Hit-and-run-tactics of the Second Northern War (1655-1660) : Swedish experience

The ‘war of harassment,’ or tactics used by Stefan Czarniecki in the campaigns against the Swedes during the Second Northern War 1655-1660, was based on the high mobility of the Polish cavalry and the element of surprise. Such actions brought very good results, and they began to be copied by the Swedish side. This is evidenced by the reports of cavalry raids by the troops under Rutger von Ascheberg. Such experiences laid the foundations for the aggressive tactics of the Swedish army in the second half of the 17th early 18th century.