Cossacks (First World War)
During the First World War the Cossacks were some of the best and most savage of the Russian troops. Still using their traditional small tough ponies they were skilled at reconnaissance and formed much of the cavalry reserve. In 1914 a massive 939 squadrons were mobilized normally around 100 men strong. Most came from the Don (360 squadrons) and Kuban (202 squadrons) regions although Siberia sent 54 squadrons. They were organised into Steppe and Caucasian groups further divided into Voiskos or territorial divisions. The steppe Cossacks wore an ordinary uniform but the Caucasian Cossacks wore their traditional tribal dress including the Busby or black Kaftan headgear and rough woollen coats. Cossacks did not wear spurs but carried a whip and lances and carbines as well as sabres. From 1909 they were allowed to carry family weapons passed down through generations instead of the regulation sabre. Each Cossack had to supply his own weapons, horse and clothing, only the rifle was supplied for which the Government charged half the cost to his tribe. Cossacks were also seen in the artillery and Kuban infantry although in more modern uniforms.
The Cossacks 1799-1815, Laurence Spring. This detailed book looks at the famous Russian Cossacks during the period of the Napoleonic wars. History has given the Cossacks a very mixed reputation and this book helps dispel some of the myths. [
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How to cite this article: Dugdale-Pointon, Tristan (22 April 2001), Cossacks (First World War), http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_cossackww1.html
