Scouting for Soldiers: Reconnaissance and the British Cavalry, 1899—1914

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Although reconnaissance was considered the primary duty of cavalry, British cavalry were poorly trained in this role prior to the Anglo-Boer War (1899—1902). The dismal performance of scouting duties in this conflict prompted a complete overhaul of reconnaissance organization, while innovative training methods were introduced to improve scouting and horse-mastership. Although the process was not without difficulties, the results were positive and proved extremely valuable in 1914. It is the purpose of this article to add to the ongoing debate on British cavalry in the period 1899—1914 by demonstrating how the vital skills of reconnaissance were developed as a result of the Anglo-Boer War experience.