Winged Hussar

The Winged Hussar was the main type of cavalry used in the Polish army. The Hussars were adopted in the 16th Century and acted as light cavalry who carried the war-banners. The riders later took on the role of heavy infantry men who sported specialized armor and lances. Their main primary tactic was to lead the charge and crush standard foot soldiers. They continued to crash into the enemy formation until it broke. The exact reason why the Winged Hussars attached wings to their backs is unknown. Many believed that the wings were designed to increase moral of fellow Polish soldier. The Winged Hussar was considered the elite and primary heavy cavalry used by the Polish until the 1770s.



Weapons
There is no known documented weapon known as the "Polish crossbow with bayonet." The husaria cavalry also used a deadly saber to great effect, as well as a piercing rapier-like sword called a 'Koncerz' which was used as a secondary weapon after the lance shattered upon impact, as well as used as a persuit weapon which pierced chainmail easily, splitting the rings of mail. Carbine rifles were also employed by the hussars, as well as the 'Pancerni' (mail-clad) medium Polish infantry accoutered much teh same as teh hussars but without the plate armor...please make note of that.