Unit of Polish nobility
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A unit of nobility called pospolite ruszenie, meaning mass mobilization, is an attempt to reconstruct Polish military units existing in the 17th century when such units were treated as the last pillars of the country’s defence. The tradition of mass mobilization derives from the Middle Ages when the royal subjects who owned land property were conscripted. This is the group which a social class called knights and later the nobility stemmed from. At the beginning of the 17th century the military training
and horse-riding and swordsmanship skills of mass mobilization soldiers were impressive because the nobility perceived themselves as defenders of the motherland and of their privileges. To be able to defend himself and the country, every nobleman practised horse-riding and using the sword. Less wealthy noblemen learned these skills from their parents, at duels and during conflicts with neighbours whereas rich ones hired famous teacher who helped them to master the skills.
In the 17th century national mass mobilization was called many times (1621, 1649, 1651, 1655-1657, 1672). Local mass mobilization, particularly in south-eastern provinces took place more often to defend the region against Tartars. It was a patriotic duty to turn up for mass mobilization called to defend state borders. Failure to turn up was not connected with any punishment inflicted pursuant to provisions of law; it was only connected with the contempt of veterans returning from the campaign. There was one exception; failure to turn up for mass mobilization called in Smoleńsk region led to confiscation of property. After the Polish-Russian war which took place in 1632-1634, 13 noblemen were punished with confiscation of property.
In the 17th century national mass mobilization was called many times (1621, 1649, 1651, 1655-1657, 1672). Local mass mobilization, particularly in south-eastern provinces took place more often to defend the region against Tartars. It was a patriotic duty to turn up for mass mobilization called to defend state borders. Failure to turn up was not connected with any punishment inflicted pursuant to provisions of law; it was only connected with the contempt of veterans returning from the campaign. There was one exception; failure to turn up for mass mobilization called in Smoleńsk region led to confiscation of property. After the Polish-Russian war which took place in 1632-1634, 13 noblemen were punished with confiscation of property.
Nobleman’s dress consisted of a shirt, shalwars, a jacket, a belt, a cap, a fur-lined coat and boots. Due to the fact that the noblemen who answered the call were not regular soldiers but volunteers, their weapons depended on their financial standing. In fact, apart from a sabre which was a standard weapon of every mass-mobilized soldier, there were virtually all kinds of weapons including knives, spears, bows, pistols and horseman’s picks used for attacks and shields and helmets used for protection. Mass-mobilized soldiers also wore many different kinds of protective clothing, such as chain mail garments, etc.
