Military Cycling: Formation for Resisting Attack of Cavalry

The way in which cycles could be used in an attack from cavalry. At the time trials were trying to establish how bicycles - as a new arm - could be effectively used in military situations. The first picture represents the stance needed under the preliminary stages of attack from cavalry. The second picture shows the position taken in firing to check the advance. In the next image the rear rear rank of cyclists are pouring in a last volley, while the front rank sink to their knees. The final photo - actual contact - shows the final position taken by both ranks. It is thought, though, that this final scene would not take place as horses cannot be trained to charge obstacles of such a nature. Lieutenant Wilson (Professor Cook Wilson), commanding officer of the Cyclist Company attached to the 1st Oxfordshire Rifle Volunteers, arranged this drill. It was trialled in the Summer of 1889 in camp at Headington

Hi-Res image available upon request

Arranged Bicycles Commanding Cycles Cyclist Cyclists Drill Effectively Establish Headington Knees Needed Obstacles Oxfordshire Pouring Preliminary Rank Ranks Represents Resisting Sink Situations Stages Stance Trained Trialled Volley Volunteers

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > ILN