Comments on: Cavalry Charges: Theory http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/ Failing better at understanding the past Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:26:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Gary Smailes http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/#comment-161 Gary Smailes Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:37:37 +0000 http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/#comment-161 I found your examination of the use of the word ‘charge’ fascinating. I must admit that I was convinced by the idea that, at times, the authors were referring to a discharge of weapons rather then a movement of troops. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on how tactics begin to develop once exposed to battle conditions. I found your examination of the use of the word ‘charge’ fascinating. I must admit that I was convinced by the idea that, at times, the authors were referring to a discharge of weapons rather then a movement of troops.
It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on how tactics begin to develop once exposed to battle conditions.

]]> By: Investigations of a Dog » Cavalry Charges: Practice http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/#comment-160 Investigations of a Dog » Cavalry Charges: Practice Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:09:00 +0000 http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/#comment-160 [...] previous post: Cavalry Charges: Theory — [...] [...] previous post: Cavalry Charges: Theory — [...]

]]> By: Gavin Robinson http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/#comment-159 Gavin Robinson Fri, 15 Dec 2006 16:12:09 +0000 http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2006/12/14/cavalry-charges-theory/#comment-159 I've just noticed this from Robert Ward (p. 281) which I missed before: <blockquote>When the enemie shall charge you with one of his Troopes, doe not you rush forth to meete them, but if your ground be of advantage keepe it; if not advance softly forwards; untill the enemy be within 100. paces of you, and then fall into your Careire, by this meanes your horse will be in breath and good order, when as the Enemie will be to seeke.</blockquote> That weakens some of my argument, but it's also interesting to note that Ward contradicts himself so much. I think these contradictions might come about because of the authors copying bits from different texts without thinking too carefully about how they might fit together. I’ve just noticed this from Robert Ward (p. 281) which I missed before:

When the enemie shall charge you with one of his Troopes, doe not you rush forth to meete them, but if your ground be of advantage keepe it; if not advance softly forwards; untill the enemy be within 100. paces of you, and then fall into your Careire, by this meanes your horse will be in breath and good order, when as the Enemie will be to seeke.

That weakens some of my argument, but it’s also interesting to note that Ward contradicts himself so much. I think these contradictions might come about because of the authors copying bits from different texts without thinking too carefully about how they might fit together.

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