The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-05-05
The Use of Cavalry in War.

The recent death of the Prussian general
Bredow has given rise to some exaggera-
ton in several journals respecting his
famous charge known at the death Ride
at Rezonville on the 10Th of August, 1870.
The real facts in the case derived from
both French and German sources are inter-
esting. principally in the illustration which
they give of the part that cavalry may still
bea BILE to play in modern warfare, notwith-
standing all the modern improvements in
the art Of shooting. This death Ride
and other cavalry engagements during
that battle showed clearly enough
that. in spite of the chassepot and
the needle gun mounted men in 1870 could
still accomplish wonders with comparatively
little loss. It is quite true that Bredows
brigade cut through the French line of in
fantry. reached the artillery, sabered the
gunners, and passed on toward the French
cavalry, which was massed in front of 1t.
On the contrary, seeing that such an attack
would be sheer madness, Bredow wheeled
about, and once more passed through the
lines which he had broken, and reformed at
about the same place from which he started.
This charge has sometimes been severely
criticised, but it is all blown to the winds
by both French and German evidence of its
marvellous result, "At about half past
twelve O'clock" says French writer, "our
second corps was weakening. and Marshal
Bazaine sent out two squadrons of lancers
and cuirassiers of the guard to cover the
retreat. These troops came in contact
with the sixth division of Prussian cavalry,
, shock our cuirassiers lost ~ officers. 20S
, men and PAS horses. But rein
forcenents came to US and the posi-
ton of the enemy became critl
cal. Their third corps in particular suf-
fered severely and became sepal ated from
| tI,.,r Of ho nd IA
!, 1t was then that Gen. Alvensleben sent out
y Bredow's brigade, which saved the Thirt
e Prussian army corps and paralyZed for thu
y rest of the day our sixth corps, which up t.
n that moment was on the advance. but at
;. forwards never moved
~ On the German side Prince Hohenloh
lie says that the effect of the cavalry charge
re- of the day. and especially late in the even
u ing was to demoralize the French, who IT
IS tired, abandoning the field of battle tina
had been disputed all day; while on til
h other hand Marshal Bazaine could ne
III understand such daring movement e,
Il cept on the theory that his adyersaries ha
m received considerable reinforcements, an
Id that is why he retreated at night and tram
a formed this undecided battle into a Germa
he victory. IT, instead of allowing himself
tie be intimidated and discouraged, Bazair
of had attacked us with all his reserves,
he would have won beyond 4 doubt a brllllal
be victory over the Prnssian army, inferior
as. numbers and exhausted as 1t was by Il
u fight of the previous day.
When it is remembered that BaZaine
this struggle was endeavoring to reach Ma
Mahon the importance of the cavalry acti,
:. which really turned the tide of battle CT
III be easily appreciated.
he 1t remains to be seen what cavalry can
zen in the future, with the increased difficult
The in store for it, in the shape of smokels
,o5 powder and magazine guns.