The unit's baptism by fire occurred at the Battle of Miechów, where under the command of adjutant Wojciech Komorowski,[4] they successfully charged Russian forces defending the local cemetery.

[6] In that engagement Langiewicz lost control over the overall deployment of forces, and it was Rochebrune who assumed command and successfully managed the retreat.

Stefan Malczewski, fought at the Battle of Pobiednik Mały where, significantly outnumbered, they also suffered heavy casualties, in good part because of their refusal to retreat according to their oath.

[2] Subsequently Rochebrune was awarded the order of Legion of Honour for his part in the Polish uprising by the French government.

He took part in the Franco-Prussian war in the rank of colonel where he insisted on fighting in his Zouaves of Death uniform at the head of a unit he called Les Gaulois (The Gauls).

[6] After Rochebrune's departure the Zouaves of Death were led for a short time by the second in command, (nom de guerre "Grzymała"),[7] perhaps Tytus O'Byrn,[8] but for all practical purposes it ceased to exist.