Page 46 - Last Chargers example

of these two squadrons, for the latter were the van- guard of a force of all arms which was marching south out of St Quentin; and the attening out of their spearhead brought this force to a complete standstill for at least four hours, at a period when time was an all-important factor.
Moreover, it is suggested that the moral value of this small success was out of all proportion to its material results. Of its effect outside the Deutsche Brigade, mention has already been made: and those who served in the 5th Cavalry Brigade will, the writer feels sure, agree that Cérizy created a spirit in the Brigade which lasted till the end of the war.’
Missed Lessons
The following points on German tactics were observed and recorded in The 12th Royal Lancers Journal in September 1909151 in an article entitled ‘A Fortnight with the German Cavalry’ by Lieutenant Colonel Clifton- Brown, 12th Royal Lancers.’
‘We found ourselves comfortably installed in a small inn about one mile from the big Mess House, where we were most hospitably entertained during our stay by the German Of cers who belonged to our King’s Regiment of Dragoons of the Guards. A young of cer and an orderly and horses for the General and myself were in daily attendance, and nothing could exceed the kindness and bon camaraderie with which we were treated by everyone.
The idea of concealment was very well carried out, both in manoeuvring of Division and Brigades, or in lines of dismounted skirmishers. Great attention was paid to this point, and full use was always taken of dead ground and of any cover on the ground itself. Their Dismounted Work was, as a rule, only used for defensive purposes. In the case of a Rearguard, long lines of skirmishers (1 yard or less apart) would be dismounted and remain where they were in line. Four horses were held by one dismounted man when “Mount” was ordered, the men in the ring line had to go back to their horses, the horses were not moved up to them. I never saw re action and the horses mobility used together in the attack. If a dismounted attack was made, they became Infantry pure and simple, their horses were left out of the question, sometimes a mile away. They only used their horses to charge, never to help them to get rap- idly round a ank or from one point to another in a re action”.
The scouting, which was always done by of cer’s patrols, was of little value and was badly done. No idea of concealment of scouts seemed necessary, and I several times saw Brigades and Divisions surprised, even under these easy conditions, owing to a total lack of scouts. I often saw the opposing General Of cers Commanding with their large staffs (30 of cers) within 200 yards of each other, before their opposing sides met in the charge, and giving their nal orders under heavy Maxim gun re in this position.’
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