Chapter IX

CAVALRY TACTICS 144-169
USES OF CAVALRY IN CAMPAIGN SUMMARIZED 144
Improper uses of cavalry. Division of the cavalry forces 144
Conservation of energies of men and horses. Night work 144
Wagons and pack trains with cavalry 144-145
Artillery, signal troops and mounted engineers with cavalry 145
Discretionary powers of the cavalry commander and nature
of the instructions to be given him 145-146
Cavalry in masses seeks hostile cavalry 146
ARMY AND DIVISIONAL CAVALRY. Duties 146
Cavalry with advance, rear and flank guards, outposts
and detachments 147
Cavalry in delaying actions 147
Independent cavalry. When employed 147-148
Principal duties of the independent cavalry.
Range of its operations.
Return to main camp at night 148
Contact with the enemy. Reports 148
Functions of cavalry and aeronautical services 149
Overthrow of hostile cavalry. How accomplished 149
Cavalry screen 149
Contact squadrons and strategic patrols 149-150
Means of transmitting information. Relay and collecting
stations, etc. Field wireless equipment, automobiles,
motorcycles, etc. 150
CAVALRY IN COMBAT 150-160
Methods of offensive action. Mounted charge, mounted
and dismounted fire action 150-151
Dismounted fire action, when employed 151
Advantages of remaining mounted. Mounted reserve 151-152
Mounted reconnaissance 152
Horse holders. Mobility and immobility of horses. Coupling 152
Time required to dismount and to mount 152
Horse artillery, machine guns and mounted engineers
with cavalry. Functions 152-153
Training of cavalry for pioneer work 153
CAVALRY vs. INFANTRY 153-155
Mounted attack on infantry, when practicable 153
The element of surprise 153
Dismounted action 153
Turning movements by cavalry. Delaying actions. Successive
positions. Harrassing the flanks of a pursuing enemy 153
Mounted reserves and combat patrols 154
Security of led horses 154
Requirements of a delaying position 154
Time to withdraw. How close enemy may be allowed to approach.
Provisions for withdrawal 154-155
CAVALRY vs. CAVALRY 155-160
Mounted action and element of surprise 155
Recall of detachments 155
Preparations for the charge 156
Ground scouts and combat patrols 156
Protection of the flanks 156
Dismounted fire action in support of mounted action.
Machine guns and artillery fire 156-157
Division of troops for mounted action. Formations and gaits 157-158
Approach to position 157-158
Formation for and delivery of charge. The rally 158
Duties of support, reserve and dismounted troops 158-159
Distance at which charge should be launched 159
Wheeled vehicles and pack trains during combat 159
Carriage of extra ammunition and rations 159
Most favorable times for attacking cavalry, mounted 159-160
SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS IN CAVALRY COMBAT,
FOR SMALL FORCES. Procedure and orders 160-164
THE CAVALRY SCREEN 164-165
Position and duties of cavalry screen 164-165
Offensive and defensive screens 165
Front covered by screen 165
Daily marching rates of cavalry and patrols 165
CAVALRY PATROLS 165-166
Classification and functions 165-166
Reconnoitering and screening patrols. Tactical and
strategical patrols 165-166
Nature of information gathered. Distances from supporting
troops, radii of action 165-166
Combat by patrols 166
Strength of patrols 166
LESSONS IN CAVALRY TACTICS FROM THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR 166-169