ORIGINS OF THE McCLELLAN CAVALRY SADDLE USED BY SADF MOUNTED UNITS IN THE SOUTH WEST AFRICA CAMPAIGN AND ELSEWHERE

Abstract

Contrary to predictions that the role of the horse in war was over when it was effectively replaced by mechanisation in the Second World War, it still plays a small but important role in military operations. In the late South West African campaign and now in unrest areas in the Transvaal and Natal the mounted infantrymen still perform a service in combat and in keeping the peace.

Keywords

• the role of the horse in war
• South West African campaign
• mounted infantrymen
• American saddle
• McClellan cavalry saddle
• SADF