CHAP. XXIX.] AUSTRO-PRUSSIAN WAR OF 1866. 



487 



The advancing Prussians did not form square, but 

 received the charge in line, trusting to the rapid fire of 

 their breech-loading needle-guns to secure to them the 

 victory. Their confidence in their weapon was not mis- 

 placed, and the brave horsemen recoiled, with hea^y 

 losses, before the unceasing and pitiless storm of bullets 

 which hurtled through their ranks.' 



The combat of Nachod, on the 27tli June, 1866, was 

 opened by a cavalry fight between the Prussian Uhlans 

 and dragoons and the Austrian cuirassiers, in which the 

 latter were beaten, after a severe hand-to-hand struggle. 

 It was a fight between lancers and swordsmen, and 

 similar to the cavalry engagements of preceding centuries. 

 The heavy men and horses in the Prussian ranks were 

 able, by their greater weight, to press back the lighter 

 Austrians, but the details of the fight shed no light 

 upon the effect of the modern weapons on cavalry 

 tactics. 



After the Austrians were defeated at Koniggriitz, the 

 effect of the modern firearms was plainly apparent. The 

 retreating infantry were falling back at all points, from 

 Chlum towards the south of Kosnitz, when the Prussian 

 artillery and cavalry pressing on, began to harass them. 

 The Austrian guns, covering the retreat, played upon 

 the pursuing troops, and when the Prussian cavalry, 

 excited l)y the victory, rushed with wild impetuosity 

 against the retreating infantry — these, though run- 

 ning, still maintained their formation, and turned, 

 when the horsemen came too close, to stand and deliver 

 volleys, which drove them back with many a saddle 

 t'mptied.- 



The Austrian cavalry were near to cover the retreat, 

 but were unable to charge the pursuing infantry, on 

 account of the heavy fire which they could not fac(; 

 without risk of destruction ; Imt when the enemy's 

 tsavalry pressed on, and so masked the fire of their guns 

 and foot-soldiers, the Austrian horsemen charged boldly, 

 and fighting desperately, sacrificed themselves to cover 

 the retreat ; ^ the charges swaying backwards and for- 

 ' Hozier, 18C. - Ibid. 251. » Ibid. 252. 



