Skip to content

Chapter XIX: Conclusion

Text size

If now, at the conclusion of my investigations, we summarize the chief results arrived at, we find the following sequence of thought:

The value of Cavalry in relation to the other Arms has risen materially; as a consequence of the whole range of changes introduced into the conduct of modern War--viz., those due to changes in the composition of Armies, to railways, telegraphs, supply, weapons, etc. Its strategical tasks have increased in importance, and on the battle-field new opportunities for successes have been disclosed.

Mounted and dismounted action have now become functions of equal importance. Great results--whether strategical or tactical--can only be obtained by the employment of 'Masses.'

The changing conditions of War demand increased mobility, both organic, strategic, and tactical.

The difficulties of leadership, in consequence of these conditions, have increased very materially. On the other hand, the Cavalry has remained in every respect relatively behind the other Arms, and hence we stand face to face with a whole list of new requirements which it must be the task of our peace-time preparation to satisfy, and of which the following are the most important items:

Increase in the price paid for our remounts.

Considerable increase in our numerical strength, if possible, on the lines of our existing and well-tried organization.

Rearmament of our Cavalry with a 6-millimetre carbine, ballistically equal in all respects to the rifle of the Infantry.

Considerable increase in the amount of ammunition carried both in peace and War.

Improvement in the whole equipment of man and horse.

Formation of the horse batteries of four guns, with corresponding increase in the number of batteries; introduction also of a true quick-firer.

Supply of Maxim guns to the Cavalry. Organization of the whole of the supply columns and pioneer detachments required to give the necessary strategical mobility.

Improvement in the method of training horses and men, both individually and for the purpose of securing better conditions in the horses to stand the increased strain of modern operations.

Complete reform of our course of training, both tactical and for field service, to fit us for employment in 'Masses,' and to meet the new strategic requirements. The increased importance of fire-action must be taken into account.

Further development of our Cavalry Regulations, which require not only simplification in many details, but the addition of sections developing the principles of the employment by 'Wings' of the several units, an extension of the prescriptions for the use of fire-action, and more precise formulation of tactical principles.

Rearrangement of the instructions relating to reconnaissance, security, and the forwarding of reports, in the field-service regulations, with due regard to the employment of cyclists where practicable.

A more systematic, practical, and general education for our Officers; creation of a Cavalry School, in which War should be taught on scientific principles.

Distribution of the whole Arm into independent territorial districts, to be termed 'Inspections' (Corps) and 'Sub-inspections' (Divisions), which are to be entirely independent of the existing Army Corps.

Annual Cavalry Manoeuvres.

Improvement of discipline 'to meet the demands of modern Warfare.

This is a considerable list of extreme requirements put together in a few words, and I am well aware that they are not to be obtained by a single stroke of the pen--indeed, it needs a considerable degree of optimism to believe that they are to be obtained at all; but I am equally conscious that sound evolution is only possible when the extremest purpose of our endeavours is clearly placed before our minds, and if we have the courage to recognise openly how far we fall short of the standard the pitiless reality of War demands.

Do not let us delude ourselves with the idea that excellence is to be attained without exertion, or that the path of easy-going reforms, safeguarding always existing interests, will lead us to a certain victory.

Half-measures do more harm than good, and it will not be those races which will survive in the great 'world struggle for existence' which seek only for a harmonious development of all their living forces, but rather those which devote themselves with a single mind to the evolution of the utmost fighting power It is the triumph of force--fighting power--which conditions the development of all other social interests. If we possess the 'force,' the rest will follow. Whilst, however, we seek to develop by every means in our power the utmost strength of the nation, we must be quite clear in our own minds as to the limits of the attainable. In War, no more than in any other 'act of human intercourse,' is the 'best' ever reached by mortal executants. But the palm of success beckons across the field of destiny to the race which strives towards the highest, and has made the greatest sacrifices and dared the most to deserve it.

In this sense it is the duty of each individual unit amongst us, unconcerned about results or consequences, to work with whole heart and mind in the cause we serve; and the more resistance to be encountered, the greater the obstacle to be overcome, the less may we shun the struggle, for here also the old truth holds good: _Per aspera ad Astra_.

INDEX

Action, typical case of Cavalry, 225;
example of Mars la Tour, 225 (footnote)

Advance, time to be selected for, 32;
rate of, 121;
of enemy marks period for pushing forward, 27

Advantages, in War, must be fought for, 29

Ammunition, carbine, insufficiency of, 175, 179;
increase in amount of, for practice, 250

Ammunition columns, special, required for Cavalry, 179

Armies, change of character of modern, 3

Art of War, new conditions in, 3;
their effect on Cavalry, 9;
result of first engagement of overwhelming importance, 12

Artillery, effect of modern, on defence of villages and woods, 15;
power of, can be over-estimated, 54;
support of dismounted Cavalry by, 60, 100;
protection of, 95;
Horse Artillery must adapt itself to Cavalry's action, 100;
position for, 101;
one battery per brigade recommended, 179;
quick-firing guns wanted, 180;
should be attacked from flank, 234;
co-operation in Cavalry training, 263

Attack, stereotyped forms of, prohibited, 72;
on flank when advisable, 78;
simultaneous, on front and flank, 79;
'mobile' or 'immobile' horses during, 91;
by dismounted troops, 99;
change of direction of, when permissible, 116;
importance of vehemence of onslaught, 232;
formation for, against Infantry and Artillery, 234;
distribution and duties of dismounted men in, 259

Baggage-train should be represented at manoeuvres, 279

Bapaume, Battle of, 57

Barley as forage, 206

Battle-field, place of Cavalry in, 81, 84;
case of Mars la Tour, 82;
best formation for, 85;
decided by circumstances of case, 82, 85;
simple formations alone applicable on, 225;
Mars la Tour, 225 (footnote)

Beans as a ration, 205

Bit and bridoon, merits of, 192, 197

Bivouac, disadvantages of, 122, 125

Breaking in. See 'Training'

Bridging material, sufficient, needed to be carried to deal with
small streams, etc., 175

Bridoon. See 'Bit'

Brigade, highest unit for drill purposes, 238

Bugle calls, when allowable, 69;
value of, 230;
regimental calls, 230;
movements to be practised without, 236

Cantonments, advantages of providing, 125

Carbine, method of attachment, 176;
improved pattern needed, 177

Cartridges, method of carrying, 177

Cavalry must be trained to act in 'mass,' 7;
during Wars of 1870 and 1877-1878, 7;
experiences of the past insufficient, 8;
proportion to other Arms, 10;
importance of, greater than formerly, 11;
new tasks for, 14;
actual fighting value diminished, 16;
best strategic value increased, 16;
public opinion at fault, 16;
exploits in 1870-1871 misjudged, 16;
German organization of, requires reform, 17;
clear conception of requirements during each phase needed, 17;
advance during mobilization deprecated, 23;
should not act till enemy's strategic concentration begins, 28;
importance of superiority over enemy's Cavalry at commencement, 31;
in what cases the principal Arm, 37;
Divisional, 38;
Independent, 38;
fire action of, during battles, 55;
greater tactical cohesion than Infantry, 58;
scope of, enormously increased, 59;
importance of good leadership, 63;
place of, in line of battle, 81, 84;
formation of, on battle-field, 85;
factors determining strategic employment of, 126;
difficulty of supplying reinforcements, 151;
augmentation of German, necessary, 153;
and not to be postponed till mobilization, 158;
training of, requires reforming, 181 _et seq._;
Regulations require amendment to meet dismounted needs, 257;
tasks for, in future War not properly appreciated, 268

Change of formation during action, 69;
from 'rendezvous' to 'attack,' 79

Charge, the, when preferable to fire action, 52;
example of Waterloo, 52;
position of Commander during, 65;
choice of moment for, 87;
cohesion during, 221;
speed of, 221

Chargers. See 'Horses'

Chotusitz, Battle of, 83

Civilians, possible participation in future Wars by, 10;
armed resistance by, to be suppressed, 33

Column, regimental, value of, for War, 227;
squadron, disadvantages of, 228

Combined action, factors essential to success of, 68

Command of Cavalry masses exceeding six regiments, 45;
must be under a single leader, 46;
efficiency of, more important with Cavalry than Infantry, 63

Commander, qualities needed in a good, 64, 286;
place of, before and during charges, 65;
when working with other Arms, 66;
choice of formation to be left to, 72, 76, 77;
must be informed of progress of Infantry combat, 86;
qualities required in covering a retreat, 86;
in dismounted action, 93;
must decide as to extension in strategy, 106;
and concentration in combat, 106;
to be kept informed of general situation, 111, 117;
must organize his own reconnaissance, 120;
personal supervision of front by, 121;
forage reserve to be formed by, 131;
to arrange times for drill, 215;
but not to deviate from Regulations, 220;
importance of handling 'masses,' 216.
See also 'Leader'

Commencement of War, essence of all Cavalry action during, 26;
obtaining intelligence during, 27

Communications, increased liability to interruption of, 13;
greater opportunities for Cavalry to interfere with, 14;
especially after victory, 14;
to be maintained with Headquarters on field of battle, 67

Comparison between Cavalry and Infantry, 59

Concentration, question of disturbing enemy's communications during, 19;
views of other Powers on this, 20;
value of raids during, 20;
premature commitment of Cavalry during, 24;
reasons against sacrificing Cavalry during, 25;
defensive duties during, 26;
advantages of pushing forward during enemy's, 28;
of force for raids, 35;
of considerable masses, when essential, 44;
for combat, 106, 108, 109

Corn, amount of, to be carried by Cavalry, 130;
author's experiment, 203

Coulmiers, Battle of, 86

'Critique' after field days, 243

Cyclists, value of, in conjunction with Cavalry, 22, 147;
circulation of intelligence by, 39;
should enable Divisional Cavalry to be economized, 42;
further Regulations required, 146;
limitations of, 148;
to be attached to Cavalry, 178

Deception of enemy, means towards, 119

Defects in horses, correction of, 199

Defence of villages, 97

Defensive duties at commencement of War, 26;
combat, 92;
'immobile' detachments during, 92;
action, breaking off a, 94;
action, duties of dismounted men during, 259

Despatch riders, 138, 145

Detachments, economy in use of, 38;
reports from, to Headquarters, 111;
outflanking, during attack, 232

Direction, change of, during action, 117

Dismounted action, increased importance of, 49;
when desirable in attack, 49;
when inevitable, 50;
Sheridan's Cavalry in, 51;
during rearguard actions, 52;
during general engagements, 55;
examples of Fredericksburg and Five Forks, 55;
in South African War, 56;
Franco-German War, 57;
'mobile' and 'immobile' horses, 91;
in defensive combat, 92, 93;
tactical distribution of men in, 96;
'Wing' or 'Line' systems, 96;
in defence of villages, 97 _et seq._;
in attack, 99;
training for, 247;
importance of, not sufficiently appreciated, 248 _et seq._;
not to be confined to the defensive, 249;
recruits' course, 250;
Regulations as to, require expansion, 257 _et seq._;
as important as fighting in the saddle, 262

Dispersion of troops for raids, 35;
for screening and security, 106, 109

Divisional Cavalry defined, 38;
duties of, 39;
apportionment of, 41;
as little as possible should be retained for Infantry Divisions, 42;
reconnaissance duties of, 141;
security duties of, 144

Divisions of Cavalry, maintenance of, during peace, 161;
present strength insufficient, 165;
permanent creation of, not advisable, 167

'Double-column' formation, when recommended, 80, 229

'Drei Treffen Taktik,' 73

'Dressur' detachment, 190

Drill, shortening of season for, 198;
importance of Squadron and Regimental, 214 _et seq._;
merits of Brigade and Divisional, 215 _et seq._;
ceremonial to be separated from practical, 237;
Brigade, the highest unit for formal, 238

Education, military, for man and horse, 186;
tactical, for troops generally, 213 _et seq._;
of recruits, 272;
of non-commissioned ranks, 275;
higher, of officers, 286 _et seq._

Efficiency of troops essential to good leadership, 126

Enemy, advance of, marks period for pushing forward Cavalry, 27;
Cavalry of, must be beaten off field to obtain information, 30;
outposts of, to be broken through, 33;
communications, of, to be attacked, 33

Equipment for bridging and telegraphs, 174

Equitation, Staff for, 193;
proposed new procedure, 200;
school of, in Hanover, 290

Exercises to develop 'tactical principles,' 236;
of larger formations than Brigades, 239;
'field-service' exercises, 240 _et seq._

Expediency, the highest ideal of strategy, 47

Extension of front when advisable, 107;
in action when favourable, 240 _et seq._

Field-firing, increased importance of, 251;
scheme for, 252

'Field-service' exercises, 218;
nature of, 240;
ground for, 239;

Cavalry acting independently, 240;
Cavalry in combination with other Arms, 241;
existing deficiencies in, 266

Fire action often imperative nowadays, 47;
occasions when it will decide the day, 50;
General Lee's capitulation, 51;
South African War, 56;
Franco-German War, 57

Firearms, increased range of, 36;
better class of, needed by Cavalry, 58

Flank attack, when advisable, 78, 79;
after victory, 83;
during charge, 233

Flanks of enemy to be worked round to obtain information, 29

Forage, reserve of, 131;
amount to be carried on horses, 169;
author's experiment, 203

Force necessary to be employed in various circumstances, 36

Formation for attack, 36;
change of, during action, 69;
latitude to be allowed to Commander, 76, 77;
merits of 'double column,' 80;
'mass' when suitable, 81;
on battle-field, 85;
of dismounted men in action, 96;
in defence of villages, 96;
in dismounted attack, 100;
best, suitable for War, 226;
to be avoided, 226;
regimental column, 227

Four-squadron regiments, 154

Frederick the Great on length of marches, 122

Front, extension and concentration of, 107

Frontal attack against Infantry and Artillery, 235

Galloping, exercises in, 209

German Cavalry, numerically inadequate, 151;
expedients for augmenting, 153;
proposed territorial organization, 167

Gravelotte, example of faulty reconnaissance reports, 288

Ground, value of tactical advantage of, 78;
acquisition of, for field-training, 239

Halts on march, 128

Headquarters, reports to be sent to, from detachments, 111

Horsemanship, 184

Horses, demands on, 87;
'mobile' or 'immobile,' 91;
position for led, 93 _et seq._;
protection of, 95;
rest for, 122;
security of, during rest, 122, 124;
bivouac on march, 122;
on outpost, 123;
importance of care bestowed on, 123, 127;
excessive demands on, 128;
shortage of, in Germany, 152;
'augmentation,' 155;
'untrained,' of small use, 158;
increased demands on, 181;
training of, 185 _et seq._;
English thoroughbreds, 187;
Prussian, 187;
old, 194;
food for, increase of, 203;
endurance of, 202;
feeding, author's experiment in, 203;
galloping powers, 209;
weight to be put on, 212

Increase of German Cavalry needed, 158

Independence, when to be given to subordinates, 68

'Independent Cavalry' defined, 38;
conditions which determine allotment of, 42;
in what cases it should be concentrated on decisive lines, 43;
security duties of, 144

Individual superiority essential for patrols, 31

Infantry, effect on Cavalry of extended zone of fire of, 9;
difficult for Cavalry to encounter in close bodies, 10;
when once broken offer great opportunity to Cavalry, 15;
defence of villages and woods by, more difficult now, 15;
compared with Cavalry, 59

Initial success, great importance of, 12

Initiative, value of, 115

Inspections, new scheme of, for recruits and schools, 200;
importance of thorough, 246

Inspector-General of Cavalry, position of, 282 and footnote

Intelligence indispensable at commencement of War, 27;
spaces between enemy's columns to be penetrated to obtain, 27;
when more important than security, 28;
circulation of, 39;
during progress of action, 40;
experience of 1870, 40;
to be transmitted direct to Headquarters, as well as through
usual channel, 45

Lance-exercises, 254;
better attachment of, necessary, 255

Leader, importance of-independence of, in combined action, 68, 76;
more initiative to be given to, 73;
to be careful about his horses, 87;
duty when covering a retreat, 88;
modern requirements in a good, 89, 90;
to be kept informed of the general situation, 111, 117;
clearness of intention, 116;
must organize his own intelligence, 117;
capacity of, 126;
of great Cavalry masses, 286

Led horses, 91;
place for, 93, 94;
in dismounted practice, 259

Lines--three-line system, 73

Locality, faculty of finding way in unknown, 274

Lunging rein, 188

Manoeuvres, Brigade and Divisional, little criterion of work in War, 42;
trotting and galloping at, 210;
weight to be carried at, 210;
movements which are of use for War, 226;
theatrical display in great Cavalry, 263;
deficiencies in existing, 266;
Imperial, 267;
baggage train to be represented at, 279;
limitations of telegraphs at, 279;
of Brigades to be abolished in favour of Divisional and Corps, 283;
limitation of demands on Cavalry at, 284

Maps, misuse of, 274

Marches, flanking detachments to, 121;
length of, 122;
endurance of horses on, 127;
excessive lengths of, 128;
average lengths of, 128;
trotting and halts on, 128

Mars la Tour, 82, 83, 86, 225 (footnote)

'Mass' when suitable, 81, 82

Masses, training of Cavalry in large, 214, 215;
necessity for bringing Cavalry together frequently in, 245

Maxim guns with Cavalry, 178

Messengers, employment of, to be limited, 129

Mobility, essential in surprise actions, 118;
German Cavalry deficient in, 169;
of supply waggons, 173

Mounted Reserve, duties of, 95;
strength of, 96

Movements most suitable for battle-field, 226;
to be avoided, 226;
to be practised on simple warnings, 236

Musketry, importance of knowledge of, by officers, 253;
judging distances, 253

Napoleon on length of Cavalry marches, 122

Narbonne, General von Pelet, proposals of, 155

Numbers alone can prevail in victory or in covering retreat, 36;
give opportunities of dismounted action, 57

Oats, 205

Observation of masses of enemy's army by officers patrol, 31;
during combat, 40

Offensive against Infantry, Cavalry capable of taking the, 60

Officers of Cavalry have better knowledge of their men than in
Infantry, 59;
importance of training of, 64;
increased importance of knowledge of musketry, 253;
to be attached to Infantry for instruction, 256;
higher education of, 286 _et seq._;
training in horsemanship of, 291

Officers patrols, when necessary, 31

Orderlies to be limited, 128

Orders, simplicity essential in, 68;
how to be transmitted in the field, 69;
by bugle call, 69;
verbal, 69;
to be circulated simultaneously to all subordinates, 112;
importance of clearness in, 116

Organization of German Cavalry unchanged, 17;
requires reform, 17;
must be elastic, 47;
example of 1870, 47;
also of Napoleon, 48;
of German Cavalry to be by territorial districts, 167

'Outer lines,' advantages of, 78

Outflanking tactics, when undesirable, 53;
detachments, work of, during charge, 232

Outposts, necessity for breaking through enemy's, 33;
fixed rules for, impossible, 126

Patrols, causes of possible danger in the future, 10;
breaking up of enemy's communications by officers, 22;
must ascertain changes in enemy's initial dispositions, 25;
must protect frontier districts from raids, 25;
must avoid becoming desperately involved, 26;
superiority in individual patroller essential, 31;
defeat of enemy's, necessary, 31;
'reconnoitring' distinct from 'security' patrols, 133;
strength of, 136;
duties of commander, 136;
transmission of despatches by, 138;
must report to Headquarters as well as through ordinary channel, 140;
'tactical,' 143;
'security,' 143;
screening by, 144;
Regulations need amendment, 145;
training for scouting basis of all reconnaissance instruction, 269;
suggestion as to instruction, 270

Place on battle-field of Cavalry, 84, 85

Prague, Battle of, 83

'Principles,' tactical, of Cavalry opposed to Cavalry, 231;
of Cavalry opposed to Infantry and Artillery, 234

Prisoners, value of capturing, during enemy's mobilization, 24

Protection of main force, steps required differ from those for
obtaining information, 29;
opposite views held, 29

Pursuit of beaten enemy imperative, 84;
methods of, 51;
dismounted action during, 51;
Waterloo, 52;
wars of 1866 and 1870, 84;
duties during, 88;
to be practised on a grand scale, 283

Quick-firing guns, employment of 180

Raids, value of, on outbreak of War, 20;
to exploit enemy's resources, 34;
indispensable element in future, 34;
depend on rapidity and surprise, 34;
and on concentration of force at night-time, 35;
dispersion during, 35

Rapidity essential in raids, 34;
and in dismounted attack, 99

Rations, emergency, for horses, 174;
author's experiment with forage, 203 _et seq._

Rearguard actions, to be practised on a grand scale, 283

Reconnaissance by independent bodies of Cavalry necessary, 7;
rendered more difficult by range of modern firearms, 10;
and by smokeless powder, 10;
value of intensified, 12;
must be a separate service from screening, 31;
an exception to this, 41;
advantage of defeating enemy's reconnoitrers, 31;
under fire very difficult to effect, 39;
on the battle-field, 66;
cavalry leader must organize his own, 120;
training for scouting the basis of instruction in, 269;
knowledge of principles of 'higher strategy' essential, 288

Reconnoitring patrols, 134 _et seq._

Recruits, training of, 188 _et seq._, 273. See also 'Training'

Regiment, the fundamental tactical unit, 228

Regimental call, value of, 230 _et seq._

'Regimental column' formation, 227;
merits of double, 229

Regulations should not lay down fixed evolutions, 70;
but only essential principles of action, 70;
existing edition of, requires revision, 70, 79;
importance of Section 346, 76;
rearrangement recommended, 244;
as to training of dismounted squadrons, 253

Reinforcements, difficulty of supplying Cavalry, 151

Remounts, supply of, in War, 159;
English blood in, 187;
training of, 187

Reports in the field to be made to Headquarters and to adjacent
columns, 11;
transmission of, 138 _et seq._

Reserve forage, 131

Reserve squadrons, position for, during attack, 232

Reserve troops an easy prey to Cavalry when once beaten, 15

Rest, importance of, to horses, 124, 125

Retreat, advantages of 'outer lines' in, 78;
duty of Cavalry covering a, 88

Riding, cross-country, 186;
individual, 189

Riding School, 193 _et seq._

Roszbach, Battle of, 83

Rushes, advancing by, 113

Rye as forage, 206

Schlichting, General von, writings of, 81;
criticism of, 83;
on application of drill-book principles, 237

School, Riding, 192;
War (see 'War School');
of Cavalry, 290

Screening, importance of, 12;
during absence of troops, 27;
must give way to obtaining intelligence, 28;
distinct from reconnoitring, 32;
must be fought for, 33

Security when secondary to obtaining intelligence, 28;
during rest, 122;
general advantages of, 124

Sedan, Battle of, 87

Seidlitz, Von, at Zorndorf, 87

Simplicity essential to successful tactics, 68

Single combat exercises, 195 _et seq._

Skeleton enemy, 244

Soor, action of, 83

Squadron School, the basis of tactical training, 214;
drill, 217;
tactical training of dismounted, 258;
general education of, 272, 276;
practical exercises for, 275

'Squadron column,' merits of, 228

Staff required for Cavalry corps, 228

Strategical handling of Cavalry, importance of, 37;
fixed regulations inapplicable to, 105;
general principles, 105

Subdivision of force, 107

Summary of opinions on Cavalry generally, 294

Supply trains must march as fast as Cavalry, 171;
length of, 172;
mobility of, 173

Supreme Commander, presence of Cavalry essential to success of, 37

Surprise the essence of Cavalry actions, 16;
indispensable in raids, 34;
requirements for success in, 118

System, the 'three-line,' 74

Tactical action by Divisional Cavalry precluded, 40;
of Cavalry changed by new conditions, 49;
'Drei Treffen,' 73;
training for, too elementary, 223

Tactical education for troops generally, 213 _et seq._

Tactical principles, Cavalry _v._ Cavalry, 231 _et seq._;
Cavalry _v._ Infantry and Artillery, 232 _et seq._;
exercises to develop the, 236

Tactical and strategical principles of the future, 83

Telegraph, control of, 140;
limitations as to the use of, in Manoeuvres, 279

'Three-line' system, 73

Training, true purpose of, 161
of Cavalry Staff, 166;
Von Moltke's proposals, 166;
changes must be met by new methods, 181;
of horses and men, 184 _et seq._;
length of period of, 188, 194;
proposed programme for, 200;
preparation for endurance, 207;
War conditions essential to, 208;
tactical, too elementary at present, 223;
for dismounted fighting, 247 _et seq._;
some deficiencies in present, 217;
of squadrons a stepping-stone to field service, 276

Training grounds ('Truppenübungs Plätze'), 239

Transmission of orders during action, 69

'Treffen,' definition of, 74

Trotting on march, 128

Turning movements, when imperative, 115

Verbal orders, 69

Villages, dismounted defence of, 97 _et seq._;
withdrawal from, 99

Vionville, Battle of, 107

Von-Rosenberg at Mars la Tour, 225 (footnote)

Waggons, supply, pace of, 171

War conditions essential to training, 208

War School, extent of teaching at, 289;
creation of school for Cavalry desirable, 290

Weight to be carried by horses, 212

Wheat as forage, 206

'Wing attack,' 76;
best formation for requirements of combat, 227;
in action against Infantry and Artillery, 234;
freedom as to use of, 244

Woerth, Battle of, 87

Zone of fire, results of extension of, 9

Zorndorf, Battle of, 87

THE END

BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILDFORD

THE ART OF RECONNAISSANCE. By

Colonel DAVID HENDERSON, D.S.O. With Diagrams. Small Crown 8vo., 5s. net.

'The details of procedure suggested for a patrol are simpler, more practicable, and more efficacious than I have yet seen in any textbook. These chapters may be warmly recommended to every officer who wishes to prepare himself and his men for the most difficult and most important of those minor operations of war which form so great a part of its every-day reality.'--_Morning Post._

THE FRONTIERSMAN'S POCKET BOOK.

Compiled and Edited by ROGER POCOCK, on behalf of the Council of the Legion of Frontiersmen. With Illustrations. Leather, 5s. net.

'A very handy and well-packed little volume.... It brings together a large amount of well-digested practical information about camping, means of travel, signals, shooting, first-aid, and, in short, everything that a pioneering, handy man ought to know.... May be heartily recommended to all classes of scouts and frontiersmen.'--_Scotsman._

IMPERIAL STRATEGY. By the Military Correspondent of _The Times_. With Maps. Medium 8vo., 21s. net.

'"Imperial Strategy" is one of the most valuable volumes published within recent years. The admirable volume should stand upon the shelf of every soldier, and of every thinker upon Imperial things.'--_Army and Navy Gazette._

ARTILLERY AND EXPLOSIVES. Essays and Lectures written and delivered at various times. By Sir ANDREW NOBLE, K.C.B., D.C.L., F.R.S. With numerous Diagrams and Illustrations. Medium 8vo., 21s. net.

'The experience of Sir Andrew Noble covers such a wide field, and so many important changes have taken place in connection with rifled guns, their ammunition and projectiles, during the long period dealt with, that the views of so eminent an expert are of an incalculable value. He is therefore to be congratulated on his decision to bring into one volume the mass of important information and invaluable details respecting the progress in naval and artillery science.'--_Broad Arrow._

FORTIFICATION: Its Past Achievements, Recent Developments, Future Progress. By Colonel Sir GEORGE S. CLARKE, R.E., K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Governor of Bombay. New Edition, enlarged. With numerous Illustrations. Medium 8vo., 18s. net.

'The reflections of this great soldier-statesman will be found as fascinating as they are instructive, and that reasonable intelligence is the only essential qualification for reading them with profit as well as with interest and pleasure.'--_Westminster Gazette._

THE TRUTH ABOUT PORT ARTHUR. By Monsieur E. K. NOJINE, Accredited Russian War Correspondent during the Siege. Translated and abridged by Captain A. B. LINDSAY. Edited by Major E. D. SWINTON, D.S.O. With Maps and Illustrations. Demy 8vo., 15s. net.

'M. Nojine is unusually well qualified to offer testimony on the long beleaguerment. He writes with vivacity and force, and the translation is competent and spirited, both on account of its vivid narrative and by reason of the extraordinary revelations it contains.... It is the most remarkable book about the war yet issued.'--_Times._

THE BATTLE OF TSU-SHIMA. Between the Japanese and Russian Fleets, fought on 27th May, 1905. By Captain VLADIMIR SEMENOFF (one of the survivors). Translated by Captain A. B. LINDSAY. Crown 8vo., 3s. 6d. net.

'The most thrilling and touching records of naval warfare that we have ever read, and its very simplicity and lack of literary ornament make it the more impressive.... We share the emotions on board, feel the nervous thrill behind the gallant spirit and the cheerful countenance,'--_Westminster Gazette._

FROM LIBAU TO TSU-SHIMA. A Narrative of the Voyage of Admiral Rojdestvensky's Squadron to the East, including a Detailed Account of the Dogger Bank Incident. By the late EUGENE POLITOVSKY, Chief Engineer of the Squadron. Translated by Major F. R. GODFREY, R.M.L.I. Large Crown 8vo., 2s. 6d. net.

'Among terrible stories of the sea this is unique. In sentences whose graphic power Defoe did not exceed, he jots down from day to day what he sees and suffers.... The story of the sinking of the British fishing-boats in the North Sea is told with superb simplicity.'--PUNCH.

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE SECOND AFGHAN WAR, 1878--1880. Produced in the Intelligence Branch, Army Headquarters, India. Abridged Official Account. With numerous Maps and Illustrations. Medium 8vo., 21s. net.

'An excellent compendium of the whole war, clearly written and amply illustrated by photographs, maps, and diagrams.... It is a narrative that will fascinate the many who love to read about warlike movements.... It is a story of wise and patient preparation, carefully arranged generalship, supreme daring, amazing tenacity. Undoubtedly the right thing has been done in giving to the world a stirring story, which has remained too long, many will think, a secret record.'--_Sheffield Independent._

THE GERMAN OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA. Prepared in the Historical Section of the Great General Staff, Berlin. With Maps and Plans. Demy 8vo., 15s. net each.

Comments

Log in to leave a comment.

Cavalry in Future WarsChapter XIX: Conclusion

0%18 min left in chapter