‘About the use of horse
artillery’
(‘Ueber den gebrauch der reitenden Artillerie’)
taken from the inheritance
of
Translated by Geert van Uythoven
Source: "Ueber den Gebrauch der reitenden Artillerie" (Berlin, 1836) pp. III-IV
The expert reader of the following pages will note at more then one instance, that these were written down already many years ago; they came to existence around the year 1808, at which time they author had already served about sixteen years, and had participated in several campaigns, not without distinction.
The experiences done during the eventful years following this period, the high position the author held later, as well as his continuous duty with an arm to with he belonged nearly continuously, and to which he has dedicated himself with an exceptional predilection and zeal, cannot have remained without influence on the views of its destination, and the essence of its organisation, especially while it came to the foreground during this period of time, while because of the infantry operating in huge masses the abilities of the cavalry had been weakened, needing a new element to regain former balance. The system of the horse artillery, about which much has been discussed, was able to fulfil this role for the most part, and maybe in a way which was not completely suited to fulfil it completely. In any case, the means and material to fulfil this role completely were not present yet. This labour however has been found among the papers inherited from the author, and should also be presented to the military public in the near future.
Possibly, the same public will accept this small piece positively, at least being interested in it, to read the ideas of an experienced and acute officer of the horse artillery, about its use for nearly a generation ago. For this reason, nothing has been left out or added, and one has taken care even not to change something in the expressions, to maintain the original spirit and tone.
© Geert van Uythoven