The first Uhlan regiment was established by the Emperor in Warsaw and totaled one thousand pikes. The second regiment was formed a bit later, in 1810, from the Holland mounted guard regiment, which, due to its uniform color received the title of the Red Uhlan.
According to the decree of November 25, 1811, each Cuirassier unit had to have an Uhlan regiment attached to it. This came from the Emperor, who wanted to have troops who were able to oppose Austrian and Russian Uhlans and Cossacks as equals.
They were armed with a pike with tassel, mostly used to pursue the fleeing enemy and mount sudden assaults from the flanks.
Uhlans have always been famous for their mobility. They could fiercely attack the enemy's ranks from their flanks or rear. After the enemy's line had fired a volley, the Uhlans attacked it from the front.
The Uhlans were ideal at supporting the infantry lines in battle.