“Except that two heavy machine gun would have been useless to a light force of cavalry, whose strength came from mobility.”
Yes, but they weren’t very mobile when they were “waiting at the bottom of the hill for all the indians in the world to ride right down on top of ‘em” (Old Bill Cosby joke)
I have to believe that when you’re surrounded by 1500 indians, two Gatling Guns on horse-drawn carriages that can be guickly swiveled would be a distinct help.
I also have to believe that if you had ask Custer during the battle if he wished now he had brought them, he would have said YES!
The fact that they didn’t begin the battle by thinking they would end it behind breastworks...
Custer’s plan was the following : Reno had to show up in the south west, to attract Indians. Benteen had to attack the center. Custer had to attack on the north west to capture the civilians and close the door to the Indians.