Cossacks

Reading from the textbook and from sources in class I found that Russian troops were often described as, or described fighting alongside 'Cossacks', so I decided to find out who they were.

A group of Cossacks

There is no agreed definition of 'Cossack' according to one website this is because 'They are not a nationality or a religion, they don’t represent a political party or movement' but the word 'Cossack' is derived from a Turkish word 'Qasaq' meaning Free Man, or Adventurer. However many sources have also said that Cossacks were often Serfs that ran away from their masters and became wanderers. They were typically associated  with the Steppe region, the Ukraine and Southern Russia, which may be the Reason for the name of the country Kazakhstan ('Kazak' and 'Qasaq' being different spellings of the same word and  the country is south of Russia).

Never the less, small Cossack settlements began to appear in the Don river region in the 15th Century. Cossacks were most famous as being a formidable part of the Russian Military. From a young age, Cossack boys were taught to ride a horse, supposedly being able to ride one by the age of 5. Cossack Hosts (Groups or Tribes) were given special treatment in the Russian Empire but in return their young men had to serve 20 years in the Russian Military. Cossacks were also renowned as marksmen, often excelling in use of Rifles, and in earlier periods, Bows.

A Siberian Cossack

Cossacks were used as light cavalry units, who could do reconnaissance and Ambushes, but in open pitched battles they were often outmatched by regular troops and regular cavalry. But they were also used as border Guards, often living in the Russian Borderlands and knowing the area they would be able to provide quick and effective resistance if Russia was ever invaded.

After Hundreds of years of service, the traditional role of Cossacks was phased out, Cavalry had been replaced with tanks and planes. By the middle of the 20th Century the classical image of a Cossack was no longer a reality, and although many still fought in the Military, they're warlike traditions were no longer useful.
Sources:http://tinyurl.com/nksww7a http://tinyurl.com/6rse4mf http://tinyurl.com/oum48ck http://tinyurl.com/puo73vx

The Thin Red Line

Famous Painting of the Thin Red Line

'The Thin Red Line' is a commonly used phrase, often meaning an Army that has been spread out in a defensive position. It comes from episode in the Crimean War, that is enshrined in British History.

The Battle of Balaclava 1854 - nothing stands between the British Headquarters and 400 Russian Cavalry except for the 93rd Highlander Regiment, lead by Sir Colin Campbell.

Seeing the Russian Cavalry charging towards his position Campbell told his men ''There is no retreat from here, men. You must die where you stand'. He then formed his men into 2 firing lines - this was an uncommon practice. It was military protocol to form one's men into a Square Formation (Shown below); this prevents the Cavalry from breaking the line, using bayonets to push away the enemy. However, Campbell had a very poor opinion of Russian Cavalry and beveled he could shoot them down.
As the Russian Cavalry began it's charge, the 93rd fired 3 volleys upon them; at 600 yards, then 350, and finally at 150. The Russian Cavalry were routed. Some of the 93rd began to charge at the fleeing enemy, but were stopped when Campbell said '93rd, damn all that eagerness!'.' 

A painting of a Napoleonic Square

Later after the Battle, writing in for the Times, William H. Russel said that he could nothing between the Russian Cavalry and the base of British operations but a 'thin red streak tipped with a line of steel' - this was the 93rd, and this is where we get the condensed 'Thin Red Line'.
The defeat of the Calvary was celebrated as a victory of the common Red Coats in a dangerous and unorganised war. It was clearly down to Campbell confidence in his own men, and their willingness to follow him.