[13] For the very good reason that they possessed nothing better for the purpose.
[14] The disadvantages of the lance, that it is conspicuous in detached and scouting work and is in the way to some extent on dismounted work, are defects easily got over.
[15] The Campaign of Fredericksburg, p. 129.
[16] It has been remarked that in Napoleon’s army the light cavalry, though they did more work, lost fewer horses than the heavy cavalry. This is attributed to the horses being better bred.
[17] Most interesting deductions are to be found in General Daumas’s book, The Horses of the Sahara, in which conversations with the celebrated Chief Abd-el-Kader are related.
[18] Von Schmidt, p. 72. But by cohesion is not meant that the men are to be jammed together, for this only produces disorder, men being forced out of their places, the number of ranks increased.
[19] The reader who desires full information, examples, and proof of this well-ascertained fact should consult Colonel Ardant du Picq’s book, one of the most interesting military works ever written and one constantly referred to by French writers on cavalry.
[20] Von Schmidt’s Instructions for Cavalry, p. 159. The great Frederick attached the greatest importance to the rapid rallying of squadrons from the most complete confusion. “It must be impressed upon the Hussar that he must be most attentive to the sound ‘Appell,’ on hearing which each man will join his squadron and rank with the utmost rapidity possible,” etc. And again: N.B.—“His Majesty will most particularly observe that the squadrons learn to rally rapidly.” And also p. 77: “An acknowledged authority on our army says: ‘That cavalry remains master of the field and gains the victory which can most quickly rally and reform.’”
[21] Cromwell, by Captain P. A. Charrier, p. 11: “After Rupert’s defeat Cromwell rallied and re-formed ready for the next job at hand. The pursuit of Rupert’s troopers was entrusted to the smallest fraction sufficient to do the work efficiently.... After each attack he re-forms quickly and in good order ready for the next effort ... attacks the royal infantry.... Towards the end of the battle he is rallied and ready to meet yet another effort; ready to meet Lucas and Goring’s squadrons.”
[22] “The rally after an action, mounted or dismounted, and against an enemy mounted or dismounted, requires careful thinking out and constant practice. During peace training, operations are rarely worked out to a logical conclusion, and too often cease with a final charge; so that the problem is not faced of what is to happen after the enemy has been routed, or the position captured or galloped through, or what is to happen should the attack fail.”—General Sir D. Haig’s Report on the Cavalry Divisional Training, 1909, p. 14.