PERIOD VI. 



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THE ORGANISATION, ARMAMENT, AND EMPLOYMENT 

 OF CAVALRY IN MODERN WARFARE. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



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Characteristics of Cavalry. 



The cavalry service from the earliest period, when the 

 horse was used simply to convey the chief warriors to 

 the battle-field, down to the present time, has been 

 marked by certain peculiarities which have distinguished 

 it from the other arms. 



The speed of the horse, and the impetuous spirit that 

 the constant habit of riding seems to impart to the 

 horseman, have in all ages caused the cavalry service to 

 be noted for its dashing and chivalrous temperament. 

 While steadiness and solidity have marked the infantry 

 and artillery arms, boldness and vigour have characterised 

 the cavalry. 



At first, the speed only of the horse was used, the 

 warriors dismounting to fight on foot ; soon the idea 

 arose of employing man and horse as a projectile 

 weapon, so to speak, and hurling them at speed upon 

 the enemy's ranks. For many ages this was the regular 

 method of employing horsemen, and it can readily be 

 perceived that, under such a system, cavalry could 

 not act upon the defensive, but were obliged to act 

 always ofiensively. The result was that while infantry 

 could operate upon any kind of ground, could attack or 



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