THE USES OF CAVALRY

Evening Star, Issue 11251, 26 May 1900, Page 3

THE USES OF CAVALRY

The Ladysmith correspondent of ‘The Times, writing of the siege, has some remarks to make on the cavalry. Much has been said about the inactivity displayed hv the garrison (he says). The question was even asked why Sir George White made no simultaneous attack when (yeneral Buller moved against Colenno. One glance’ at the country intervening between Ladysmith and the Tngela would answer this question. It is certain that the Natal Field Force, with its limited supply of gun ammunition, could not have forced a position which it has taken the relief force and their siege artillery three months to occupy. The query is answered by the results of the recent fighting. There are some that hold the opinion that more could have been done in the vicinity of Ladysmith. I certainly think that earlier in the investment more might have been accomplished by the cavalry, since it was found necessary to keep them at Ladysmith. Modder Spruit Station, the Boer terminus, will live as a standing disgrace to this branch of the service. This great emporium of the Boor supply department stood well within right of our posts. We could see the daily arrivals and departures by trains, and on a clear day the derisive scream of the steam whistle was audible. But our cavalry was badly handled, and the horses were worn out early in the investment. THE CONDITION OF THE HORSES. ■ Turning to my diary, I find that on January 21 I have the following entry ; “ I cannot but make a remark about the condition of the cavalry and artillery horses. They are leg-weary and worn out. I do sot think that there is seven miles in

them. In my opinion, this sad state of affairs could have been obviated. They are not worn out by work, but bv inconsiderate treatment. The gun tennis have been kept with their heavy. harness on standing to’ day and night. The cavalry horses have been saddled up and collected in dips to keep them out of the range of shell lire. All exercise has taken place at night, when, the animals should have been recouping. One cannot blame the authorities for being- ready to take the field at any moment; but I would suggest that half-butenes and half-regiments should not have been subjected to weighted inactivity, which is far more wearying and trying to animals than active exercise. Tho cavalry staff has been wanting in resource, energy, and originality throughout. But the way the animals have been fed has been marvellous. Thanks to an army of Kaffir and Indian coolies, ‘ doob ’ grass hqs been cut in the Indian fashion, and the animals have taken to it. Another advertisement to the Indian commissariat! The ‘wider’ again has gone to the wall; the omnibus horse lias thrived, as have the Arab ponies I - ’ WHAT WE HAYE LEARNED. ' Ladysmith lias taught us much about cavalry. The question of the use of cavalrv in the warfare of the future is one which will require the greatest attention. In South Africa shock tactics have been proved impossible, except under conditions the most rare, when the enemy were so broken and demoralised that pursuit could be safely undertaken. But all warfare must not be judged from calculations drawn from operations in South Africa alone. Pa this country atmospherical conditions, as well as physical.’ allow of accurate rifle fire up to 2,000 2.500 yards, even up to 3,000 yards. In Europe and other enclosed country this range would be modified. Therefore, a .compromise will be necessary. In an enclosed country there will be moments when it will be possible to employ shock tactics. Therefore, a portion of our cavalry should remain as such ; the remainder should he mounted infantry—mobile riflemen. Now, the mounted infantryman to he successful must be something more than a foot soldier sitting on a saddle. He must be as highly trained a horseman as the cavalryman; able to do anything and go anywhere with a horse. Until lie is trained to this end you have a mongrel, whose services are lost to the marching battalion. and whose mobility is hampered and nerve impaired by contact with an animal which be does not thoroughly understand. The Imperial Light Horse and other mounted irregular corps in Smith Africa give a very fair line of what our cavalry in the future should be. And the Boer, he is the best mounted infantryman in the world.