A Bit on Polish Winged Hussars

Only my beloved Poles could have been graced with the fighting force known as the Hussars. The military might of the Poles in the Renaissance period primarily consisted their renowned calvary, with foot soldiers seldom utilized. The Hussars were a small portion of this Polish calvary, and were the "special forces" of their day. Their main weapon was a 4.5-5.5 meter hollow lance used impale the enemy during the initial charge at a full gallop. It was seen as shameful if one did not break their lance during the first charge, because it meant they had not struck the enemy with enough force. After the lances had been broken, the sabre was the most common weapon used in close combat to clean up.
The Hussars were most famous for their "wings", made of eagle or ostrich feathers attached to a wooden frame behind their back. Most likely their intent was to create a psychological advantage (who wouldn't flee from a mass of charging ostrich-men), and some claim that the wings actually made an buzzing sound during the full charge which would unnerve the enemy.
The Hussars greatest moment of glory occured during the Battle of Vienna in 1683, one of the most important battles Christendom has ever known.
The Ottoman Empire reached its peak during 17th century after a 250 year struggle with Christian Europe. After taking Constantinople and the Balkans, the Ottoman Turks began a campaign to advance into Central Europe. Austria stood in their way, and a mass of 100,000 Turks laid siege outside of Vienna. Pope Innocent XI called for a holy allience of Christian princes to resist the massive Muslim horde ready to lay waste to Christian Europe. The King of Poland, Jan Sobieski, came to the aid of Vienna with a calvary numbering some 15,000 men. The King and his men, along with 5,000 German calvary, charged the enemy from the hills surrounding Vienna on September 12, 1683. By 5:30 in the evening, Jan Sobieski entered the tent of the defeated Ottoman commander Kara Mustafa. Christian civilization had been saved and solemn masses were celebrated throughout Europe to give thanks for the victory. Battles with the Turks continued for several years, but the heart of Christendom was no longer threatened. The Battle of Vienna is generally noted as one of the most important battles of all time, and now you know a little more about it.