War and the Arme Blanche

The author examines the changing value of blade weapons versus firearms in mounted warfare, identifying physical, psychological, and training problems that affected mounted troops. He compares different mounted formations and actions from the South African campaigning, analyzes particular engagements and the later guerrilla phase, evaluates the effectiveness and limits of mounted charges, and draws lessons from contemporary conflicts such as the Russo-Japanese war. The work ends with concrete reform proposals addressing study, nomenclature, armament and tactics for cavalry and mounted infantry, and the organization of yeomanry and imperial mounted forces.