What Have the Cavalry Done

Name: What Have the Cavalry Done
Author: Andrew Barton Paterson

What Have the Cavalry Done is a novel written by Andrew Barton Paterson, published in 1910. The book follows the story of a group of Australian Light Horse soldiers during World War I. The novel explores themes of camaraderie, bravery, and sacrifice, as the soldiers face challenges on the battlefield and deal with the aftermath of war. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Captain Fraser, the reader experiences the horrors of war and the emotional toll it takes on those involved. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of battle scenes and its exploration of the psychological effects of war on soldiers.

By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1912 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War, Drama · 381 words

First lines

What have the cavalry done? Cantered and trotted about, Routin' the enemy out, Causin' the beggars to run! And we tramped along in the blazin' heat, Over the veldt on our weary feet. Tramp, tramp, tramp Under the blazin' sun, With never the sight of a bloomin' Boer, 'Cause they'd hunted 'em long before -- That's what the cavalry done!

What have the gunners done Battlin' every day, Battlin' any way. Boers outranged 'em, but what cared they? 'Shoot and be damned,' said the R.H.A.! See! when the fight grows hot, Under the rifles or not, Always the order runs, 'Fetch up the bloomin' guns!'

What this Textopian page supports

What Have the Cavalry Done is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1912 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Drama, Action & Adventure, Literature & Fiction
Length: 381 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for What Have the Cavalry Done by Andrew Barton Paterson
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this poem by Andrew Barton Paterson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — Given that Andrew Barton Paterson's works are noted for their historiography oftentimes indulging in the world of cowboys and military life, it is likely that 'What Have the Cavalry Done' continues this tradition. This places it in the historical fiction genre.
War — The title 'What Have the Cavalry Done' does give an indication the book revolves around military and battle related events, categorizing it under the war genre.
Drama — Andrew Barton Paterson's works are known for their dramatic narrative and strong emotional content which may mark 'What Have the Cavalry Done' as a drama.
Action & Adventure — Considering that the book revolves around military life and cavalry, it can be inferred that 'What Have the Cavalry Done' contains elements of action & adventure.