Topic: AIF - Lighthorse
The Australian Light Horse,
Militia and AIF
Mounted Rifle Tactics, Part 2, Contents
Cape Mounted Rifleman
[Drawing from 1904 by Richard Caton Woodville, 1856 - 1927.]
The following series is from an article called Mounted Rifle Tactics written in 1914 by a former regimental commander of the Cape Mounted Riflemen, Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Collyer. His practical experience of active service within a mounted rifles formation gives strength to the theoretical work on this subject. It was the operation of the Cape Mounted Riflemen within South Africa that formed the inspiration for the theoretical foundations of the Australian Light Horse, and was especially influential in Victoria where it formed the cornerstone of mounted doctrine.
Collyer, JJ, Mounted Rifle Tactics, Military Journal, April, 1915, pp. 265 - 305:
Mounted Rifle Tactics.
Contents.
Definition
Principles underlying tactics
Definitions
Cavalry
Mounted infantry
Mounted riflemen
Mobility and fire effect
Subdivision of subject
The offensive spirit
The bayonet
Missions of mounted riflemen
General Langlois on the Boer War
Von der Goltz
Summary.
Definition
Mounted riflemen as advanced troops
In the attack generally
Special attacks
Fire from the saddle
Rooiwal
The "mounted rifle charge:
Vlakfontein
Blood River
Bakenlaagte
Yzer Spruit
Rooiwal again.
Definition
Uses of mobility
Frontages occupied
Dead ground
Position of reserve
With other arms
Counter-attack
Advanced positions
Lateral communications
The moment to strike.
Definition
On the march
Advanced guards
Rear guards
In action
Halted
Reconnoitring patrols
Groenkop, 1901
Standing patrols
Moving protective patrols
Safety of patrols.
Authorities as to importance
Reconnaissance
Training
Night movements (tactical)
Rests
Pace
Supervision
Information
Secrecy
Order of march
Night combats
Difficulties
Small raids
Important points
Encounter combats
Summary.
Importance
Information
Scouting
Specialization
Intelligence units
Instructions necessary
Reconnoitring patrols
Reports
Patrol leaders
Reconnaissance for attack
For defence
Roads
Previous: Part 1, Preface
Next: Part 3, General Considerations
Further Reading:
Australian Light Horse Militia
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The Australian Light Horse, Militia and AIF, Mounted Rifle Tactics, Part 2, Contents