o break off an action more easily than
infantry; to gain information and to afford protection at a
considerable distance from the force protected; and to confirm {168}
and exploit the success obtained in battle. "Cavalry is capable, if
required, of undertaking most operations for which infantry would
usually be employed, but the demands made by the care of horses reduce
the number of rifles which can actually be placed in action; and it
therefore lacks depth in comparison with similar infantry formations"
("Field Service Regulations," vol. ii. (1921)). The cavalry arms are
the lance and sword for mounted action; horse artillery usually work
with cavalry, and the arms employed by cavalry for dismounted action
are the rifle, the machine gun, and the Hotchkiss rifle. Examples of
the employment of cavalry in modern warfare are given throughout the
"Lectures."

MOUNTED RIFLES.--The characteristics and methods of employment of
mounted rifles are similar to those of cavalry, with the exception that
they are not equipped for mounted action. Mounted rifles, like
cavalry, enable a commander to extend his attack or defence in a manner
that is most bewildering to infantry, and attempts by infantry to
outflank a defending force of mounted rifles are generally frustrated
by the mobility of the defending force, as was exemplified in the South
African War of 1899-1902.

CYCLISTS.--Under favourable conditions cyclists possess greater
mobility than cavalry, and they can develop greater fire-power, as no
horse-holders are required. They are, however, dependent upon roads,
they are vulnerable on the move, they cannot fight without dismounting,
and they must return to their bicycles after action; whereas cavalry
horse-holders can meet dismounted troopers at a prearranged spot.

ARTILLERY

"The _role_ of artillery is to assist the other arms in breaking down
opposition, and to afford all possible {169} support to the infantry,
with whom the eventual decision rests" ("Field Service Regulations,"
vol. ii. (1921)).

All classes of artillery are included in modern military operations.
Motor traction enables the heaviest guns to be brought to the
battlefield and to be removed when a commander decides to withdraw from
battle, while the increase in the defensive power of obstacles and
small arms fire, combined with the increase in mobility afforded by
motor traction, enables all but super-heavy artillery (which require a
railway moun