First D'Entrecasteaux Mounted Company

From Wild Southwest Wiki

The First D'Entrecasteaux Mounted Company (colloquially known as the 'Rough Riders') were an experimental cavalry unit fielded by the DDC between 2078 and 2081.

Horses had been in use by various militaries ever since the Great War although their rarity and great value generally limited them to support roles such as transportation and communication. In the 2060's however the DDC had begun an intensive breeding program, and by the mid 2070's comparatively large numbers were available. The DDC Command decided to exploit this resource by creating a specialised cavalry unit, commencing selection of personnel in autumn 2078. Basic training was completed by the end of the year, and the unit was considered ready for action in March 2079.

At full strength the Mounted Company consisted of 60 horses and riders, with a further 40 horses held in reserve. The riders, drawn from the best horsemen and women in the DDC, were equipped with two revolvers and a large blade, modeled on pre-war cavalry sabres.

The Mounted Company first saw action in the War of 2081, carrying out devastating charges against the forces of the Southern Warlords. Few lines were able to hold against them, and those that did were quickly broken under the hooves and swords of the riders. Notable actions included the battles of Paget Junction and Emu Spring where carefully timed charges were instrumental in winning the day.

The first battle of Alexandra Bridge marked the end of the DDC's cavalry experiment. Here a well drilled group of fighters under control of the Harvey Gang and armed with two pre-war machine guns broke the riders' charge, all but annihilating them and throwing the attack into disarray. The Nannup and DDC forces were forced to retreat and the Harvey Gang held the town.

The settlement was captured two weeks later and the Harvey Gang wiped out in the second battle of Alexandra Bridge. The First Mounted Company however was not reformed - the weaknesses inherent in cavalry charges against properly armed and disciplined troops well demonstrated to the DDC Command.

A monument to the men and women of the First Mounted Company stands on Ellis Street in Pemberton.