Dragoons (12 mounted, 12 dismounted)

Description

The role of the dragoon was still being defined in the wars of the 17th century. Dragoons later went on to become heavy shock cavalry who rarely got off their expensive horses. Our subjects fighting in the English Civil Wars and Thirty Years War are really mounted infantry, musketeers mounted on poorer quality horses. Their role was not glamorous, but was nonetheless vital to a 17th century general.

Before any pitched battle the Dragoons would have been worked hard, joining raids on enemy strongholds and supply lines. Capturing and holding bridges, fords or crossing points at major rivers were also important during preparations for the coming fight. Dragoons could also find themselves on outpost duty, using their firelock or matchlock muskets to keep the enemy at bay. They were also the perfect troop type to escort wagons, prisoners or guarding anything else thought valuable.