Cavalry was the queen of the Napoleonic battlefield. Surging squadrons
of dragoons, dashing hussars or the awesome might of heavy cuirassiers
often snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and decided the fate of
kingdoms.
In this dramatic and spirited history of cavalry in the Napoleonic
period, Digby Smith examines how battles could be decided by the
skillful use of cavalry. He outlines the development of the mounted
arm - describing the various types of mounted unit, their roles and
abilities - and then sets out to describe how cavalry could turn the
tide of battle. By examining such key battles as Marengo, Eylau,
Albuera, the crossing of the Beresina and Waterloo, Smith reveals how
cavalry could be deployed in an offensive and defensive capacity or how
an effective and well-timed cavalry charge could overcome almost any
obstacle.
The scenarios have been carefully selected to reveal how leadership,
training, weather, terrain and the condition of the horses could affect
the success of a charge. Replete with eyewitness accounts and tales of
outstanding courage, this is a dramatic read as well as a fascinating
insight into the role and performance of cavalry on the Napoleonic field
of battle.
