The British Army in 1854 - Part 2

The Cavalry at all levels of rank considered themselves superior to the Infantry. The troopers' pay was 25% higher, and their service conditions, and consequently health, considerably better. The mortality rate for the cavalry was comparable to the national average. The officers mostly came from the aristocracy, and affected absurd accents and foppish manners. Regiments vied with each other in the quality and splendour of their dress uniforms.

The Cavalry was structured into a Heavy and a Light Brigade. Originally as the names implied, the 'Heavies' consisted of bigger horses and men, and carried out the cavalry charges in battle. The 'Lights' carried out reconnaissance, flank protection and other patrol and escort duties. By 1854 however, these clear distinctions had disappeared and almost the only difference between the two was that the Heavy Brigade wore red, while the Light Brigade wore blue. The distinction between Hussars and Dragoons, who had originally been horseborne infantry, had also disappeared. All cavalrymen carried 1829 pattern swords, which they considered inferior to the old much loved (and feared) 1796 sabre. Lancers still carried lances. All cavalry additionally had to carry side arms, which were universally loathed - a heavy cumbersome horse pistol for lancers, and an even heavier and more cumbersome carbine for the others.

Cavalry drills and reviews typically followed the battle charge sequence, controlled by bugle call: an 8mph trot, accelerating at 300 yds from the enemy to a 12mph gallop, which became a flat out charge from 50 yards out. Much emphasis was rightly devoted to keeping line and distance, and a well-executed Regimental Review made an impressive spectacle. Regiments were normally 300-400 strong, divided into 2-3 Squadrons.

The Household Division was composed of both Infantry and Cavalry and in peacetime was mainly employed on ceremonial and guard duties at the royal palaces and on state occasions. It consisted of three regiments of Household Cavalry and three of Foot Guards. Three Foot Guard battalions, one from each regiment, were among the very first elements of the Army to embark for the War zone.

The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners, as technical supporting Arms, lived in an alternative military world run by the Board of Ordnance. The commission purchase system was not extended to their officers, who were all professionally trained at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. The Gunners were organised into Field Artillery supporting the Infantry, Horse Artillery

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