Chasseurs

Chasseurs (Fr., 'hunters') is a name used since 1741 for certain corps d'élite of the French army. The Chasseurs-à-cheval and the Chasseurs d'Afrique are light cavalry. The latter were raised in 1831 for service in Africa, mounted on Arab horses, and wearing a distinct uniform. There were in 1888 twenty regiments of Chasseurs-à-cheval, and four of Chasseurs d'Afrique. Uniform, sky-blue tunic with red trousers. The Chasseurs-à-pied are light infantry corresponding to the Rifle Corps of the British and the Jägers ('hunters') of the German and Austrian armies. One regiment, the Chasseurs de Vincennes, formed in 1838, has always been especially famous for rapidity and precision of movement, as well as accuracy of fire. There are now thirty battalions of Chasseurs-à-pied in the French army. Uniform, dark-blue tunic and iron-gray trousers instead of red.