - World War I November 11, 1918  - Invasion November 2, 1939 Area  - 1939 388,600 km2 150,039 sq mi Population  - 1939 est. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... The Austro-Hungarian Army was the ground force of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. ... The German Army (German: [1], [IPA: heɐ]  ) is the land component of the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Forces) of the Federal Republic of Germany. ... General Józef Haller in front of the troops This article is about the army in Polish history. ... Polish Army (Polish Wojsko Polskie) is the name applied to the military forces of Poland. ...

In late January of 1919 the reorganisation of the Polish Army started. All previously-existent cavalry squadrons were pressed into 14 newly-formed cavalry regiments, which in turn were joined into six cavalry brigades after March 7, 1919. Later a seventh brigade was added and some of the brigades were joined into two semi-independent cavalry divisions. Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... is the 66th day of the year (67th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ...

The newly-recreated Polish Cavalry units were of modern type and were trained in both cavalry tactics and in trench warfare. After the Polish-Bolshevik War broke out, these were one of the very few combat-ready troops in Polish service. The lack of advanced military equipment on both sides of the front made the cavalry a decisive weapon in breaking the enemy lines and encircling the Russian units. In addition, smaller cavalry detachments (usually squadron-sized) were attached to every infantry brigade and served as reconnaissance and support units. Also, the lack of sophisticated equipment made the traditional role of the cavalry once again important. The Polish cavalry units were equipped with sabres, lances and all types of armament that were typically used by the cavalry in previous centuries. Polish-Bolshevik War Conflict Polish-Bolshevik War Date 1919–1921 Place Central and Eastern Europe Result Polish victory The Polish-Soviet War (also known as the Polish-Bolshevik War or the Polish-Russian War) was the war (February 1919 – March 1921) that determined the borders between the Russian...

Battle of Komarowo

During the war, the Polish cavalry brigades and divisions took part in most of the notable battles, including the famous Battle of Warsaw, in which they played a crucial role in surrounding the withdrawing Red Army, and in the Battle of the Niemen, in which the cavalry was vital in breaking the enemy lines near Grodno. However, the most important cavalry battle took place on August 31, 1920, near the village of Komarowo near Zamość. The battle was a complete disaster for the Russian 1st Cavalry Army which sustained heavy casualties and barely avoided being totally surrounded. After that battle, the 1st Cavalry Army's morale has collapsed and the army which was one of the most feared of the Soviet troops was no longer considered an effective fighting force. Because of the numbers of forces involved, the Battle of Komarów is considered the greatest cavalry battle of the 20th century. Along with the battles then taking place in south Russia, this was one of the last battles fought mostly by cavalry units, in which traditional cavalry tactics were used and sabers and lances played a vital role. Because of that, it is sometimes referred to (by Poles) as "the greatest cavalry battle after 1813" and the last cavalry battle. This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Battle of Komarów Conflict Polish-Bolshevik War Date August 31, 1920 Place Komarów and Wolica Śniatycka, near Zamość Result Decisive Polish victory Battle of Komarów was one of the most important battles of the Polish-Bolshevik War. ... The Battle of Warsaw (sometimes referred to as the Miracle at the Vistula, Polish Cud nad WisÅ‚Ä…) was the decisive battle of the Polish-Soviet War, the war that began soon after the end of World War I in 1918 and lasted until the Treaty of Riga in 1921. ... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... Battle of the Niemen Conflict Polish-Bolshevik War Date September 15-September 25, 1920 Place near Grodno, along the Niemen River Result Polish victory Battle of the Niemen River was the second largest battle of the Polish-Bolshevik War. ... Hrodna (or Grodno; Belarusian: Го́радня, Гро́дна; Grodno in Polish, Гродно in Russian, Gardinas in Lithuanian) is a city in Belarus on the Nemunas river, close to the borders of Poland and Lithuania... is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display 1920) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Coordinates: , Country Poland Voivodeship Lublin Powiat City County Gmina Zamość Estabilished 1580 City Rights 1580 Government  - Mayor Marcin Zamoyski Area  - Town 30. ... The 1st Cavalry Army (Russian: ) was the most famous Red Army сavalry formation also known as Budyonnys Cavalry Army or simply Konarmia. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999... The Saber (spanish/portuguese: knowledge) currency is an educational sectoral currency in Brazil that is handed out by the ministry of education. ... The term lance has become a catchall for a variety of different pole weapons based on the spear. ... Year 1813 (MDCCCXIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

20th century: World War II

Polish cavalry running through a bombed town during the Polish Defensive War of 1939

At the outbreak of the Polish Defensive War of 1939, the Polish cavalry units were organised in 11 cavalry brigades, each composed of 3 to 4 cavalry regiments with organic artillery, armoured unit and infantry battalion. Two additional brigades had recently been converted to motorized and armoured units, but they retained their cavalry traditions. In addition, every infantry division had an organic cavalry detachment used for reconnaissance. Image File history File links Polish cavalry File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Polish cavalry File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... For the Soviet Unions military action against Poland under the same alliance, see Soviet invasion of Poland (1939). ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Soviet Unions military action against Poland under the same alliance, see Soviet invasion of Poland (1939). ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... In military terminology, organic refers to a military unit that is a permanent part of a larger unit and (usually) provides some specialized capability to that parent unit. ... In military terminology, organic refers to a military unit that is a permanent part of a larger unit and (usually) provides some specialized capability to that parent unit. ...

In contrast with its traditional role in armed conflicts of the past (even in the Polish-Bolshevik War), the cavalry was no longer seen as a unit capable of breaking through enemy lines. Instead, it was used as a mobile reserve of the Polish armies and was using mostly infantry tactics: the soldiers dismounted before the battle and fought as a standard (yet fast) infantry. Technically speaking, in 1939 Poland had 11 brigades of mounted infantry and no units of cavalry as such. Polish-Bolshevik War Conflict Polish-Bolshevik War Date 1919–1921 Place Central and Eastern Europe Result Polish victory The Polish-Soviet War (also known as the Polish-Bolshevik War or the Polish-Russian War) was the war (February 1919 – March 1921) that determined the borders between the Russian... Mounted infantry were soldiers who rode horses instead of marching, but actually fought on foot with muskets or rifles. ...

Although the cavalrymen retained their sabres, after 1937 the lance was dropped and it was issued to cavalrymen as a weapon of choice only. Instead, the cavalry units were equipped with modern armament, including 75 mm guns, tankettes, 37mm AT guns, 40mm AA guns, anti-tank rifles and other pieces of modern weaponry. Szablas in Muzeum Wojska Polskiego, Warsaw. ... Year 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The term lance has become a catchall for a variety of different pole weapons based on the spear. ... Polish TK-3. ... The Bofors 37 mm was a very common anti-tank gun used by all Allied forces during WW2. ... The Bofors 40 mm gun is a famous anti-aircraft auto-cannon designed by the Swedish firm of Bofors. ... The Anti-tank rifle wz. ...

During the campaign, the brigades were distributed among the Polish armies and served as mobile reserves. In this role, the Polish cavalry proved itself a successful measure in filling the gaps in the front and covering the withdrawal of friendly units. Polish cavalry units took part in most of the battles of 1939 and on several occasions proved to be the elite of the Polish Army, (see also the Battle of Krojanty). Polish OOB during the September Campaign. ... Polish Army (Polish Wojsko Polskie) is the name applied to the military forces of Poland. ... The Battle of Krojanty was part of the Polish September Campaign of the Second World War. ...

After the September Campaign, the Polish Army on Western Front continues its pre-war tradition of uhlan's regiments giving their names to armoured units, while Army on Eastern Front used cavalry as mobile infantry until end of war.

20th century: After World War II

Soliders of 1st Tank Battalion (1. batalion czołgów) of 15th Greater Polish Brigade of Armoured Cavalry (15. Wielkopolskiej Brygady Kawalerii Pancernej) - continuatirs of tradition of 15th Poznań Uhlans Regiment (15. Pułk Ułanów Poznańskich)

PZL W-3WA Sokół from 66 Airforce Squadron (66. Dywizjon Lotniczy) of 25th Aeromobile Cavalry Brigade (25. Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej)

Combat cavalry units existed in the Polish Army until January 27, 1947, when the 1st Warsaw Cavalry Division was disbanded. The last Polish cavalry unit, the Representative Squadron of the President of Poland, was disbanded in July of 1948. However, after several years of gathering funds, a group of enthusiasts formed in 2000 the Representative Squadron of Cavalry of the Polish Army. The unit is under the auspices of the army, which thus returned to its cavalry tradition. The squadron is present at most official anniversary celebrations in Warsaw, as well as other towns of Poland. In other places people are forming reenactment groups that continues, often with help of army, the traditions of local cavalry units. An example of such a society is the Volunteer Representative Squadron of City of Poznań which is a tribute to the 15th Poznań Uhlans Regiment. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 577 × 599 pixelsFull resolution‎ (960 × 997 pixels, file size: 456 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Soliders of 1st Tank Battalion of 15th Great Polands Armoured Bigade Photo by Radomil, PoznaÅ„ 24 April 2005 File historyClick on a date/time... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 577 × 599 pixelsFull resolution‎ (960 × 997 pixels, file size: 456 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Soliders of 1st Tank Battalion of 15th Great Polands Armoured Bigade Photo by Radomil, PoznaÅ„ 24 April 2005 File historyClick on a date/time... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2575x1371, 631 KB) Summary Copyright © 2005 Voytek S Photo taken during Airshow Radom 2005, Poland Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: PZL W-3 Sokół Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2575x1371, 631 KB) Summary Copyright © 2005 Voytek S Photo taken during Airshow Radom 2005, Poland Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: PZL W-3 Sokół Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera... The PZL W-3 Sokół (Polish for Falcon) is a Polish medium-size, twin-engine, multipurpose helicopter manufactured by PZL-Åšwidnik. ... is the 27th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ...

The combat traditions of Polish cavalry are continued by the armoured (Kawaleria Pancerna) and aeromobile (Kawaleria Powietrzna) units of Polish Land Forces. Flag of the Land Forces of Poland Polish Land Forces (Wojska LÄ…dowe RP) is a branch of Polands armed forces. ...

Cavalry Charges and Propaganda

Apart from countless battles and skirmishes in which the Polish cavalry units used the infantry tactics, there were 16 confirmed^[1] cavalry charges during the 1939 war. Contrary to common belief, most of them were successful. Battle of Wołodarka Polish infantry charging enemy positions during the Polish Defensive War A charge is a maneuver in battle in which soldiers advance towards their enemy at their best speed to engage in close combat. ...

The first of them, and perhaps the best known, happened on September 1, 1939, during the Battle of Krojanty. During the action, elements of the Polish 18th Uhlan Regiment met a large group of German infantry resting in the woods near the village of Krojanty. Colonel Mastalerz decided to take the enemy by surprise and immediately ordered a cavalry charge, a tactic the Polish cavalry rarely used as their main weapon. The charge was successful and the German infantry unit was dispersed. is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Battle of Krojanty was part of the Polish September Campaign of the Second World War. ... Krojanty (Kashubian: Krojantë) is a village in northern Poland, near the Tuchola Forest, about 7 km north east of Chojnice. ...

The same day, German war correspondents were brought to the battlefield together with two journalists from Italy. They were shown the battlefield, the corpses of Polish cavalrymen and their horses, alongside German tanks that had arrived at the field of battle only after the engagement. One of the Italian correspondents sent home an article,^[2] in which he described the bravery and heroism of Polish soldiers, who charged German tanks with their sabres and lances. Other possible source of the myth is a quote from Heinz Guderian's memoirs, in which he asserted that the Pomeranian Brigade had charged on German tanks with swords and lances.^[3] Although such a charge did not happen and there were no tanks used during the combat, the myth was disseminated by German propaganda during the war with a staged Polish cavalry charge shown in their 1941 reel called "Geschwader Lützow".[1] In that movie Luftwaffe Avia 534B trainer planes of Czech origin acted as Polish PZL-11 fighters. After the end of World War II the same fraud was again being disseminated by Soviet propaganda as an example of the stupidity of Polish commanders and authorities, who allegedly did not prepare their country for war and instead wasted the blood of their soldiers. This article is about the World War II general Heinz Guderian. ... For other uses, see Propaganda (disambiguation). ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Soviet redirects here. ...

Even such prominent German writers as Günter Grass, later accused of anti-Polonism by Jan Józef Lipski among others, were falling victims to this Nazi deception. Grass wrote the following passage, somewhat metaphorically, in his famous novel The Tin Drum: Günter Wilhelm Grass (born October 16, 1927) is a Nobel Prize-winning German author and playwright. ... Germans execute Poles against a prison wall, Leszno, Poland, October 1939. ... Jan Józef Lipski (born 26 May 1926 Warsaw, died 10 September 1991 Kraków) Polish critic and literature historian, socialist politician, freemason (for a long time Master of the Copernicus Lodge). ... The Tin Drum (German: Die Blechtrommel) is a 1959 novel by Günter Grass. ...

O insane cavalry... with what aplomb they will kiss the hand of death, as though death were a lady; but first they gather, with sunset behind them - for color and romance are their reserves - and ahead of them the German tanks, stallions from the studs of Krupps von Bohlen und Halbach, no nobler steeds in all the world. But Pan Kichot, the eccentric knight in love with death, lowers his lance with the red-and-white pennant and calls on his men to kiss the lady's hand. The storks clatter white and red on rooftops, and the sunset spits out pits like cherries, as he cries to his cavalry: "Ye noble Poles on horseback, these are no steel tanks, they are mere windmills or sheep, I summon you to kiss the lady's hand".

Other cavalry charges of 1939 were as follows:

1. September 1 - Battle of Mokra - 19th Volhynian Uhlan Regiment took by surprise the elements of German 4th Panzer Division, which retreated in panic.^[2][4] During the charge, lances were used.
2. September 1 - Battle of Janów - 11th Polish Legion Uhlan Regiment on a recce mission encountered a similar unit of German cavalry. Lieut. Kossakowski ordered a cavalry charge, but the enemy did not accept battle and after a short clash withdrew^[1] towards their positions.
3. September 2 - Battle of Borowa Góra - 1st squadron of the 19th Volhynian Uhlan Regiment encountered a squadron of German cavalry in the village of Borowa. A charge was ordered, but the Germans withdrew.^[1]
4. September 11 - Osuchowo - 1st squadron of the 20th Uhlan Regiment charged through^[1] the German infantry lines to avoid encirclement, and broke through. There were negligible losses on both sides.
5. September 12 - Kałuszyn - 4th squadron of the 11th Polish Legion Uhlan Regiment charged overnight at the German positions in the town of Kałuszyn. Although the charge was a mistake (the Polish infantry commander issued a wrong order which was understood as a charge order while the cavalry was meant to simply move forward), it was a success. After heavy casualties on both sides, the town was retaken^[1] in the early morning.
6. September 13 - Mińsk Mazowiecki - 1st squadron of the 2nd Grochów Uhlan Regiment charged German infantry positions, but was repelled by German MG and artillery fire.
7. September 13 - Maliszewo - 1st squadron of the 27th Uhlan Regiment was engaged in heavy fighting near the village of Maliszewo. After the Germans were beaten^[1] and started to retreat towards the village, the Poles charged and took the village along with a large number of German prisoners.
8. September 15 - Brochów - elements of the 17th Wielkopolska Uhlan Regiment charged towards the German positions to frighten ^[1] the enemy infantry. Shortly before reaching the range of enemy weapons, they dismounted and continued their assault on foot; the attack was successful.
9. September 16 - Dembowskie - a platoon from the 4th squadron of the 17th Wielkopolska Uhlan Regiment charged towards a small German outpost located around a foresters' hut. The small number of Germans withdrew.^[1]
10. September 19 - Battle of Wólka Węglowa - Most of the 14th Jazłowiec Uhlan Regiment (without its MGs and AT platoon) was ordered to probe the German lines near the town of Wólka Węglowa. After elements of 9th Malopolska Uhlan Regiment arrived, the group was ordered to charge through the German lines to open the way towards Warsaw and Modlin for the rest of Polish forces who were withdrawing from the Battle of Bzura. The Poles charged through a German artillery barrage and took the German infantry by surprise.^[1] Polish losses were high (205 killed and wounded), the German losses remain unknown, but the Polish unit broke through and was the first to reach Warsaw after the Battle of Bzura.
11. September 19 - Łomianki - recce squad of 6th Mounted Artillery Detachment charged through the German lines in the town of Lomianki and paved^[1] the way for the rest of the unit to Warsaw.
12. September 21 - Battle of Kamionka Strumiłowa - 3rd squadron of the 1st Mounted Detachment (improvised) charged through German infantry who were preparing to assault the Polish positions. The preparations were paralysed and the Germans withdrew.^[1]
13. September 23 - Krasnobród - 1st squadron of the 25th Wielkopolska Uhlan Regiment charged towards the town of Krasnobród. After heavy casualties, they reached the hilltop on which the town was located. A unit of German organic cavalry from the German 8th Infantry Division countercharged from the hill, but was repelled and the Poles captured the town and took the HQ^[1] of the division, together with its commander and about 100 German soldiers. 40 Polish combatants previously taken prisoner by the Germans were also freed.
14. September 24 - Husynne - reserve squadron of the 14th Jazlowiec Uhlan Regiment (some 500 sabres), reinforced with an improvised cavalry unit of police and some remnants of divisional organic cavalry, was ordered to break through the Soviet infantry surrounding the Polish positions in the village of Husynne. The charge was lead by the mounted police, and the Soviet forces withdrew in panic.^[1] However, the attack was soon halted by a strong Soviet tank unit. Casualties were similar on both sides.
15. September 26 - Morańce - 27th Uhlan Regiment twice charged an entrenched German infantry battalion in the village of Morańce. Both charges were repelled with heavy casualties (the Poles lost 20 KIA and about 50 wounded, German losses are unknown). After the second charge the Germans sent out a soldier with a white flag and, after a short discussion with the Polish commander of the Nowogródek Cavalry Brigade, the Germans withdrew.^[1]

is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Nazi Germany Poland Commanders Georg-Hans Reinhardt Friedrich Kirchner Julian Filipowicz Strength 1st Panzer Division 4th Panzer Division 31st Infantry Division Volhynian Cavalry Brigade 7th Infantry Division Casualties 700 KIA, 300 WIA, 160 tanks and AFVs 100 KIA, 300 WIA, five guns, four AA guns, 300 horses Monument to... is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 245th day of the year (246th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Nazi Germany Poland Commanders Unknown Ludwik Czyżewski Strength XVI Panzer Corps 2nd Legions Infantry Regiment Casualties Unknown, but heavy At least 663 men Battle of Borowa Góra (Polish: ) refers to the series of battles from 2nd to 5th of September of 1939 that took place near the... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... KaÅ‚uszyn is a small town in Masovian Voivodship, Poland. ... is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 258th day of the year (259th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Battle of Wólka WÄ™glowa (Polish: ) refers to the battle on September 19, 1939, that took place near Wólka WÄ™glowa, during the last stages of the Polish counteroffensive (battle of the Bzura) of the Polish September Campaign. ... For other uses, see Warsaw (disambiguation) and Warszawa (disambiguation). ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Battle of Bzura (also known as Battle of Kutno) took place during the Second World War, Polish September Campaign between 9 September 1939 and 19 September1, 1939 and was fought between Polish and German Nazi forces. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Coat of Arms Łomianki is a town in Warsaw West County, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland, with 15,602 inhabitants (2005). ... Reconnaissance is the military term for the active gathering information about an enemy, or other conditions, by physical observation. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Krasnobród is a small town in Lublin Voivodship, Poland. ... In military terminology, organic refers to a military unit of one type within a larger unit predominantly of a different type. ... is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Strengths and Weaknesses

The weakness of the Polish cavalry were:

• Damaged machinery can be fixed relatively fast or many of its parts recycled for use in other similar machinery. However, it is a much longer process with an injured horse, and one cannot revive a horse.
• Some number of soldiers, instead of being sent to the front lines, were assigned to care for injured and hungry horses during the battle. A probable figure would be up to five percent of the fighting force, which limited combat effectiveness. Such a position was called a "koniowodny".

The strengths of the Polish cavalry were:

• Poland did not have a sufficiently developed modern air or ground transportation infrastructure to support fuel, spare parts, maintenance assistance and replacement vehicle distribution. One of the foreseen enemies was Soviet Union and the horse cavalry requiring no fuel and lubricants became an asset to the Polish forces.
• Many Polish conscripts of the day had more experience with horses than vehicles, and needed less training to fight successfully.

References

Notes

Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 116th day of the year (117th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

General references

See also

• Battle of Komarów
• Polish cavalry brigade order of battle

Combatants Poland Bolshevik Russia Commanders Juliusz Rómmel Semyon Budyonny Strength 6 regiments 17 500 men, 20 regiments Casualties 500 KIA, 700 horses Unknown. ... The following is a standard order of battle of the Polish cavalry brigade in 1939. ...

External links

• The Glorious Polish Cavalry
• Society of the Military Horse