Erskine Childers
German Influence on British Cavalry
"German Influence on British Cavalry" by Erskine Childers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. In this work, the author critically examines the impact of German military theories and practices on British cavalry tactics, especially in light of modern warfare developments. The book seeks to contrast the outdated methods still endorsed by some British military leaders with the realities of contemporary combat, emphasizing the need for innovation based on actual war experience rather than rigid adherence to past traditions. The opening of the text introduces the author's motivations, notably responding to contemporary military literature, including General von Bernhardi's works on cavalry theory. Childers articulates his argument against the continued reliance on ancient cavalry weapons like the lance and sword, advocating instead for a modern approach centered around the rifle. He discusses the absence of modern cavalry tactics in British military thinking and aims to awaken critical thought among British officers to reject foreign models and develop a uniquely British cavalry strategy that aligns with current combat conditions. The emphasis is placed on learning from recent conflicts, such as the Boer War, to fundamentally revise cavalry effectiveness and doctrine.