234 CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GUNS AND CAVALRY. 
foe, it may finish a campaign which would else wade through carnage to its woeful 
end” (applause). 
GENERAL Lorp Ropurts, V.C., &c., &c.—Gentlemen, I had no idea of 
speaking when I came into this room this evening, but as Sir Evelyn Wood has 
expressed a wish that I should say a few words I will tell you what has struck 
me with regard to the lecture. 
In the first place I would express the pleasure it has afforded me to hear Major 
May’s lecture and the interesting accounts that he has given of instances where 
cavalry and Horse Artillery have worked together. Some of them I had never 
heard before. I have always had the strongest opinion of the advantage of cavalry 
and Horse Artillery working together, for although my opportunities on service 
have not been many, I haye seen how much they assist each other; and 1 have 
been with cavalry in positions where it wold have been at a great loss without 
Horse Artillery. 
The value of a lecture of this sort to my mind is that it not only gives instances 
but brings to our recollection events which we may have forgotten in past history. 
Moreover, it removes that feeling of disappointment which I have often myself 
felt, and which I should think probably other officers may have fell, at peace 
manceuvres, when we find how difficult it is to judge how cavalry and Horse 
Artillery can assist each other; because, as General Combe said just now, ina 
sham-fight the reality of battle is wanting, and without that reality you cannot 
tell the time, the instant, when Horse Artillery and cavalry can each do so much 
for each other. 
As regards the first preliminary movement I have often been puzzled when 
thinking how artillery could most advantageously take up its position for attack, 
so as to bring an effective fire upon the enemy without interfering with the cavalry ; 
but on one point I have no doubt, and that is as to the necessity for Horse 
Artillery being mobile. My friend Sir William Stirling has already touched upon 
this. I consider it most essential and nobody has striven more than I have for 
years past to have the weight behind the Horse Artillery team reduced as much 
as is possible consistent with efficiency. I think that 30 cwt. is about the 
right thing, and Iam very pleased indeed to hear that this new gun, which I 
believe is now in use at Aldershot, has been reduced to that weight; L have been 
told by the officer commanding the battery that the gun shoots well and is in all 
respects satisfactory. 
Another most desirable point is one that was mentioned just now by Colonel 
Marshall, namely, rapidity of firing, which to my mind is as important as mobility. 
If the fire cannot be rapid there is but little use for Horse Artillery when acting 
with cavalry, because in an attack its opportunity is too fleeting to admit of delay. 
With all due deference to Sir William Stirling, I think that the cavalry is what 
the artillery should aim at in the first instance; the cavalry is the enemy with 
which you are chiefly dealing, and it is the business of the Horse Artillery to do 
them all the damage it can before the collision of the two cavalry forces takes 
place. The Battery Commander should select a position where he is able to see 
the enemy’s cavalry and give them as many rounds as is possible in the very short 
time he may be able to direct his fire upon them. With mobility and rapidity 
and accuracy of fire Horse Artillery can do wonders, and my hope and belief are 
that in future wars our cavalry and our Horse Artillery will do as much, if not 
more for each other than they have ever done in the past. 
T am delighted to have come here this evening, it has been a very great pleasure 
to me, and I hope that the Adjutant-General will now say a few words. 
GuneRAL Str Repvers Burier, V.C., G.C.B.—Sir Evelyn Wood and gentle- 
men, I came here to-day to learn, and not with the least intention of speaking ; 
but as I am told that I am to say something I will try to do so. 
