Spain
Main article: Battle of Somosierra
The regiment was sent, detachment after detachment, to Spain. The first time chevaulegers fought was on 14 July 1808, during the battle of Medina del Rio Seco (two squadrons under Radzimiński).[40]
On 30 November 1808 their most famous charge up the Somosierra Pass took place. That day the 3rd Squadron under Kozietulski (ad interim)[41] was on duty as a personal escort to the Emperor. After the failure of the French infantry attack, Napoleon ordered Polish chevaulegers to take the pass defended by 3000 men and four batteries of Spanish cannons. The narrow road to the top (300 meters level difference, 2,500 meters long), bordered from both sides with waist high stone walls, lined with poplar trees, precluded a demi-squadron or even a troop frontal attack. This was why the attack was conducted in a column four horses wide.[42] After the first battery was taken, chevaulegers, without slowing the full gallop charge gained the top of the Pass in about eight minutes. All four batteries were taken, and the road to Madrid opened for Napoleon's Army. The charge was led by Kozietulski who, however, lost his horse after taking the first battery. The squadron was then joined by Lt. Andrzej Niegolewski, who had previously been on reconnaissance with his troop. The charge was continued under Dziewanowski, and when he fell from his horse after taking the third battery, by Piotr Krasiński. The charge, which continued to the last battery, was led by Niegolewski, who miraculously survived when the Spanish attacked him (he received nine wounds from bayonnettes and two carbine shots to the head).[43]
According to the official version, Kozietulski led his men into the charge with the standard French war cry "En avant, vive l'Empereur!". However, according to the memoirs of many of the veterans the true battle cry was (Polish) "Naprzód psiekrwie, Cesarz patrzy!" (Forward, you sons of dogs, the Emperor is watching!).[44]
The charge has been noted as the most effective victory of the Polish cavalry during the time of the Napoleonic Wars, and as the least costly victory for Napoleon.[45] It became a legend and later an inspiration for many writers and painters.[46]
Soon after the battle the regiment was - by Napoleon's decree - included in the Old Guard.[47] It stayed in Spain until February 1809. It took its part in the retaking of Madrid,[48] and in marshal Soult's campaign against British forces in Portugal[49] Hundred chevaulegers under Tomasz Łubieński escorted Napoleon on his way back to Paris.[23]
Ranks
We will be using French Ranks
Enlisted
Cadet - Rank is giving to people who just joined the 1erCL and are inexperienced
Soldat - rank is given to people who have officially become an active member of the 1erCL and have shown maturity and discipline to the preferred level.
Nco Members
Corporal - rank is given to our members who have shown officer qualities. This is the lowest NCO rank in the regiment and those who achieve this rank are expected to do administrative duties like keeping attendance.
Sergent - rank is given to the most mature and competent players. This is the highest NCO rank in the regiment and is responsible for the Corporal and he will be given duties to perform in linebattles like maintaining discipline.
Officer Members
Sous-lieutenant - rank is given to those who have achieved an officer rank and is the lowest Officer rank in the regiment. His duties consist of supporting the Lieutenant in his duties.
Lieutenant - rank is given to members who are taking on more responsible as an officer. The Lieutenant is responsible for leading the line and training if needed. During training this rank is responsible in teaching and retouching on formations.
Capitaine - rank is given to a member who is responsible for leading line and training as needed and acts to organize professional advice and guidance from the members in the regiment. Also, the Capitaine is responsible for recruiting members into the regiment.
Major - rank is given to third in command and is responsible for leading line and training when needed. Also, Major is responsible for teaching melee during trainings. Furthermore, the Major is given the position of marching on the side of line enforcing discipline upon members.
Lieutenant Colonel - is given to the second in command. This rank is given to a member who is well respected by the majority. TheLieutenant Colonel duties involve leading line and training when needed. Also, the Poppulkownik is to give advice to the Colonel at anytime he sees fit.
Colonel - is the leader of the regiment and organizes all trainings and events for the regiment. He oversees everything and works with all his members and officers to see that all voices are heard in decision making. Also he is responsible for handling diplomacy with other regiments and will be expected to understand all tactics and strategies.
Organization of Formation
There are a few types of formation the main ones are line and column
Attack column is what where going to be using on the move and line is going to be what where doing when where firing at the enemy
We might use Echelon a few times as a sweep bayonet charge maneuver but the majority of the formations will be column and line