War and the Arme Blanche

by Erskine Childers

"War and the Arme Blanche" by Erskine Childers is a military treatise written in the early 20th century. The work critically examines the efficacy of traditional cavalry tactics that prioritize the use of cold steel weapons like swords and lances over firearms. Childers argues for a reevaluation of cavalry training and armament, positing that modern conflicts demand a focus on the use of rifles and mounted riflemen in conditions vastly different from those of historical battlefields, particularly drawing from the experiences of the South African War. The opening of the book sets the stage for Childers' argument by contrasting established cavalry doctrine with the realities revealed during recent conflicts. He challenges the romanticized notion of the cavalry charge with the sword, detailing how the advent of modern firearms has fundamentally changed the nature of combat. The author asserts that the reliance on shock tactics not only limits the effectiveness of cavalry units but also overlooks the successful utility of mounted riflemen who are skilled in both mobility and firearms. Childers' thorough dissection of the issues surrounding cavalry tactics, framed by historical analysis and contemporary military needs, positions the book as a significant contribution to discussions on military strategy and training.