CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GUNS AND CAVALRY. 225 
And what lessons can we draw from this, as far as artillery is con- 
cerned, comparatively imperfect action ? 
We have in the first place an illustration of cavalry acting wisely in 
not waiting for the guns, for it was Scarlett’s bold and prompt conduct 
in at once facing and charging his huge antagonist, that gave us the 
victory. 
i saly we learn next that guns should always be quartered or encamped 
with the brigade or division of cavalry with which they are to act in the 
field (applause). 
We learn that burthens which may not be excessive for horses in 
peace time, or when the guns are acting with infantry, are too great 
when the strain of rapid work with cavalry on active service is 
encountered (applause). 
I say too that the guns and cavalry must be within easy reach of one 
another when the crisis of the fight arrives, and that the artillery leader 
must have his eye on the combat, and his finger on its pulse, and must 
act decisively and rapidly on his own responsibility, according as cir- 
cumstances dictate (applause). 
And now in conclusion I want to say a word as to the attack of guns 
by cavalry. 
T admit frankly that squadrons can often charge batteries in action 
successtully. There are plenty of such instances, and plenty too 
showing a different result for the matter of that. But deliberately to 
gallop at guns when they see you coming is not the way to set to work. 
The game is rarely then worth the candle. You will certainly lose 
heavily, and unless you are supported strongly, even if you get among 
the guns, you will not be able to do sufficient harm to compensate for 
the crippled state your squadrons will be in.! If in extended order on a 
coming fair for his back, but he did not take the slightest notice, and merely remarked afterwards to 
the N.-C. officer ‘I believe I had a narrow shave that time.” 
In October at the Right Attack when great vigilance was necessary, he addressed the men thus: 
“Oh, good G=d if we are going to let the Russians catch us asleep we had a d—d sight better have 
remained in England, you know;”’ and he warned us that, if he caught any night sentry not actively 
on the alert, he would have him tried by Court-Martial. A night or two afterwards he did confine 
a sentry for not challenging him though the twilight was barely passed, notwithstanding the man 
was alert, walking up and down by the horses, and knew the Captain was present, but thought it 
unnecessarily early to challenge. The man was however tried by Court-Martial and suffered 
corporal punishment. Brandling, though hard in many respects, never spared himself—with pick 
and spade and blistered hands he worked well with the men when they tried to hut themselves on 
the plateau in November, but he had not the sustaining power of Captain Fraser, and he used to 
say to him ‘“ David, I don’t know how the Devil you manage to get over the ground.” He kept 
cheery and light-hearted under the most adverse circumstances, and with his merry laugh was often 
heard from the tent at night chafling the other officers. 
Sir George Brown did not care much for the mounted arms or gay dress, but he began to take a 
great pride and interest in the Troop, and he seemed to think there was no one like Brandling. A 
kindly recollection of Captain Brandling as Commanding Officer at a memorable time has prompted 
these remarks. After the war he changed much in character and became a serious and devout man. 
1 Cavalry even when they get amongst guns are often comparatively helpness. The permanent 
capture of the 18 guns at Tobitschau remains almost, if not quite, an unique experience. Bredow 
could carry off or disable none of the French pieces through which he rode at Vionville, neither 
could our light cavalry at Balaclava. I have seen it stated that in 1849 the drivers of a Prussian 
battery drove off the Danish Dragoons who had got into the battery with their whips! (Mil: Wochen- 
blatt 61 of 1886). 
In an interesting account too of a ‘‘ Prussian gunner’s adventures in 1815”? published some 
four years ago. Lieutenant Von Reuter in describing his grandfather’s exploits gives a curious ex~ 
ample of how little may disconcert cavalry amongst guns. 
At the battle of Ligny the flank of the Prussian battle in question was surprised and taken in rear 
by fifty French horsemen under a staff officer. ‘As these rushed upon us the officer shouted to me 
31 
