The regiment's ancestry is drawn from two separate units, one originating in a squadron of the Hussards de la Liberté and the other in the Régiment des Guides.

Its origins lay in the Hussards de la Liberté, set up on 2 September 1792 and by a royal decree dated 23 November 1792.

1806–07 made them take part in the war of the fourth coalition in the battles of Jena–Auerstedt, Stettin and Friedland, all in modern day Germany and Poland.

In 1809 it took part in the war of the fifth coalition and charged at Eckmühl then at Wagramagainst the forces of Archduke Charles.

In 1812 it took part in the French invasion of Russia, attacking at Borodino, and surviving the retreat from Moscow.

When they were pushed back to the French Frontier, what remained of the regiment after the retreat through Germany was converted into the régiment de Berry-hussards (with precedence number 6) on 12 May 1814.

On 1 May 1854 this became the régiment des guides de la Garde Impériale, and in 1871, became 9th Hussar Regiment.

As part of 14th Corps, the 9th Hussars retreated to the Somme after the German spring offensive in early April.