In 1740
Frederick II came to the throne of
Prussia and set about creating a magnificent
army.
The
infantry was drilled to perfection. It was trained to march in precise formation and to deliver devastating
volleys of
musket fire. The
cavalry was also specially trained. While the infantry was expected to be steady and dependable, the cavalry had to be dashing and brave. The bravest and most dashing were the hussars.
These light cavalry
regiments were dressed in
elegant uniforms. Resplendent in braided and fur-trimmed jackets, the hussars were mounted on the swiftest horses in the army. The daring charges of the Prussian hussars became
legendary.
One regiment stood out above the others. It dressed in black and took as its
badge a
skull. The regiment became known as the Death's Head Hussars and struck fear into the enemy for many years.