Spahis differed from their French namesakes in that their prime role was that of mounted police, tasked with patrolling rural and desert areas. Although they had Italian officers, they were more loosely organised than the regular Libyan cavalry regiments (Savari). They wore a picturesque dress modelled on that of the desert tribesmen from whom they were recruited. References Sources Charles Lavauzelle. "L'Armee d'Afrique 1830–1962" Paul Oddo. "Calots Rouges et Croix de Lorraine - Les Spahis de Leclerc" Pierre Rosiere. "Spahis - des spahis algeriens aux gardes rouges de Dakar" Ian Sumner. "The French Army 1914–18" . External links Musee de Spahis in Senlis, Oise France Cavalry units and formations of France Armée d'Afrique