Forums at Society of the Military Horse

Yep, them English lessons wasn't wasted!

Just to be pedantic, the King's Troop are equipped with the 13-pdr rather than the 18-pdr, which was too heavy to be used by the RHA in their intended role of fire support for the cavalry.

I wonder if this in fact soldiers helping the war effort by working on the land in order to get in the harvest rather than directly gathering feed for horses. Any idea where the photo was taken?

Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.

As an aside, whilst retreating from the Netherlands in 1945, the German army stole a great many of the ubiquitous Dutch bicycles to hasten their withdrawal It's not unheard of even today for a German visiting the Netherlands to hear a shout of "Oi, where's my bike?".

The circular devices on the lance tips are interesting, presumably to prevent the tip penetrating too far. Were these in widespread use and any idea what they were made of or how they were fitted?

A couple of queries Dan: You give the size of the lance tip as 12.5", but the one in the top photo appears shorter. Is this just the distance from the ruler, or does it indicate a variation in sizes or types? Also, out of interest, what are types A & B on the pennon picture? Finally, for th...

Thanks Dan. That actually prompted me to start a new topic of where I can find a source of new bamboo shafts for some old lances I have.

I have some old bamboo lances, which I believe are either British or Indian army. One or two of them could certainly do with new shafts. Can anyone suggest where in the U.K. I could source suitable bamboo of the right dimensions?

Thanks Dan. Much appreciated. I have actually managed to pick up a 1915 dated stirrup off Ebay. Unfortunately only a single one, but at least it gives me a pattern so I can find a similar modern pair that will look the part on the dear old UP saddle.

Best regards,

Dave.

Although I can't quote sources for this, I am told that the latest research suggests that the Greys were actually mounted mainly on bays and other generally brown horses at Waterloo. With a coalition army hurriedly thrown together, I guess it's not beyond possibility that they would have been equipp...

In his book "Mud, Blood and Poppycock", Gordon Corrigan states that swords were withdrawn from the British cavalry on the Western Front in 1915 and all regiments issued with lances, Canadian regiments retaining their swords. I know I have read about the withdrawal of swords elsewhere, with...

Thanks Pat. After searching on exactly the same thing as I searched on last time, I found it. Funny how that happens!

Many thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

Dave.

I have tried a search but haven't come up with anything (possibly me just being dull and searching on the wrong words), but I have duplicated the request on the UP forum as you suggest.

Many thanks for the advice.

Can anyone provide details or direct me to a reference for the types of stirrup irons used by the British cavalry in WWI?

Dave Carter.

Can anyone provide details or direct me to a reference for the types of stirrup irons used by the British cavalry in WWI?

Dave Carter.

Thanks Larry. Much appreciated.

Dave.

Can anyone suggest a supplier for a good reproduction S.M.L.E. rifle boot as used by the British on the Western Front during WWI? Lawrence Ordnance do offer one, but it seems to differ in detail from those I have seen in photo's and I'd rather seek the advice of those in the know than waste money on...