Weapons of the Pandours, and Who Were They?

[Jim McDougall]

The first time I ever heard of 'pandours' was in Wagners "Cut and Thrust Weapons", where an illustration of a Hungarian form of sabre was attributed to a 'pandour' officer. The subsequent research led to learning more of the esoterica concerning these irregular troops, and probably the most notorious character associated with them, Baton Franz von Trenck.

These assembled forces of various ethnic groups under the command of von Trenck were essentially auxiliaries for the armies of Maria Theresa during the War of the Austrian Succession against Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia.

Von Trenck (1711-1749) though born in Palermo, the son of an Austrian officer, was actually Prussian with Austrian citizenship and estates in Croatia (Slovenia). He apparantly had a turbulent and complex 'career' in his military service, serving as a mercenary with Russia, later Austria,where despite imprisonments, death sentences and other disciplinary issues he was made a colonel in command of pandours in 1744.

These forces were essentially 'grenzer' (German= border guards) initially from Croatian mercenaries on Austro-Ottoman borders, presumably partially from a number of his estates, likely including other ethnic groups and some from Hungary and Poland.

Apparantly these irregular light troops operated well outside the fixtures of established warfare in skirmishing, raiding as well as outright plundering and mayhem. The notoriety became well known in Europe from these traits as well as thier fearsome appearance. They adopted exotic Turkish costume elaborately worn, and along with pistols, rifle and sword, they are known to have carried yataghans.

Their preoccupation with plundering and atrocities rather than participation in actual military objectives led eventually to the disbanding of Trencks unit and his imprisonment, this time the last. He died in prison of poisoning in 1749.

The 'exploits' of these irregular forces were duly noted by other European armies in establishing similar units, but it would seem that the concept was certainly well known prior to the dubious popularization by the depradations of Trenck's units.
A book titled "Portraits of the Hungarians, Pandours or Croats, Waradins or Sclavonians and Ulans" was published in London in 1742, technically ahead of the establishing, at least officially of Trenck in command of his units in 1744, though another reference suggests he had tried this as early as 1740.

The most notable reference to the pandours seems to be toward the cruelty and atrocities committed by them, thier fearsome and ruthless demeanor and entirely outlaw behaviour. In going through Wagner, one curious feature that appeared faithfully included in the line drawings was the distinctly placed 'notch' near the tip at the back of the blade. Initially I noticed this on the pandour sabre, but then discovered it appeared on a number of other Austrian swords as well, including straight swords, all cavalry.

Wagner notes that this was intended to worsen wounds, and in considerable follow up in researching this I encountered a number of other suggestions including ensnaring horsemens reins, the usual swordcatcher idea (patently absurd as the notches are far too small) and unable to recall others.
The idea of worsening the wounds seems technically unlikely, but in considering the brutal reputation of pandours, I have become convinced personally these field applied notches were probably more of a symbolic gesture.

With this opening introduction on the pandours, I'd like to open more discussion on the notorious Baron, the actual etymology of the term pandour, and what type weapons they would likely have used...maybe even examples ?

Also, the subsequent units of Frei Korps and Grenzers that followed through the Napoleonic Wars (SE Europe being one of the most least discussed theaters of these .

Best regards,
Jim


Illustration of Franz Freiherr von Trenck (1711-1749)
He couldnt have been all bad he popularized the really snappy 'cravat', a true fashion statement, as well as the first European military band.




Added the Capuchin Monastery in Brno, Czech Republic
von Trenck's mummified remains can be seen in the interesting catacombs under this church. It is noted that he was a notably small individual and is clothed in military uniform and hip boots. Apparantly the cool temperatures and low humidity naturally mummify and there are a number of monks and aristocrats remains here also.