Last charge of the Lancers

[Atlantia]

I've been following the recent discussion of lances and then came across this old postcard from 1914.
On the reverse it says:
The European War 1914.
Belgian and french Fraternise.
The French Lancer smiles as he hands over his pass to the Belgian Vivette who is holding the road.

[Jim McDougall]

Wow! that is a great photo Atlantia!! and your title 'last charge of the lancers' pretty stirring!!
It seems amazing that lances were used this late, but they indeed were, and this brings back memories of my obsession with lances and lancers back in the 80's. I found that the German uhlans in WWI used incredibly long lances made with steel rather than wood shafts, but did not realize the French had units as well.

The famed Bengal Lancers in India used lances well into the 20th century, and in ceremonial capacity, I think some mounted troops may still be used in Pakistan possibly. I recall back in the 80's I did see a performance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (mounties riding in drill formation with lances and it was incredible to see these movements in unison with red and white pennons fluttering as they rode!

Thank you so much for posting this, and bringing to mind the great pageantry these anachronisms of the days of chivalry.

All the best,
Jim

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Wow! that is a great photo Atlantia!! and your title 'last charge of the lancers' pretty stirring!!
It seems amazing that lances were used this late, but they indeed were, and this brings back memories of my obsession with lances and lancers back in the 80's. I found that the German uhlans in WWI used incredibly long lances made with steel rather than wood shafts, but did not realize the French had units as well.

The famed Bengal Lancers in India used lances well into the 20th century, and in ceremonial capacity, I think some mounted troops may still be used in Pakistan possibly. I recall back in the 80's I did see a performance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (mounties riding in drill formation with lances and it was incredible to see these movements in unison with red and white pennons fluttering as they rode!

Thank you so much for posting this, and bringing to mind the great pageantry these anachronisms of the days of chivalry.

All the best,
Jim

Hi Buddy,

'Anachronisms' is surely the right word for these combat cavalry regiments. Especially the French ones as they were fielded early in the war in pretty substantial numbers, long before and really hard lessons had even began to be learned. As you so rightly point out, these were truly a leftover from the age of chivalry, often the sons of nobility, the 'cream' of the French military.
The suffering of these men and animals was almost beyond imagining.

The French Lancer looks to be about 20-22, his big smile always fills me with sadness.
It certainly was the end of an era.

[fernando]

This is one of the last charges performed by Portuguese.
An action picture of a real Lancers charge, taken in 1907, in the Mufilo plains, Angola; a military campaign against the Cuamatos.
Fernando

[Atlantia]

Thats a great picture Fernando. Amazing to see an actual charge!!
Its astonishing to have a photgraphic record of the last days of such a historic form of warfare.

[Pukka Bundook]

Good morning.
As far as I know, the last charge by lancers seems to have been
Some of Admund Allenby's men on September 19th, 1918.

There is a painting by Thomas Dougdale of this event entitled;
"Charge of the 2nd Lancers at El Afuli, Palestine"

It recalls an incident in the valley of Megiddo, (Armageddon) when the 2nd lancers surprised a body of Turks in a dawn raid, and though the Turks fought back, Dugdale recalls;
"The 2nd lancers each chased a Turk, and tent-pegged him as he lay firing..."

Are there instances after this where lancers were in action in the traditional role?
It would be interesting to hear of later engagements!

Richard.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

... Its astonishing to have a photgraphic record of the last days of such a historic form of warfare.

This military campaign was the first to receive photographic coverage in Portugal. This was one of the photographers involved, a sub-lieutenant called José Veloso de Castro whose images, often taken in the heat of the battles, had a regconized power.
The original picture is kept in the museum of Lancers Regiment nº 2, in Lisbon.
I have scanned it from a (bilingual) book with the illustrated memoir of the Portuguese Army which dust cover, despite having nothing to do with the topic of this thread, i will post here, due to its rather sugestive image.
It represents a velocipedy (biking) exercize at the Practical School of Infantry, in the academic year 1897-98. If necessary these bikes, specially designed for the military, could be folded and carried on one's back.
Sorry Gene, but i couldn't resist ... this is the kind of picture one enjoys sharing .
Fernando

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