Last of a dying breed: Footage from 1917 shows American troops training their cavalry for WW1 battle shortly before horses were replaced by tanks

Via David "My grandfather started out in the cavalry but transferred to artillery before going overseas in WWI."

Fascinating footage has surfaced showing American cavalry preparing for service in the First World War.

Video from 1917 shows horses forming up as their riders practice mounting and dismounting in unison, charging the enemy and moving over rough terrain.

Cavalry units were viewed as an essential attacking weapon at the start of the war and used extensively by all forces, though by the time America joined in April 1917 they were fast being replaced by tanks.

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