Dragoons During the American Revolutionary War

In the turbulent era of the American Revolutionary War, dragoons—mounted soldiers trained to fight both on horseback and on foot—played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of battles and campaigns. Unlike the heavily armored cavalry of earlier centuries, Revolutionary War dragoons favored smaller, agile horses. British Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton, a renowned cavalry leader, insisted his men ride horses no taller than 15.5 hands, preferring even smaller hunter horses around 14.2 hands. The choice of dark-colored mounts was strategic: white or gray horses were too conspicuous for ambushes and camouflage, making stealth a priority for these mobile warriors.

Communication on the battlefield was crucial. Dragoons relied on trumpets to relay commands, much as infantry units used drums. This allowed for coordinated maneuvers, especially during cavalry charges. To preserve the stamina of their horses, charges began at a trot, accelerated to a canter, and culminated in a gallop for the final 100–200 yards. The sheer force of a cavalry charge could break through infantry lines, but only the most disciplined foot soldiers could withstand such an assault.

While dragoons carried pistols, these weapons were notoriously inaccurate and reserved for emergencies or close combat. The sword, as Major Richard Call of the American 3rd Light Dragoons wrote in 1781, was “the most destructive and almost only necessary weapon a dragoon carries.” This philosophy was reinforced by Frederick the Great of Prussia, who revolutionized cavalry tactics by lightening gear and emphasizing saber use. Frederick famously demonstrated the superiority of swords over pistols by having his men attack straw dummies—every pistol shot missed, but every sword strike hit its mark.

This approach influenced American commanders like Lt. Colonel William Washington, who, on the eve of the Battle of Cowpens, used Frederick’s demonstration to train new recruits. Washington strictly forbade his men from using pistols in battle. Yet, in a twist of fate, his trumpeter—too small to wield a saber—used a pistol to save Washington’s life, shooting a British dragoon who was about to strike Washington during a fierce encounter with Tarleton.

The realities of war extended beyond the battlefield. On March 1, British commanders mandated inspections of clothing and possessions, targeting women camp followers, whom they accused of being “the source of the most infamous plunder.” Discipline was harsh, with public floggings enforced to maintain order and reputation. These measures underscored the challenges of managing a diverse, often desperate force on a grueling campaign. The struggle to balance military necessity, discipline, and the hardships of war left a lasting impact on both the British army and the civilian population of North Carolina.

In summary: Dragoons in the American Revolutionary War were defined by their mobility, discipline, and adaptability. Their tactics, equipment, and leadership reflected the evolving nature of warfare, while their experiences highlighted the broader struggles and sacrifices of the era.