AT THE TIME of the Napoleonic Wars, Britain, like most European countries, categorized its cavalry units as either light, medium or heavy. How they were employed, as well as the weaponry with which they were issued, could differ considerably.
Light cavalry, which included such units as hussars, light dragoons and lancers ideally were employed for scouting, vedette duties and pursuing a fleeing enemy.
Medium cavalry — not seen in all armies — could be something of a mixture of light and heavy, with sometimes the other two filling the medium role as needed.
The heavies, which included dragoons and cuirassiers, were generally intended to be used more as shock troops, though when required they could also be used for scouting and patrols.
Light, medium and heavy cavalrymen, with the exception…
