Hussars No. 8 – Red Hussars

Inhaber
1743 Hallasch, 1747 Seydlitz, 1759 Gersdorff, 1761 Belling, 1779 Hohenstock

Unit History
The unit was formed in 1743 paralleling the formation of the 7th Hussars (Malachowski). While initially a solid unit in the Seven Years War, it suffered an unusual fate during the war – being disbanded.
At Kolin, June 1757, the regiment covered the successful attack on Krosigk’s division in front Krzeczhorz, which would have nearly brought victory for Frederick the Great. Later it was engaged at Moys, Barschdorf, Steinau and Breslau. At Leuthen, the regiment deployed with the advance guard which threw back the Saxon Chevaux-legers.
At Maxen, November 21, 1759, it was placed on the heights above the town. With the defeat of Finck and the resulting capture of his division 200 troopers became prisoners. After this defeat, the unit was effectively dissolved until 1761 when it re-emerged until the command of Belling who had previously commanded a troop of Freicorps.
The Freicorps had fought at Kunersdorf, August 1759, where it had been part of the left wing under Seydlitz. The unit helped clear the Kuh Grund; seizing the small village and capturing many prisoners and a flag. After 1761, the Freicorps spent most of its service committed against the Swedes and in August 1760 captured the Swedish hussar Gerhard Lebrecht v. Blücher who later enlisted in the regiment becoming its Chef in 1794 and ultimately the famous Field Marshal helping to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo.
The Freicorps adopted the number, uniform and garrison in 1761. The new regiment was dissolved in 1806 after the defeat at Jena.

Comments
A very unusual regimental history plus the red coats attracted me to this unit. The Prussian hussar units are very colourful especially when compared to their traditional foes, the Austrians. Unit painted in February of 2006.

Sources
Text: Prussian troop website at http://www.preussenweb.de/preussstart.htm