CHAP.

XVIII.

be uncocked; in the same way on the 'Recall,' before the carbine is hung. If the Skirmishers have to advance through a defile, the two men nearest should go through it first, followed by the non-commissioned officer, and the remainder of the Skirmishers. If they have to retire through a defile, the men on both wings should successively draw in towards it, those in the centre following last. When the squadron retires, Skirmishers should face the enemy.

Cavalry should never skirmish against infantry Skirmishers, since they afford a larger object to fire at, and the latter can cover themselves more easily. Similarly, they should keep out of shot of infantry, and then if opportunity offers, fall on them with their swords, lances, &c. A line of infantry Skirmishers is best attacked, and doubled up from the flank.

The division that skirmishes will sometimes have an

opportunity of attacking artillery. In such cases Skirmishers must follow up and aid the movement, which must be conducted with the greatest rapidity; this attack also should be directed against a flank. The gunners should be cut down; and should there be no chance of carrying off the guns, the traces must be cut, and the horses rendered useless.

CHAPTER XIX.

FIGHTING ON FOOT.

CHAP.
XIX.

be used.

ALTHOUGH the sword and lance are the special and proper weapons of cavalry, still occasions may occur when a portion of the troops must be used on foot When to with fire-arms. This may more especially be the case when there are no infantry available, and when a defile renders it advantageous or necessary to use fire-arms. Light cavalry must therefore be trained to this mode of fighting, which takes place on foot, since a dismounted man can shoot more steadily than on horseback, and can cover himself more easily. Under any circumstances only a portion of the force will be used for fighting on foot, the rest remain mounted, and are ready to attack with their swords or lances, and succour their dismounted comrades. The squad- How to be ron leader gives the word, ' The division will fight dis- conducted. mounted. The troop leader gives the word, ‘Division return swords;' 'Prepare to fight dismounted.' The men move out as usual when they dismount, numbers I and 2 in each section of threes dismount and hand over their horses to number 3, who remains mounted.

K

XIX.

CHAP. They then, after dismounting, move out in front, as laid down in regulations, and act as required; the mounted men remain out of shot, and are ready to support their dismounted comrades.

The same rules hold good for fighting on foot as were laid down respecting skirmishing mounted; in each file one man supports the other; it depends on the ground whether they are in rear of each other or in line. In advancing the man who fires must be in front, in retiring he must be behind, and both change places according as they fire. When the ground is open the men must preserve some sort of order; when it is broken the connection of the line must not be lost, and the neighbouring files must be able to see each other.

Objects which afford cover, if they lie in front of the line, must be utilised so as to conceal marksmen, and to enable them to approach the enemy unseen and to deliver their fire. The men must be trained to avail themselves of such objects as trees, ditches, hedges, houses, walls, &c., and even of inconsiderable undulations of ground both as a covering for their bodies and as a rest for their carbines, while they must learn to load quickly, and to shoot either kneeling or lying down. It is very important to aim quietly, and to judge the distances correctly. The men should especially aim at the enemy's officers.

If there is a hand-to-hand fight, men must have recourse to their swords. As a rule those firing are only permitted to run for a short distance, and

when they have to cross over a piece of open ground, CHAP. which is swept by the enemy's fire.

If the firing line has to be lengthened, reinforced, or diminished, whoever commands it will give the more detailed instructions that are wanted. The firing line may be prolonged with advantage, if it can thereby get round the flank of the enemy.

The men dismounted must attend to the commands, 'March!' 'Halt!' &c., as if they were mounted.

The officers and non-commissioned officers should be behind the firing line, and should direct the men. They should remain on horseback as long as circumstances permit, so that they have a better supervision over the line and its movements.

XIX.

relieving the line.

When the command is given -nd Division, to Regarding your horses,' the men referred to should retire briskly without running; those who remain halted on the ground should fill up the gaps thus made in the line. When a whole line has to be relieved, before the men relieved are allowed to retire their successors must be

posted.

On the recall being sounded, or on the word of Recalling command being given, ' To your horses,' the dismounted the line. men will run quickly to their horses, taking care however not to frighten them; they must then smartly mount and draw swords.

While the horses are being mounted the portion of the force that has remained on their horses must hold itself in readiness to advance and protect the dismounted detachment.

The

XX.

attack.

CHAPTER XX.

THE ATTACK.

CHAP. The Charge.-The attack is the peculiar and special province of Cavalry. Their strength, which makes them irresistible, lies in their speed and in their shock. They surrender every advantage if they await the attack. Indeed if Cavalry is not to be completely destroyed, they must boldly advance and dash quickly across the ground in their front; then, by the very ardour and power of their onslaught, they will beat down and overthrow all that are before them.

Conditions necessary for success.

The rapid pace raises the spirit of the rider; he feels nothing can withstand him, and when he reaches the enemy he dashes in and cuts down all in his path. Victory is within his grasp; it depends on his own will -on his own determination. It is the confidence in his power which makes him invincible.

The power of the attack depends, first on the determination of the rider, secondly on the excellence and training of the horse, and lastly on dexterity in the use of the sword and lance. The more suddenly and unexpectedly the line of cavalry reaches the enemy, the more easily will it throw him into con