kas said:
It's term paper season again (good fun!) and I'm interested in researching the decline of the cavalry and its eventual replacement by armored forces. I've been able to find plenty of sources about the armored side of things, but very little in regards to cavalry. Can anyone suggest any good books or academic articles that discuss topics such as traditional cavalry tactics, the evolution (or lack thereof) of cavalry tactics from about the mid-1800s, or other issues that might relate to the decline of the cavalry?
Any suggestions and/or discussion is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Kas.
Don't know if you're still looking, but here are a couple of ideas. First, try the Regimental histories of Regiments such as LdSH(RC), RCD, GGHG, etc. Next, try the
Canadian Defense Quarterly from the pre-WWII period. I have a 1935 issue that discusses various things to do with cavalry, and the mechanization of cavalry, in Canada and around the world. You could also try the
Cavalry Journal (US Army). Here at CFC we hold some copies that go at least as far back as 1921.
To follow up on what Michael stated, the British and Canadian armies were, as far as I know, the only combatant armies that had completely dropped horsed cavalry in 1939. The French, Germans and Poles all had horsed cavalry, although Polish cavalry brigades could also contain modern armoured cars, tankettes and towed anti-tank guns. The Russians started WWII with large cavalry forces which lasted at least until 1944. These were, IIRC, up to Corps size and included tanks and other supporting arms.
I think you will find, in terms of tactics and training, that by 1900 much of the emphasis for cavalry had shifted from shock action to mounted rifles or dragoon-type tactics, in which the horsemen could fight afoot or on horseback, as the situation required.
My grandfather was a Sgt in the Fifth (Royal Irish) Lancers in 1914. When the Regt deployed to France, along with their modern machine guns (my grandfather was his sqn's MG NCO) they took swords and lances.
Cheers