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On Mon, 5/1/17, Postmark <xxxxxx@btinternet.com> wrote:

 Subject: Re: Patton's sword & belaying pin, was Re: [TML] What if the cutlass is not a cutlass?
 To: xxxxxx@simplelists.com
 Date: Monday, May 1, 2017, 11:44 PM

 On 1 May 2017, at 23:18, Phil
 Pugliese (via tml list) <xxxxxx@simplelists.com>
 wrote:
 >
 > Don't
 remember the part about it being for 'thrusting'
 though but it does appear that it would be good for that.
 > Only thing is; I can't help but wonder
 what technique would be used when engaging an enemy who is
 on foot while the trooper was mounted?

 The note is that it is based on a Napoleonic
 heavy cavalry design.

 I'm not sure about the French but the
 British had different swords for light and heavy cavalry,
 the light cavalry getting a curved sword for use in a close
 melee and the heavy cavalry getting a straight sword for use
 during a charge.

 I think
 that the theory is that light cavalry would meet open order
 infantry, artillery and cavalry and get to ride around
 slashing at them. Heavy cavalry would be charging formed
 infantry or cavalry: if the charge broke the opposing
 formation then the straight sword might be less effective
 against fleeing opponents but if the formation held you
 weren't able to swing a sword at them anyway.

 Phil Kitching
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I recall reading that when heavy cavalry charged the entire regiment would all go together while light cavalry would charge divided into squadrons or even troops.

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