iii. To take its place as part of the fighting machine in

co-operation with the other arms on the battlefield.

3. Cavalry is trained to fight either mounted or dismounted, and the power to combine shock with fire action, or to adopt either method at will, not only increases its independence, but adds materially to its offensive and defensive power.

For the full development of fire power artillery is required, hence a force of cavalry is usually accompanied by one or more batteries of horse artillery.

4. The duty of the horse artillery commander being to help and support the cavalry, it is essential that he should know the general intentions and tactical plan of the cavalry leader. It will, however, frequently be impossible for the cavalry leader to do more than give a general indication of his plans and intentions; the horse artillery commander must therefore study his superior’s methods, and endeavour to regard the situation, as it develops, from the point of view of that officer, training himself to appreciate his wishes rapidly and to anticipate his orders.

5. The horse artillery commander and his subordinates must have a thorough understanding of the principles upon which the conduct of a cavalry fight is based, to enable them to grasp at once the object of each movement and to ensure co-operation on the part of the guns.

6. The methods to be adopted by the horse artillery will vary according as the cavalry to which it is attached is opposed to cavalry or other troops and whether fire or shock action is to form the principal means of reaching the desired result.

Where shock action is anticipated, opportunities for effective participation in the fight will occur with so little warning, and be of so fleeting a nature that horse artillery must be granted a greater measure of independence than is the case with other artillery in the field.

To take advantage of such opportunities promptness of decision, readiness of resource, and rapidity of action are essential, and these characteristics should distinguish all ranks.

=168.= _Position on the march._

1. On the march the distribution of the horse artillery will be decided by the commander of the force. As a rule, the artillery of a mounted force is kept concentrated with the main body. When marching in column, horse artillery is usually placed near the head of the column, normally in rear of the leading unit.

2. Whether the first line wagons accompany the guns or march in rear of the fighting portion of the column will depend upon the tactical situation; within striking distance of the enemy, and when the power to deploy quickly and manœuvre with freedom is desirable, the latter course will usually be advisable.

3. When moving on a broad front, or across country, guns should be allowed a certain latitude in conforming to the pace and movements of the cavalry, advantage being taken of roads or firm ground.

=169.= _Escorts._

1. In normal conditions horse artillery requires no special escort. When guns are detached from the main body or otherwise exposed, it is the duty of the horse artillery commander to ensure that a suitable escort is detailed.

Should no escort have been detailed and should the development of the situation at any time render an escort desirable, it is the duty of the horse artillery commander on the spot to call upon the commander of the nearest body of cavalry to provide one.

2. The principal duties of the escort are--

i. To give timely warning of any threatened attack.