Saber Master
Did you know the United States Army M-1913 saber was designed by the army’s first Saber Master? Probably not. Most people have no reason to know that; but I bet you’ll recognize the Saber Master. Don’t think so? How about George S. Patton? Yup. Check it out.
Cavalry School
Saumur, France
August, 1913
Steel clashed, the ringing punctuated by grunts and the slap of boot leather on the polished wooden floor. Afternoon sun spilled through high arched windows warming the exertions of the sparring partners. Spears of reflected light flashed from arcing blades. Softer rays diffused to a tawny glow on rich oiled wood. The swordsmen circled warily, searching for an opening- feint, stroke, stroke, thrust, counter clash.
A distinguished white haired gentleman with a crisply trimmed goatee clapped his hands impatiently. “Monsieur Patton, where is your parry? You must parry. A counter stroke does not constitute defense!”
Patton welcomed the break. Sweat soaked his padded tunic. He lifted his mask to the top of his head and wiped sweat from his eyes. “I find little opportunity for victory in defense, Monsieur Clery.” He inclined his head in the direction of his opponent. “To give a man of Monsieur Giraude’s skill the opportunity to organize his attack is to invite disaster. I prefer to carry the attack to my opponent. Let him take defensive action. I shall grant him no quarter.” He punctuated the statement with a wide toothy grin.
“Aggression suits your nature Lieutenant, but you’ve come here to become a Master of the Sword not to indulge your personality disorder. To truly master the sword you must be a complete swordsman. You simply must have a defense. One never knows when one’s life may depend on it.”
“The man who relies on defense in combat is already dead. The only matters in question are the timing and circumstance.”
Clery chuckled. “The brash exuberance of youth. Monsieur Giraude, if you would please give the good Lieutenant here an opportunity to learn some defense. Monsieur Patton, you will parry. En garde!”
Patton hated defense. He put his usual meticulous effort to the task for the good of the goal. He would be the army’s first Saber Master. Once the goal was achieved, defense would be a condition he visited on his adversaries.
Want more? The Book is called Boots and Saddles: A Call to Glory
https://www.amazon.com/author/paulcolt
Ride easy,
Paul
Cavalry School
Saumur, France
August, 1913
Steel clashed, the ringing punctuated by grunts and the slap of boot leather on the polished wooden floor. Afternoon sun spilled through high arched windows warming the exertions of the sparring partners. Spears of reflected light flashed from arcing blades. Softer rays diffused to a tawny glow on rich oiled wood. The swordsmen circled warily, searching for an opening- feint, stroke, stroke, thrust, counter clash.
A distinguished white haired gentleman with a crisply trimmed goatee clapped his hands impatiently. “Monsieur Patton, where is your parry? You must parry. A counter stroke does not constitute defense!”
Patton welcomed the break. Sweat soaked his padded tunic. He lifted his mask to the top of his head and wiped sweat from his eyes. “I find little opportunity for victory in defense, Monsieur Clery.” He inclined his head in the direction of his opponent. “To give a man of Monsieur Giraude’s skill the opportunity to organize his attack is to invite disaster. I prefer to carry the attack to my opponent. Let him take defensive action. I shall grant him no quarter.” He punctuated the statement with a wide toothy grin.
“Aggression suits your nature Lieutenant, but you’ve come here to become a Master of the Sword not to indulge your personality disorder. To truly master the sword you must be a complete swordsman. You simply must have a defense. One never knows when one’s life may depend on it.”
“The man who relies on defense in combat is already dead. The only matters in question are the timing and circumstance.”
Clery chuckled. “The brash exuberance of youth. Monsieur Giraude, if you would please give the good Lieutenant here an opportunity to learn some defense. Monsieur Patton, you will parry. En garde!”
Patton hated defense. He put his usual meticulous effort to the task for the good of the goal. He would be the army’s first Saber Master. Once the goal was achieved, defense would be a condition he visited on his adversaries.
Want more? The Book is called Boots and Saddles: A Call to Glory
https://www.amazon.com/author/paulcolt
Ride easy,
Paul
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