Roles of the Cavalry

[1sgtscot]

It appears that either the cavalry roles changed during the war or they simply got better at them, maybe starting out as simply an escort service for regimental or corp commanders or possibly couriers to pass orders along. However, by the end of the war, it appears as there were about 5 to 7 main missions for the cavalry:
1. Reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance or SCREENING actions.
2. Defensive or DELAYING actions.
3. Pursuit and HARASSMENT of defeated enemy forces.
4. OFFENSIVE actions.
5. Long-distance RAIDing against enemy lines of communications, supply depots, railroads, bridges, etc.
6. (optional) Personal ESCORT for commanders
7. (optional) Message delivery or COURIER (pony express)

First of all, is the list anywhere near correct and if so, how can we go about improving a group impression with each in mind?

Scott Kilbourne

[Ronnie Tucker]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

it seems to me that the infantry in our hobby does not realize how to use cavalry . they seem to avoid us . i wish we could be included in more actions .does anyone else feel this way. Ronnie Tucker 7th tn cav

[Tom Craig]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

Scott,

First I would have to ask if you meant cavalry in general, or Federal or Confederate cavalry? Federal cavalry did go through an evolution in both quality/ability and usage throughout the war. Any good general history of CW cavalry can document this, I particularly recommend the 3 volume history of Union cavalry written by Stephen Starr.

You ask how we can improve a group impression, and I am not exactly sure what you are asking. Do you mean how can we reflect a unit doing those things at an event? How we portray that in a given scenario, or something else?

Ronnie's point about folks not knowing how to use us is accurate, but I would suggest that a part of the problem is that we aren't always good at articulating what we want or need at events.

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[1sgtscot]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

Tom,

Thanks for your reply. First, most of my research has been along Federal lines, so lets focus there. I have read Starr's 3 volume set and agree it is one of the better places to start. I also read Wilson's Under the old flag to get a general's birds-eye-view and am not trying to relate some of this to us. Within the ranks, I can feel many of our leadership reading Starr's material and trying to improve our overall impression (example -- there is a lot of pressure for each group to learn to dismount and fight on foot).

Second, I also am leveraging the concept that even the generals during the civil war had to learn 'how to use us' while at the same time the Fed cavalry (the toopers as individuals) was/were learning how to be good soldiers and at the same time leaders within the cav were trying to change how cavalry was used. Wilson seems to have changed his opinion of how to use the cavalry at several key points in his career. So, I started researching 'how would a good cavalry group behave in the field'. I find a lot of good information on this board about how to improve my individual impression, but how do I or we improve our overall impression?

Lets use #1 from my original list as an example (SCREENING). For a 'typical' event, we as civilians show up on Friday and change into our cavalry roles for the weekend. There is usually drill the next morning and a battle that afternoon. If I wanted to improve our overall impression by adding SCREENING to that event here is what I am thinking... The opposing commanders have a good idea of who is there and where they are camped so there is no need to scout the enemy, but suppose I want to do it anyway. I need to research what the orders would look like and prepare a simulation for the 'general' to sign in advance and bring this with me so that we can role play this happening during the event. I also need to research how the reconnaissance should have actually happened and how it did happen so that I or my group can simulate the behavior on the field (I have read Mahans outpost material for this purpose...). We would perform the scouting manouever sometime late on Friday or early on Saturday and report our findings back (both in print and verbally) to the 'general' so that the general can simulate planning the attack.

Here is where my original question comes back in... How do we go about doing this type of thing?

1st Sgt Scott

[ajroscoe]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

Sorry if my infantryman's point of view ruffles any feathers... When you're talking about screening an opponent, that is an operational level initiative, keeping the armies from ever seeing each other. A classic example is JEB Stuart in the Gettysburg Campaign, closing off the passes in the Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains to Yankee troopers before Lee ordered him on his ride.

On a battlefield itself, the job of "feeling out" an enemy to determine strength, location, ect seems to fall onto the job of skirmishers (another aspect of soldiering that is played down too much in reeenacting) more than cavalry. Cavalry were useful on the battlefield for feeling out the enemy when the forces were still moving into position or securing roads, but once the infantry was on the field, they provided their own cover and recon through the advance guards, skirmishers, and flankers.

[1sgtscot]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

Andrew,

I don't think you are ruffling feathers and I do agree that the major part of 'feeling out the enemy' would fall on the infantry once they are on the field. I just want to see more of this type of role being played. I would expect the cav and infantry to work together to actually make it happen. We might think of the cav as the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Even in a grand guard (which should be supported mostly by the infantry) I would expect to see cavalry at the farthest point from the base camp (videttes). They would be more mobile and swifter to move once the enemy is spotted (maybe playing the role of patrol, or and then relay that information to the sentries (infantry) in the field. This information would then be relayed through outposts back to the main camp. I would also expect some movement of cavalry from extreme point to extreme point with this in mind (the patrols again).

As to the screening I envision roleplaying, someone would be the initial scout on the field. This group would be taking any company maps we have and making a copy to take into the field. They would than be verifying that the map is accurate and looking for more detail than exists on the company/regimental maps. This would include farmers buildings, possible forage, water crossings, routes of ingress/egress and potential natural cover for the army on the move or moving into position. It would also try to ascertain enemy strength, position and intent. This information would then be relayed to the infantry so that the skirmishers you mentioned would have a basic direction to look as they moved more en masse into position.

What I am concerned about is that it is hard enough to get a grande guarde in place and man it properly. let alone a full reconnaissance. I just wanted to start simple, but get it somewhat accurate. I think we can play all the roles during a weekend event, but as a group (Infantry, cavalry and artillary) we don't know just exactly what or how to do it. I also do not want to place the burden of getting us started on the field commanders. They need to see us perform to know how to use us more appropriately and usually have enough on their plate as it is. So, How do we get started?

Also, this is still the 1st role in my list, there are others and I'm still not sure the list is complete. I would like to see all of them being played, even if we have to condense the size, time or effort to get it in place.

Thanks for the info.
1st Sgt Scott

[Tom Craig]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

Scott,

Thanks for the clarification of your original question. I think I get what you're driving at now. My comments below, except where it runs into reenacting apply only to Federal cavalry because that is where my knowledge is.

I think you are certainly right that knoweldge and skill certainly evolved as the war progressed. For the troopers themselves, they had to learn to be soldiers, AND how to be cavalrymen. I think that the old historiography that painted southerns as natural born equestrians, and Yankees as bumbling shop keepers who never rode a horse has been proven inaccurate. That said, I do think much of the leadership at the regimental level was inexperienced at best in the Fed cav, and leadership makes all the difference. Further up the chain of command there was a demonstrated lack of understanding of the modern ability of cavalry, really until 1864. Part of the problem was the viewpoint that cavalry couldn't operate in the European tradition based on the broken landscape, but more to the point was the gross inefficiency of breaking up units among brigades and staffs to provide security, escorts couriers etc for various general officers.

It started with Pleasanton, and continued under Sheridan in the east, and Wilson in the west, that cavalry was grouped together into an offensive arm capable of doing damage on its own in a variety of functions.

Now to the reenacting side of things:
I hate to use the old saw, but I am guessing from your remarks that you may still be attending "the wrong events." I could be wrong, but from your reference of drill in the AM and battle in the PM, it sounds like your unit is still going to the "traditional" mainstream events. If that is the case, then you are going to have a really hard time putting together scenarios that are actually functional rather than just make pretend. As you said, the commanders know where the enemy is, and how many there are, and often the camps are within sight of each other.

If you haven't done so, you owe it to yourself to attend an event put on by the C/P/H side of the hobby. You have a much greater chance of being able to perform as functional cavalry at a campaign event than you ever could at an event in a fixed location. An example being the Unison event that we did last November, and will do again this Oct.

At that event we had US and CS cavalry that started in two different locations, with no communication after Friday PM. We marched cross country, scouting as we went, actually trying to find the CS cavalry. We ended up riding around them, and surprised them by attacking them from the rear. After that we had a cross country ride with skirmishing for the next 3-4 miles into the town of Unison. After taking a break for some public interaction we again took off after the CS cavalry in an unscripted search for them, and them for us. At that event we acted like cavalry, and did what cavalry did during the war, because that was the point of what we were there for.

Now, that said, I will offer the knowledge that many events on "our" side of the hobbby don't come anywhere close to that sort of opportunity for cavalry. Many C/H/P events take place on a static site, are VERY scripted, and the commanders have full knowledge of where and when their opponents are and are going. So, that leaves us with a few events here and there that we can really do what cavalry did. IPW, and Unison are two examples that have real roles for cavalry.

I suggest that if you can you come out for our Unison event which will be held Columbus Day weekend in October 2009, in Loudon County, VA. If you can't do that, I'd also recommend that you contact the folks from the Critter Company, many of whom hail from Tenn. There are at least a few of them who post on this board.

I'm not sure if that helps, but I hope it's heading in the right direction.
Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[ButtermilkRanger]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

I agree with Tom. Chances are, if you feel that you're not being utilized correctly as cavalry, then you're probably going to the wrong events. I gave up on mainstream events years ago and I don't recall a single instance since then at a EBUFU event that I've felt that we didn't actually do what cavalry would have done.

If my assumption is correct, and you are indeed still going to events with morning drill and an afternoon battle, then you've got to ask yourself the question... am I REALLY showing the public (assuming that you're at events with spectators since I rarely am these days) the role of cavalry during the CW? Or are you merely perpertrating the myth of pistol charges and the dance of the saber fairies?

[Ronnie Tucker]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

This event that Tom Craig describes near Unison, VA, is the kind of event I and the 7th TN would like to do more of. We go to some dog and pony shows, but they are not what I want to do. We do drill at these events. Drilling was something the cavalry did. You are not very authentic if your officers cannot handle their troops in an efficient manner. This is not a skill I see or hear much about on this forum. Col. Ronnie Fulwood has drilled as high as 100 troopers before. Of these, half or even more were from other units. We will be having a School of the Trooper, March 20-22. One of the skills we work on is drilling. We have been fighting on the ground since the early nineties. We practice horse holding and moving along with the men on the ground as they advance. I look forward to the day when I could be a part of a tactical of Authentic Campaigners Cavalry and if the infantry want to play, that would be good too. We did alright at the 2007 outpost working with the infantry.

Ronnie Tucker
7th TN Cavalry

[Tom Craig]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

This event that Tom Craig describes near Unison, VA, is the kind of event I and the 7th TN would like to do more of.... I look forward to the day when I could be a part of a tactical of Authentic Campaigners Cavalry and if the infantry want to play, that would be good too. We did alright at the 2007 outpost working with the infantry.

Ronnie Tucker
7th TN Cavalry

Ronnie,

It isn't strictly speaking a tactical, but the Unison event is as close as I've seen to an AC Cavalry event. Last year we had 17 Feds (including 2 from the Critters and the intrepid Dan Chmelar for Iowa!), and we had about 10-12 CS cavalry, all with top notch impressions, great drill etc.

Hopefully you and your guys can make it up this year!
Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

Tom,
I know several of us are making plans to attend this year. Maybe we can bring two full trailers this year. Watch out Tom ,I think we are going Cornfed this time. I am looking foward to Unison.

[DougCooper]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

You know you have matured as an infantryman when you feel cheated when the cav is not properly represented or used. Nothing worse than commanders who waste good troopers that could be a great force multiplier or troopers who don't get excited until they can swing sabres at each other. The best I can remember are McDowell 99, when the cav saved our bacon by correctly mapping the entire event area and more, allowing us to always stay one jump ahead of a force which outnumbered us 2-1. Another superb event was Outpost 2007 - the cav was everywhere doing exactly what they would have been doing. Worst I ever saw was at Corinth 2005 when the federal cav threatened to leave the event unless a sabre melee' was put in at the last minute, despite the fact that historically, the cav was never involved. On the other hand, some of the CS cav at that event (Mr Ross and comrades) was superb.

Actually, being a small infantry force at a cav event would be a real kick.

[Ronnie Tucker]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

i hope more infantrymen in the hobby will learn to appreciate the role of cavalry like you Doug our Col Ronnie Fullwood was the overall commander of confed cavalry at Cornith in 05 the 7th tn and the other groups of confeds that rode as grey cavalry thank you for mention of us ronnie tucker 7th tn cav

[ajroscoe]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

The most fun event I have had with cav has been in Michigan this year at Wolcott Mill. Though only a small force, the Michigan Cavalry Brigade under Steve Smith did an excellent job. Like Doug said, having even a small group of cav when you're out numbered is a god send. They scouted about constantly for us, keeping the enemy away from our infantry until we wanted to engage, and kept us informed on their whereabouts the whole time. The best of all was when Will Eichler sent them around the back of the rebels to hit them after we sprang an ambush on them. Captain Smith got a big smile on his face at that order! I think the three things necessary for a good use of cavalry at an event are a good cav unit, a scenario that benefits from their use, and a commander that understands how to use them effectively.

[RJSamp]

Re: Roles of the Cavalry

The most fun event I have had with cav has been in Michigan this year at Wolcott Mill. Though only a small force, the Michigan Cavalry Brigade under Steve Smith did an excellent job. Like Doug said, having even a small group of cav when you're out numbered is a god send. They scouted about constantly for us, keeping the enemy away from our infantry until we wanted to engage, and kept us informed on their whereabouts the whole time. The best of all was when Will Eichler sent them around the back of the rebels to hit them after we sprang an ambush on them. Captain Smith got a big smile on his face at that order! I think the three things necessary for a good use of cavalry at an event are a good cav unit, a scenario that benefits from their use, and a commander that understands how to use them effectively.

throw in a couple of top notch buglers and I'll buy all of that.

Have always enjoyed working/riding with the Michiganders.....fond memories of meeting them at G135....