Cuirassiers
As many as 15 cuirassier regiments formed the bulk of Napoleon's heavy cavalry during the First French Empire. In 1810, the two carabiniers regiments were also equipped with armour similar to the cuirassiers' and therefore became in effect a type of cuirassier unit. The cuirassiers were considered elite units (as shown by their red epaulettes and red plumes). Although they were at some point equipped with carbines and pistols, the cuirassiers would mainly use their long straight swords while charging enemy troops. The effectiveness of the cuirass (the torso armour consisting of a breast plate and back plate) worn by the cuirassiers has been endlessly debated, especially regarding its use against firearms. What is certain though is that the cuirass offered a solid protection against bladed weapons including swords, lances and bayonets. The cuirass, along with the helmet and its mane protecting the neck, the leather gauntlets and to some extent the epaulettes made the cuiras...