Thursday, March 28, AD 2024 2:32pm

The Cavalier’s Glee

Something for the weekend.  The Cavalier’s Glee, a song which captures well the daring spirit of the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia under General Jeb Stuart. The song was written by Captain William W. Blackford, an engineer on the staff of General Stuart.  It is sung by Bobby Horton, a man who every American is indebted to for his constant efforts to bring Civil War songs to modern audiences.

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T. Shaw
T. Shaw
Saturday, January 28, AD 2012 6:50am

For those interested in Civil War cavalry and General Custer, I recommend Gregory J. W. Urwin’s book, Custer Victorious.

The taunt among Union infantry as cavalry passed was, “I never saw a dead cavalryman.”

That changed at Gettysburg. Custer’ Michigan Cav beat Stuart’s cavalry behind the Union center or things could have been different for Pickett.

The Army still has Cavalry regiments, evolved out of WWII tank destroyer units. The battalions are called squadrons. The companies are called troops. The officers and NCO’s have black stetsons that may be worn with dress uniform and they have “stable calls.” In addition to the CIB, offers are awarded (unofficial) spurs (made from ammo casings) after cav combat.

The cav platoon has four up-armored (IED survivable) HumVee two with .50 cal. MG; one an auto grenade launcher; and one TOW missile, which requires an act of Congress to fire.

Infantry officers may serve in Cav units. My airborne ranger son won his spurs as a PL in Afghanistan.

T. Shaw
T. Shaw
Saturday, January 28, AD 2012 8:20am

Greet them ever with grateful hearts.

Hank
Saturday, January 28, AD 2012 3:42pm

Don

A rousing song to remind us that the role of the Cavalry is to mark enemy positions with burning cavalry vehicles and lend a touch of class to what would otherwise be an unsightly brawl.

P.S. I spent much of my time in Cavalry units.

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