Hussars Regiment  no. 5, Prussia 1745

The hussars, light cavalrymen from Hungary, were incorporated into the Prussian army in 1721 with the creation of two Hussar Corps. Frederick recognised the courage of the hussars as light cavalrymen and pressed for their recruitment. 

In 1741 five regiments were organised, principally from Polish deserters. Four more regiments were created between 1744 and 1758. 

As an elite corps, the hussars attracted audacious horsemen to the Prussian and German cavalry, and the hussars continued to wear the traditional Hungarian uniform, richly decorated with golden trimmings. 

The effectiveness of the hussars in Frederick’s army can be judged by the large number of promotions and decorations awarded.

The Regiment of Hussars no. 5, under the command of Colonel von Ruesch adopted a black uniform with a skull (Totenkopf) on the front of their mirlitons and fight during the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War.