Reconnaissance part twoThe reconnaissance patrols also came in three types: close-distance, long-distance, and officer patrols. Close-distance patrols were the primary method used in cavalry reconnaissance. They scouted terrain and situations…
Reconnaissance part 1 Reconnaissance in 1914 was nothing like modern-day reconnaissance. Aviation and horse-mounted reconnaissance were entirely separate. All the cavalry organizations had a glaring absence of aviation. The same…
Heereskavallerie vs. DivisionskavallerieThis critical understanding is something you do not get from Zuber. It is especially important to people who studied the BEF and their defense along the canal at…
Conclusion-part twoThe overall operational plan applied in Belgium in August 1914 was at best a gambler’s gambit. As early as August 4, the OHL was considering canceling or delaying the…
Conclusion- part oneThe finest theories and most minute plans often crumble. Complex systems fall by the wayside. Parade ground formations disappear. Our splendidly trained leaders vanish. The good men which…
August 23, 1914Marwitz could have approached via Tournai–Denain to the English flank. However, a counterorder arrived from Bülow that ordered the cavalry to move in a northwestern direction instead of…
August 22, 1914All four First Army active corps were able to move on two roads each, or with one division on every route of advance. This meant a reducing of…
August 21, 1914Two German Army zeppelins were brought down over the western front: ZVIIand ZVIII. This happened very far away from the right wing. However, it seriously affected the total…
August 20, 1914Not surprisingly, the OHL realized they had insufficient cavalry on the right wing. Whentrying to screen his two armies on the far-right flank, Bülow complained vehemently about his…
August 19, 1914Second Army reached the line between Wavre and Namur. First Army was driving west of Louvain. Both were still a significant distance east of Brussels. There was one…