| Zouaves of Death | |
|---|---|
 Zouaves of Death. Colonel François Rochebrune in center. | |
| Active | 1863 |
| Country | Poland, Congress Poland |
| Type | Light infantry |
| Motto(s) | "Victory or death" |
| Colors | Black and white |
| Engagements | Miechów, Chroberz, Grochowiska, Krzykawka, Pobiednik Mały |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | François Rochebrune |
Zouaves of Death (Polish: Żuawi śmierci) were a Polish military unit during the January Uprising, formed in February 1863 from volunteers in Ojców, Poland, by the Frenchman François Rochebrune (Polish: Franciszek Rochebrune). He based his formation on the French Zouaves, in which he had served during the Crimean War.[1][2] The Zouaves of Death were highly regarded for their bravery, but they suffered high casualties and their numbers were severely depleted within months. The unit ceased to exist when the rebellion was defeated in 1864. After the fighting in Poland, Rochebrune returned to the French army, as a captain and later colonel.
- ^ Zofia Gołubiewowa, Halina Blak, Barbara Małkiewicz, Elżbieta Wojtałowa, Modern polish painting: Polish painting of the 19th century, The National Museum, 2001
- ^ Bartek Rogalski, "„Żuawi Śmierci” w Powstaniu Styczniowym" Archived August 3, 2014, at the Wayback Machine (Zouaves of Death in the January Uprising), last accessed 1/14/2011