Russian Cossack Artillery (1812 era)
While Cossacks are primarily remembered for their cavalry exploits, many Cossack hosts also maintained artillery detachments equipped with standard Russian ordnance. These units provided fire support for the fast-moving Cossack formations that harassed French supply lines and conducted reconnaissance throughout the 1812 campaign.
The artillery crews were typically drawn from regular army personnel assigned to Cossack units, or from Cossacks who had received formal artillery training. They operated the same 6-pounder guns used by regular Russian light batteries, along with the distinctive Russian unicorn howitzers. A typical Russian light battery of the period included 289 men and 12 guns, with substantial horse teams for mobility.
- Nick
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