Polish Winged Hussars (2 Viewers)

Currahee Chris

Currahee Chris

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Hey gang:

So, I know we have all been trolling around at shows or looking on the 'net and we eventually see those highly decorated Polish Winged Hussars. Just wanted to start a thread that discussed the unusual yet seemingly decorative gear they wore- was it functional?

What were their strategies, how were they deployed, major victories and defeats, notable commanders, did their banners and gear look as exquisite as they appear in Russian miniatures, how long did this unit last? I'd really like to hear what some of you guys know about them.

If you're a fan of the Hussars, I'd like to hear what you have to say.
 
Currahee Chris said:
Hey gang:

So, I know we have all been trolling around at shows or looking on the 'net and we eventually see those highly decorated Polish Winged Hussars. Just wanted to start a thread that discussed the unusual yet seemingly decorative gear they wore- was it functional?

What were their strategies, how were they deployed, major victories and defeats, notable commanders, did their banners and gear look as exquisite as they appear in Russian miniatures, how long did this unit last? I'd really like to hear what some of you guys know about them.

If you're a fan of the Hussars, I'd like to hear what you have to say.
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Not an expert, but the "wings" were likely designed to intimidate opponents. First, by giving a fierce appearance and second (as I understand it) they made a sort of whistling noise during a charge. A multitude of these winged fellows bearing down on you would have made quite an impact. I recall the owner of Aeroart mentioning that the outcomes of battles involving the Polish winged hussars resulted in either victory or death for them.
 
If that movie doesn't have "Man Flick" written all over it I don't know what does.{sm4}
 
Great topic, I have always been intrigued by these guys but never really knew to much about their history. Hopefully there will be some more posts so I can become a little more educated on them.
 
Martin Tabony said:
The Hollywood version had Yul Brynner and Tony Curtis. Proper "man flick" credentials!

Martin
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{sm4}

In the trailer you posted, I got a kick out of the first scene with what appears to be the leading lady. She laughs when she sees the one guy- had to be the terrible haircut!! {sm4}

I agree Sahara- I am hoping this thread sheds some light on them.
 
Hi Guys,

I have read a few books over the years that detailed the exploits of these Hussars or Heavy Cavalry of the Steppes. Their most famous engagement was against the Ottoman Turks out side of Vienna in 1683. Where 3000 of them lead by the King of Poland Jan III Sobieski broke the Ottomans line and routed a force of nearly 150,000.

Their origin were Serbian, Croatian and Hungarian hussar mercenaries who served in the Polish army from the end of the 15th century, after the death of the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus. in 1490.

The Polish-Lithuanian Winged Hussars are not as well-known in Western Europe, only after the Battle of Vienna 1683 — and mainly after the famous films based on the novels of Sienkiewicz: "Ogniem i Mieczem" ("With Fire and Sword"), "Potop" ("The Deluge") and "Pan Wołodyjowski" (lit. "Sir Wołodyjowski" or "Fire in the Steppe" in the English version).

I have read the first two books of this series and highly recommend them if you are at all interested in these units. They are exceedingly difficult to locate though, my father in law has all three so I am trying to get him to loan them to me.

As for the history of these units they were very important in Poland Hungary and Lithuania as one of the very few units in the Polish-Lithuanian standing army nearly all of the rest were formed as levee en masse or what we would call conscripts, the hussars were well-trained and well-equipped. They were armed with a long sword, for fighting infantry from horseback, that could also serve as a pike, a warhammer, two pistols, a six meter long lance (nearly 20 feet long) with a pennant and could also be armed with a carbine or a bow and arrows. Until 18th century they were considered the elite of the Polish armed forces.

Another interesting thing about these units was Eastern and Western Europeans Hussars developed along very different lines. As many of you familure with the Napoleonic wars will know the Hussar of France and England were lightly armed and had a more recce/raid type job description vs the Heavy Cavalry Breaking the square or line of the Cuirassiers which had the job of the eastern Hussaria.

The Wings are interesting in that there is some disagreement as to the function ie ornamentation or actually a weapon or defensive tool I have read that they were sharpened metal to be used as defensive weapons against one of the favored weapons of the light infantry the lasso. How easy is it to defeat heavy Hussars when they are laying in a pile on the ground. Still they are some of my favorites!

I will post some pictures of the ones I have so far.

Hope you all find this interesting.

Dave
 
1050.jpg1051.jpg1049.jpg1048.jpgHere are some photos of ones that I have in my collection.

Enjoy!
 
Great photos and even a better brief of these fellas. I will definitely have to try and locate those books.
 
Sahara said:
Great photos and even a better brief of these fellas. I will definitely have to try and locate those books.
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Go to abebooks.com and enter the info. US listings alone run 150+ different listings for these books. -- Al
 
Russian Strelzi figure from my Aeroart collection

120.jpg
 
Combat said:
Russian Strelzi figure from my Aeroart collection

120.jpg
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Great looking figure. I have a similar Aeroart Polish Winged Hussar with a lance on charging horse, #3146 (old #G146). It was bought years ago but it is still one of my favorite figures. -- Al
 
Here is the original flyer for the Trophy version which was available in the early 1990's

wingedhussar.jpg


Cheers

Martyn:)
 
Hi Martyn,

Thats a great piece of information. I will have to try and hunt one down for my collection. I really enjoy seeing the variations on this type of soldier!

Did you guys know that Keith Rocco did a painting of the hussars in the charge at Vienna? I saw it on his website but dont know how many he made for sale.

Dave
 
DMNamiot said:
Hi Martyn,

Thats a great piece of information. I will have to try and hunt one down for my collection. I really enjoy seeing the variations on this type of soldier!

Did you guys know that Keith Rocco did a painting of the hussars in the charge at Vienna? I saw it on his website but dont know how many he made for sale.

Dave
Click to expand...

Hi Dave

I just missed one at the December London Show, they are out there:salute::

Cheers

Martyn:)
 
Well thats very good news! Sorry you missed it but I am glad they are out there because other Trophy sets sure seem to be locked up tight!

Keith Roccos website is: www.Keithrocco.com

Check it out he has some fantastic Napoleonic Prints as well!

Dave
 
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