CAVALRY.--The principal characteristic of cavalry is its mobility.
This enables it to attack unexpectedly; to defend with determination
while retaining the power to break off an action more easily than
infantry; to gain information and to afford protection at a
considerable distance from the force protected; and to confirm {168}
and exploit the success obtained in battle. "Cavalry is capable, if
required, of undertaking most operations for which infantry would
usually be employed, but the demands made by the care of horses reduce
the number of rifles which can actually be placed in action; and it
therefore lacks depth in comparison with similar infantry formations"
("Field Service Regulations," vol. ii. (1921)). The cavalry arms are
the lance and sword for mounted action; horse artillery usually work
with cavalry, and the arms employed by cavalry for dismounted action
are the rifle, the machine gun, and the Hotchkiss rifle. Examples of
the employment of cavalry in modern warfare are given throughout the
"Lectures."
MOUNTED RIFLES.--The characteristics and methods of employment of
mounted rifles are similar to those of cavalry, with the exception that
they are not equipped for mounted action. Mounted rifles, like
cavalry, enable a commander to extend his attack or defence in a manner
that is most bewildering to infantry, and attempts by infantry to
outflank a defending force of mounted rifles are generally frustrated
by the mobility of the defending force, as was exemplified in the South
African War of 1899-1902.
CYCLISTS.--Under favourable conditions cyclists possess greater
mobility than cavalry, and they can develop greater fire-power, as no
horse-holders are required. They are, however, dependent upon roads,
they are vulnerable on the move, they cannot fight without dismounting,
and they must return to their bicycles after action; whereas cavalry
horse-holders can meet dismounted troopers at a prearranged spot.