Chasseur

{{Italic title}} {{More footnotes needed|date=December 2025}} {{about|the French military unit|other uses}} {{short description|French military designation}} [[File:Chasseurs corses, chasseurs des Pyrénées et chasseurs à pied (1803-1884) - Notes et aquarelles par E. Fort - btv1b8426858f (16 of 38) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Illustration of a French Imperial Army chasseur in 1804]]

'''''Chasseur''''' ({{IPAc-en|ʃ|æ|ˈ|s|ɜːr}} {{respell|shass|UR}}, {{IPA|fr|ʃasœʁ|lang|LL-Q150 (fra)-WikiLucas00-chasseur.wav}}), a French term for "hunter", is the designation given to certain regiments of French and Belgian light infantry ({{lang|fr|chasseurs à pied}}) or light cavalry ({{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}}) to denote troops trained for rapid action.

==History== [[File:An Officer of the Imperial Horse Guards Charging.jpg|thumb|upright|{{circa|1812}} painting of a Mounted Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard officer]]

This branch of the French Army originated during the War of the Austrian Succession when, in 1743, Jean Chrétien Fischer was authorized by the Marshal de Belle-Isle to raise a 600-strong mixed force of infantry and cavalry. It was called ''Chasseurs de Fischer.''<ref>{{Cite NIE|wstitle=Fischer, Jean Chrétien|year=1905}}</ref> During the remainder of the 18th century various types of light troops ({{lang|fr|troupes légères}}) were employed within the French army, either as independent units or as companies within existing regiments. In 1788, there were 8 battalions of ''chasseurs'', and in March 1793 this was expanded to 21 battalions. The first battalions of ''Chasseurs'' raised by 1788 included:<ref>Susane, Volume I, p. 311.</ref>

* (1st) ''Chasseurs Royaux de Provence'' * (2nd) ''Chasseurs Royaux de Dauphiné'' * (3rd) ''Chasseurs Royaux Corses'' (Corsican) * (4th) ''Chasseurs Corses'' (Corsican) * (5th) ''Chasseurs Cantabres'' (Cantabrian) * (6th) ''Chasseurs Bretons'' * (7th) ''Chasseurs d'Auvergne'' * (8th) ''Chasseurs des Vosges'' * (9th) ''Chasseurs des Cévennes'' * (10th) ''Chasseurs du Gèvaudan'' * (11th) ''Chasseurs des Ardennes'' * (12th) ''Chasseurs du Roussillon''

=== {{lang|fr|Chasseurs à pied}} === {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}} [[File:World War I memorial in Parc Reine Astrid, Charleroi (DSCF7704).jpg|thumb|Memorial in Charleroi to the ''chasseurs à pied'' who fought in World War I]]

The {{lang|fr|chasseurs à pied}} were the light infantrymen of the French Imperial army. They were armed the same as their counterparts in the regular line infantry (fusilier) battalions, but were trained to excel in marksmanship and in executing manoeuvres at high speed. From 1840, they wore a long-skirted frock coat. After 1850, however the ''chasseurs'' adopted a uniform consisting of a short frock coat with slits in the sides on the bottom edge to allow for better freedom of movement than the previous design. They also wore light blue baggy trousers (in contrast to the red of the line infantry)<ref>{{cite book|first=Andre|last=Jouineau|pages=16–17|title=French Army 1914|date=19 February 2009 |publisher=Amber Books Limited |isbn=978-2-35250-104-6}}</ref> tucked into ''jambières'' (leather gaiters).<ref name=ZouavesChasseursCivilWar>{{cite book|last1=Coates|first1=Earl J.|last2=Mcafee|first2=Michael J.|last3=Troiani|first3=Don|title=Don Troiani's Civil War zouaves, chasseurs, special branches, & officers|date=2006|publisher=Stackpole Books|location=Mechanicsburg, PA|isbn=0-8117-3320-3|page=20|edition=1st}}</ref> The other light infantry unit type, the ''voltigeurs'', specialised as skirmishers, and for advance screening of the main force. The ''chasseurs'' could also be called upon to form advance guards and scouting parties alongside the ''voltigeurs''.

Following the Napoleonic Wars the {{lang|fr|chasseurs à pied}} continued to exist as a separate corps within the infantry. Initially a specially trained elite, their tactical role eventually came to match that of the ordinary {{lang|fr|lignards}} (line infantry). By the late 19th century the differences between the two branches were confined to uniform and insignia, although the ''chasseurs'' retained a strong ''esprit de corps''. Immediately after the Franco-Prussian War it was argued that the continued existence of a nominally elite class of infantry that was in fact armed and trained to the same standards as the ordinary soldier, was contrary to both military utility and the egalitarian principles of the new republic. However public opinion, influenced by the occasions on which the ''chasseurs'' had distinguished themselves during the war was opposed to the disbanding of this distinctive corps. Under the Third Republic the {{lang|fr|chasseurs à pied}} were increased from 20 to 30 battalions. Of these, 4 saw active service in Tunisia, one in Indochina, and one in Madagascar during the period 1880-1896. Twelve of the ''chasseur'' battalions were re-designated as mountain infantry ({{lang|fr|chasseurs alpins}}). The remaining ''chasseur'' battalions were deployed near the frontier with Germany as part of the {{lang|fr|troupes de couverture}}, charged with covering the bulk of the army during mobilization.

During World War I the French Army maintained 31 battalions of infantry ''chasseurs'' plus a varying number of reserve and territorial units. Each infantry division was expected to include at least one battalion of either {{lang|fr|chasseurs à pied}} or {{lang|fr|chasseurs alpine.}} Each battalion had an establishment of 1,300 to 1,500 men. They were reportedly nicknamed {{lang|de|schwarze Teufel}} (black devils) by their German opponents, in reference to their dark colored uniforms. The ''chasseurs'' served mainly on the Western Front but detachments were sent to reinforce the Italian front in 1917.

===Chasseurs à cheval=== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}} thumb|upright|A French ''chasseur à cheval'' in 1812 thumb|Chasseurs à cheval in Paris, 1906

The {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}}, a type of French light cavalry, date from 1743 when an independent unit (Fischer's Volunteer Company of Chasseurs) was raised during the War of the Austrian Succession to counter Trenck's Pandurs and Croats employed as irregulars by the Austrian army. Originally a mixed corps of light infantry and horsemen, this force proved sufficiently effective to warrant the creation of a single corps: {{lang|fr|Dragoons-chasseurs de Conflans.}} In 1776 this and other volunteer "legions" had their mounted elements converted into 24 squadrons of {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval,}} each of which was attached to one of the existing dragoon regiments of the royal cavalry. In 1779 these squadrons were amalgamated into six regiments, each of which was given a regional title (1st {{lang|fr|Chasseurs des Alpes,}} 2nd {{lang|fr|Chasseurs des Pyrenees,}} etc.). In 1788, 6 dragoon regiments were converted to {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}} and during the period of the Revolutionary Wars the number was again increased, to 25.<ref>Ludovic Letrun and Jean-Marie Mongin, pages 4-5 ''Chasseurs à cheval 1779-1815'', {{ISBN|978-2-35250-199-2}}</ref>

During their earlier history these regiments lacked the higher profile of the identically armed (but much more lavishly uniformed) hussars. Distinguished by dark green uniforms and a bugle-horn badge, they were frequently used as advance scouting units providing valuable information on enemy movements. Both Napoleon's Imperial Guard and the Royal Guard of the Restoration each included a regiment of {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}}. In addition Napoleon added a further five line regiments to those inherited from the Revolutionary period. At the beginning of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the French Army had 12 regiments of {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}}, grouped with eight hussar regiments to form the light branch of the cavalry and tasked with primarily reconnaissance duties.<ref>Stephen Shann, page 16 ''French Army 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War 1 Imperial Troops'', {{ISBN|1-85532-121-1}}</ref> This intended role continued through World War I and the {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}} remained entirely horse mounted until the {{lang|fr|1er RCh}} was motorised in June 1940.<ref>Ian Sumner and Francois Vauvillier, page 15 ''The French Army 1939–45 (1)'' {{ISBN|1 85532 666 3}}</ref> Disbanded after the Battle of France, these units were reconstituted in 1944–45 as light armor.

During the 19th century, several regiments of {{lang|fr|chasseurs d'Afrique}} were raised in French Algeria. These were light cavalry recruited originally from French volunteers and subsequently from the French settlers in North Africa doing their military service. As such they were the mounted equivalent of the zouaves.

===Flanqueurs Chasseurs=== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}}

In preparation for the invasion of Russia, Napoleon ordered the creation of additional units for the Guard that included the ''Régiment de Flanqueurs-Chasseurs de la Garde''. Along with the regiment of ''Flanqueues-Grenadiers'', this was mainly recruited from the sons and nephews of forest service civil servants or made up of young men who wanted to obtain a position within the Waters and Forests Administration after concluding their military service.

The role of these light infantry soldiers was to flank the main army while on the march, in order to guard against any sudden attack.

===Chasseurs Forestiers=== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}}

The {{lang|fr|chasseurs forestiers}} (forest huntsmen) were militarized units of the ''Eaux et Forêts administration'' (Waters and Forests Administration). They were organized in 18 companies and many sections. The {{lang|fr|chasseurs forestiers}} existed between 1875 and 1924. The ''chasseurs forestiers'' were classed as light infantry troops and could form advance guards and scouting parties due to their knowledge of natural fields and their ability to make or read maps.

Established by a decree of the newly established Third Republic dated 2 April 1875, the ''Chasseurs Forestiers'' incorporated some personnel of the existing Water and Forest Administration into the French Army on a part-time basis. The purpose was to make use of trained and specialist manpower as part of the armed forces in time of war. The specific roles envisaged for the ''Chasseurs Forestiers'' were to provide guides for the regular army and to work with the Engineers in obtaining stocks of timber for military use.

While provided with distinctive green and grey uniforms plus stocks of standard infantry weapons and equipment, the ''Chasseurs Forestiers'' performed their normal forestry service functions in peacetime with only limited involvement in army training and manoeuvers. Upon mobilisation in August 1914 personnel aged between 25 and 48 years saw front line service in the Vosges in northern France. Post-war policy changes led to the disestablishment of the ''Chasseurs Forestiers'' as a military body in 1924.

==Modern French Army== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}}

The modern French Army still maintains {{lang|fr|chasseurs à pied}} (mechanized infantry: 16e BC), {{lang|fr|chasseurs-alpins}} (mountain troops: 7e, 13e, 27e BCA) and regiments of {{lang|fr|chasseurs à cheval}} (1er-2e RCh and 4e RCh: light armored regiments). In addition one regiment of {{lang|fr|chasseurs d'Afrique}} (training unit: 1er RCA) has been re-raised to commemorate this branch of the French cavalry. Since May 1943 there has been a "Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes" (1er RCP).

All of these units have different traditions:

* {{lang|fr|Bataillons de chasseurs}} are light infantry units created after 1838. Some of these battalions were converted to specialized mountain units as {{lang|fr|Bataillons de Chasseurs Alpins}} in 1888, as an answer to the Italian Alpine ({{lang|it|Alpini}}) regiments stationed along the Alpine frontier. * {{lang|fr|Régiments de chasseurs}} are units of the "Arme Blindée Cavalerie": armoured units. The basic organic unit is called regiment and not bataillon to avoid confusing cavalry and infantry chasseurs. * The airborne infantry units called ''Régiments de chasseurs parachutistes'' were created in 1943 with airborne troops from the French Airforce (GIA or {{lang|fr|Groupe d'Infanterie de l'Air}}), who were transferred into the Army. * {{lang|fr|Chasseurs Alpins}} are the elite mountain infantry of the modern French Army. They are trained to operate in mountainous terrain and to undertake urban warfare.

Although the traditions of these different branches of the French Army are very different, there is still a tendency to confuse one with the other. For example, when World War I veteran Léon Weil died, the AFP press agency stated that he was a member of the 5th "Régiment de Chasseurs Alpins". It was in fact the 5th Bataillon.

==Belgian Army== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}}

From its creation as a permanent force in 1832, the Belgian Army included regiments of both chasseurs à pied and chasseurs à cheval, performing the same roles as their French counterparts. Their lineage is a continuation of regiments of hussars and light-dragoons of the army of the Kingdom of the United Netherlands from which they were originated. At the outbreak of World War I in August 1914 there were 3 regiments of Chasseurs à pied, each of 3 battalions, and 3 regiments of mounted Chasseurs.<ref>{{cite book|first=R Pawly|last=P Lierneux|page=4|title=The Belgian Army in World War I|date=23 June 2009 |publisher=Bloomsbury USA |isbn=978-1-84603-448-0}}</ref>

In 1933 a new regiment of light infantry: the Chasseurs Ardennais, was created to garrison the mountainous region of that name.

In 2011, the 1st Regiment of Chasseurs à cheval/Guides (result of the fusion of the 1st Chasseurs à Cheval and the Regiment of Guides in 2004) was amalgamated with the 2nd/4th Regiment of Chasseurs à cheval, in order to form the Battalion Chasseurs à Cheval (Bataljon Jagers te Paard). The battalion is dedicated to the ISTAR missions and carries the standard of the 1st Chasseurs à Cheval.

==United States Army== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}}

The U.S. army adopted chasseurs during the American Civil War as scouting and skirmishing forces for use against the Confederate Army. Their uniform was patterned after the French style, with the short, vented coat, though they were issued grey kepis. A notable unit of Civil War chasseurs were the 65th New York Volunteer Infantry (also known as the 1st United States Chasseurs). The Chasseurs were involved in the Peninsula and Appomattox campaigns, and lost a total of 146 men. They were distinct for choosing to wear M1858 uniform hats (more popularly known as Hardee hats) rather than the kepis.<ref name=ZouavesChasseursCivilWar /><ref>{{cite news|title=LETTER FROM THE FIRST UNITED STATES CHASSEURS.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1861/09/02/news/letter-from-the-first-united-states-chasseurs.html|website=The New York Times |date=2 September 1861 |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref>

The 14th Brooklyn, one of the most famous regiments of the Civil War, wore a chasseur uniform their whole term.

In 1862, following the capture of Confederate-held New Orleans by Federal soldiers, an all-black regiment named the Chasseurs d'Afrique was raised.<ref>Jacques Sicard and Francois Vauvillier, ''Les Chasseurs d'Afrique''. {{ISBN|2-908182-87-4}}. p. 40.</ref>

==Argentine Army== {{More citations needed section|date=December 2025}}

In the Argentine Army, the term {{lang|es|Cazador}} (Spanish for hunter, although in a military context it means chasseur or ranger) is used to designate certain special units trained to operate in specific geographical areas, such as mountain or jungle environments. Currently, there are two independent companies of ''cazadores de montaña'', or mountain rangers, and three of ''cazadores de monte'', or jungle rangers.

==Romanian Army== {{More citations needed section|date=January 2026}}

The ''Vânători de Munte'' ("Mountain Huntsmen") are the elite mountain troops of the Romanian Land Forces. Established in 1916 during World War I, they saw action during both World Wars. After several reorganizations during the Soviet occupation, they were re-established in 1964. There are two brigades currently operational, ''Brigada 2 Vânători de Munte "Sarmizegetusa"'' and ''Brigada 61 Vânători de Munte "General Virgil Bădulescu"''. The former took part in several international operations, losing eight men in Afghanistan. (:ro:Vânători de munte).

==Footnotes== {{reflist}}

== References ==

* Louis Susane, ''Historie de l'Ancienne Infanterie Français, Volume I,'' 1849 Naval and Polytechnical Military Library of Paris, Paris, France.

==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927014839/http://www.nevasport.com/nevablogs/d/chasseurs-alpins/997 Chasseurs alpins] * [http://www.mablehome.com/chasseurs/2egc.htm Chasseur from the French forces in Germany] * [http://napoleonistyka.atspace.com/French_infantry.html French Grenadiers, Chasseurs and Fusiliers of the Napoleonic Wars] * [https://www.nytimes.com/1861/09/02/news/letter-from-the-first-united-states-chasseurs.html]

Category:Military equipment of the Union (American Civil War) Category:Combat occupations Category:Combat occupations of the late modern period Category:Military units and formations of France Category:French Army

no:Jeger (soldat)