The Last Great Cavalry Charge: The Battle of the Silver Helmets, Halen 12 August 1914

The engagement at Halen on 12 August 1914 was planned on the previous successes of the cavalry of Frederick the Great. It was expected that the German Fourth Cavalry Division, which was magnificently equipped and trained, would charge to glory with sabers rattling against a belittled Belgian opposition. Instead, 24 German officers, 468 men and 843 horses were lost during no less than eight separate charges mounted that day. The disaster was hushed up by the Germans and largely escaped the notice of the British, who were yet to join the fight. Still, it was a hugely significant moment in the war and modern warfare in general, marking the end of the traditional use of cavalry on the battlefield.