Cavalry Charges in the Battle of Austerlitz

Some of the most awe inspiring and chaotic fighting of the napoleonic wars occurred when two cavalry units met in open combat. It was possible for well disciplined cavalry to make successful frontal assaults on artillery, especially if they had the element of surprise. But the results were often deadly. Even a poorly trained artillery battery would have the opportunity to fire at least one volley of grape shot or canister fire into the approaching horsemen. And that typeFire power could tear a cavalry unit apart, even if its men were brave enough to push the charge home.