Polish

Polish-Lithuanian mercenary pikemen

Alongside the hadjuk infantry, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth often employed foreign mercenaries to fill gaps in native manpower. These troops were often recruited from the German states. and also recruited from local levies. Tactically the Poles...

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth later infantry command

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military was divided into national and foreign contingents, with the majority being recruited from within the Commonwealth. The reputation of the infantry was distant second in reputation to the cavalry arm. During...

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth later infantry with muskets reloading

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military was divided into national and foreign contingents, with the majority being recruited from within the Commonwealth. The reputation of the infantry was distant second in reputation to the cavalry arm. During...

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth later infantry with muskets firing

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military was divided into national and foreign contingents, with the majority being recruited from with within the Commonwealth. The reputation of the infantry was distant second in reputation to the cavalry arm...

Polish-Lithuanian levy cavalry command

In the 16th century the introduction of gunpowder and firearms made the medieval armoured cavalry obsolete. The standing army of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was gradually converted to other, more modern forms of cavalry...

Polish-Lithuanian levy cavalry with muskets

In the 16th century the introduction of gunpowder and firearms made the medieval armoured cavalry obsolete. The standing army of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was gradually converted to other, more modern forms of cavalry...

Polish-Lithuanian levy cavalry with sabres

In the 16th century the introduction of gunpowder and firearms made the medieval armoured cavalry obsolete. The standing army of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was gradually converted to other, more modern forms of cavalry...

Polish Winged Hussars Regiment

The Polish Winged Hussars are amongst the most famous and easily recognisable units in history. They originated from exiled Balkan light cavalry that came to Poland in the early 1500s. The Polish Winged Hussars became much more heavily...

Hajduks Regiment

The Polish army had a strong Hungarian influence, due to the close ties between the two nations. In addition to the iconic Winged Hussars, some of the Polish infantry also had their origins in Hungary and the Balkans. These infantry were...

Pancerni heavy cavalry regiment

The towarzysz pancerny (armoured companions) cavalry, often shortened to pancerni, were medium cavalry that were not as heavily armed or armoured as the Winged Hussars. They were distinguished by wearing chainmail armour throughout the...