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History
This regiment was formed in June 1806 from squadrons taken from the Alexandria, Izum, Olviopol and Soumy hussar regiments. The Grodno Hussars were led by Yakov Kulniev, a fiery fighter and tough disciplinarian. He was a legend in Russia and died in combat in young age. In 1806-1807 the Grodno Hussars fought at Mishinitzy where they defeated French chasseurs and broke an infantry square. On May 25th 1807 two squadrons led by Kulniev fought at Kommersdorf. They captured many prisoners, ammunition wagons, and destroyed enemy's camp, blew up wagons and carriages and got out of the encirclement. The Grodno Hussars fought at Friedland where they participated in the big cavalry battle. Then, when the French cut off one battalion of the Pavlovsk grenadiers, the Grodno Hussars came with rescue and fend off all attacks made by French cuirassiers.
In 1808-1809 the Grodno hussars participated in the campaign against Sweden: near Viano Farm executed a "powerful charge, driving the Swedes off the field." In March 1809 they participated in the famous march on the frozen Baltic Sea.
In July 1812 French General Jean Saint Geniez was taken prisoner at Onikszty by Kornet Glebov. St. Geniez was the first French general captured by the Russian army during this war.
Between 3rd and 17th July the Grodno Hussars were very active in small warfare and captured up to 2.000 prisoners. In July at Filipova, tye Grodno Hussars (8 squadrons) defeated 12 squadrons of the French 7th and 20th Chasseurs, and a Polish uhlan regiment. The enemy was pursued and 170 were taken prisoner.
On July 18-19th 1812 at Druia the hussars and Cossacks defeated French 11th and 12th Chasseurs and Polish 10th Hussars. In the end of July, within the period of several days Tzytliatzev with 20 hussars captured 200 prisoners. On Oct. 6-7th (18-19th) they fought with distinction at the Second Battle of Polotzk. In April 1813 the Grodno hussars were awarded with silver trumpets for 1812 war.
In 1813 the Grodno Hussars fought in Luneburg, Lutzen, Bautzen and Dresden where they broke the square formed by 5th Voltigeur Regiment of Young Guard. The enemy lost 10 officers and 300 men killed, wounded and taken prisoner.
On Oct. 14th 1813, they fought gallantly in Leipzig, held off all attacks conducted by the Saxons, Polish and French cavalry and won the praise of the witnesses of the battle. A Prussian cuirassier Ernst M. H. von Gaffron wrote: "As far as I remember the Grodno hussars were first through the village of Cröbern, then our regiment, as we went straight into the attack... The Grodno hussars were, as usual, brilliant in combat."
In Leipzig they also attacked artillery deployed between Holzhausen, Zuckelhausen and Stötteritz and seized a couple of guns. On the 3rd day of battle of Leipzig this regiment conducted three consecutive charges. During one of them NCO Gruzenko was the first who got to enemy's battery and killed an officer. The French cavalry counterattacked and Gruzenko had to abandon his trophy. Frustrated he spiked the gun, then drew his pistol and killed the draft horses. Several French dragoons attacked him but being a good swordsman he unsaddled the first attacker with a quick cut. The other dragoons kept respectful distance and let him go. At Probstheida the Grodno and Soumy Hussars "furiously attacked" and overthrew part of French infantry under Marshal Victor. For Leipzig their officers were awarded with Russian and Prussian awards (from Prussian King was the Pour le Mérite order).
In 1814 the Grodno Hussars fought in Brienne, Bar sur Aube, Arcis and Paris. In 1814 the Grodno Hussar Regiment was awarded with badges on their shakos. When the Napoleonic Wars ended this regiment had 400 men who were awarded with Military order for bravery in combat.
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