Page "Armour" Paragraph 22

At the start of World War I, thousands of the French Cuirassiers rode out to engage the German Cavalry who likewise used helmets and armour.

By that period, the shiny armour plate was covered in dark paint and a canvas wrap covered their elaborate Napoleonic style helmets.

Their armour was meant to protect only against sabres and light lances.

The cavalry had to beware of high velocity rifles and machine guns like the foot soldiers, who at least had a trench to protect them.