Last cavalry charge by US horse cavalry in combat

sourdough1938 · March 9, 2015, 06:29 PM

I do not remember where I read it now but I read an account of the last US cavalry charge by a participant in the battle. It was on the Battan penninsula against the Japanese invaders during the early days of WW2. The Japanese troops were crossing a river and the cavalry was given the task of delaying there advance. I believe it was a company. When they caught sight of the enemy they sounded the charge and attacked with their 1911 45s and I assume sabers. The Japanese hastily departed back across the river. It was probably something they had never considered! The cavalry having accomplished their task returned and those horses had only one more duty. Too become rations for the starving troops. Much better than to captured by the enemy.
I can almost picture it in my mind. Bugles sounding the charge, hundreds of horse hoofs pounding the ground, 45s banging away, sabers flashing. I think I would have sought refuge on the other side of the river also!
One moment of glory in what became a terrible and bloody defeat.
This is just something an old man (me) recalled reading somewhere and thought I would share it with you. MY memory being about as poor as it can get, I have probably made many errors. But I thought I was a story worth remembering.
Anyone with more knowledge please add or correct me if possible.
Sourdough1938

sourdough1938 · March 9, 2015, 06:41 PM

I put this here because I didn't know were else to put it. It does have some history of the 1911.
Please post were it is most appropriate. Thanks Sourdough1938

SPEMack618 · March 9, 2015, 07:46 PM

Undefeated by Bill Sloan discusses the actions of the 26th Cavalry during their defense of Bataan.

Yes, they mounted several horse mounted cavalry style attacks on the Japanese, including a mounted attack against Japanese light tanks that was somewhat successful.

I don't think they ever massed in the hundreds, but they certainly fought very bravely, their Regimental Commander deciding he would rather fight on as a guerrilla instead of surrendering.

I personally believe that was influence by him having to kill his horse.

And yes, they most certainly made good use of their issued M-1911A1 sidearms.

**Unclenick** · March 10, 2015, 08:32 AM

Mind you, it only takes 25 horses to have a hundred hooves.

kraigwy · March 10, 2015, 09:29 AM

A tad bit unrelated:

My father was in a Cav Unit prior to WWII. Idaho National Guard, 41st Inf Div.

He actually worked full time for the Guard, tending horses between drills.

Before Pearl Harbor the 41st was activated, they took their horses away and the were deployed to re-enforced Philippines. They were diverted as the Philippines fell.

They were eventually sent to Burma, where they were given mules. He always referred to the Cav. as the Mule Army.

sourdough1938 · March 10, 2015, 02:24 PM

I think your information is interesting. Thank you. Where was your dad located in Idaho? I grew up in Moscow, Id. but don't remember there being any reserves or NG there. But then I probably would not have known if there were.

T. O'Heir · March 10, 2015, 03:55 PM

"...and I assume sabers..." Nope. Gone before W.W. I. sniff.
It was considered very bad when a new troopie/junior officer shot his mount in the back of the head while charging with the pistol aimed over said head between the mount's ears too.

sourdough1938 · March 10, 2015, 07:04 PM

I was wondering how they controlled their horse with a pistol in one hand and a sabre in the other. They did wear cavalry headgear and not steel pots I hope.

Arizona Fusilier · March 10, 2015, 07:06 PM

While I find the Bataan thing generally plausible, I would think the terrain (assumimg jungle but I could be wrong) would not lend itself to a classic "cavalry charge". I could see a whole lot of aggressive pistol work from a highly mobile platform, overlooking intervening foliage that would frustrate a dismounted troop.

So, anybody with an original (or second-hand) source?

Edit: My apologies, I meant besides the Undeafeted source mentioned above? And I will check that out.

Aikibiker · March 10, 2015, 08:09 PM

I thought the last US cavalry charge was during the battle of Mazar I Sharif in 2001.

RJay · March 10, 2015, 08:44 PM

I live in Arizona, a large part of the state is dry, But that is not true for all of the USA, The islands were the same in regards to the terrain, yes, you had jungle, but you also had cleared level ground, swamps, hills and so forth.

kraigwy · March 11, 2015, 11:15 AM

Quote:

I think your information is interesting. Thank you. Where was your dad located in Idaho? I grew up in Moscow, Id. but don't remember there being any reserves or NG there. But then I probably would not have known if there were.

Sourdough:

My father was living in Boise at the time. The 41st Inf, is still the NG, split between Idaho, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota and Washington.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/41st_In...(United_States)

Quote:

The division had arrived in Australia with a reputation as "the top ranking National Guard division and one of the three top divisions in the whole Army"

As I said, my father worked full time for the Guard prior to being activated. Part of his duties required exercising the horses which to my father met taking a couple horses hunting in the mountains north of Boise.

SPEMack618 · March 11, 2015, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unclenick

Mind you, it only takes 25 horses to have a hundred hooves.

Math was never my strong suit. Hence the reason I went to Southern instead of Tech.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arizona Fusilier

So, anybody with an original (or second-hand) source?

If I recall correctly, the terrain where they massed for a charge was a flat, dry coastal plain. And I believe, I'll check when I can dig the book out, that the accounts of the 26th were taken from an interview with a Trooper who served with in the defense of Bataan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aikibiker

I thought the last US cavalry charge was during the battle of Mazar I Sharif in 2001.

I know the first SOF guys definitely made use of horses to move about with our Northern Alliance allies, but I don't know if they ever actually charged a Taliban position. And besides (and this is me speaking as a former 19D) those guys were Special Forces, they weren't Cavalry.

RJay · March 11, 2015, 10:57 PM

Those snake eaters at Mazar I Shary just happened to have pony's handy, heck, they don't even qualified to wear the crossed sabers brass.

psalm7 · March 11, 2015, 11:04 PM

My Daughter was in the Cavalry . Spent 09 there driving a MRAP .

amd6547 · March 12, 2015, 07:13 AM

My dad joined the 22nd cavalry, Ohio national guard prior to WWII. At that time, it was half horse/half armored car, and they wore the full cav uniform, with riding jodhpur britches.
They were nationalized as the 107th cavalry.
After Pearl Harbor, they went California to train in the Mojave.
Their horse were taken away and given to the coast guard to patrol the coast of California. ..he said there were some sad troopers that day, as they had some fine mounts.
In any case, they were equipped with M8 armored cars and Stuart tanks, and sent to France sometime after D-Day.
They fought in the battle of Falaise Gap, and on into Germany.
He said they never lost their horse cav esprit d corps.
Dad wore his crossed sabers on his hat for the rest of his life...
I still have them, as well as his issue spurs.

mapsjanhere · March 12, 2015, 09:17 AM

Interesting thread, and I read up some on that last charge. What isn't clear to me is what kind of soldiers actually did the charging. Some sources say the 26th Cav was a US unit, others say that by the time of Bataan the unit was mainly Filipino scouts, aka native troops with US officers. Does anyone have a definite description?

Strafer Gott · March 12, 2015, 05:10 PM

God bless GarryOwen.

kilimanjaro · March 12, 2015, 06:20 PM

The action took place at Moron (Morong), Bataan Peninsula, on Jan. 16, 1942. The 26th Cavalry Regiment was a regular US Army unit of the Philippine Scouts.

The Cavalry made several charges in Luzon, some successful, including one against Japanese tanks.

In February, the unit had withdrawn into the more rugged southern half of the peninsula, offering no opportunity for mounted actions. The horses were killed and eaten by the Americans and Filipinos.

The unit was just under 800 men at the start of the war. Less than 300 remained by the time they got to Bataan.

This is per "History of the US Army in WWII-The Fall of the Philippines ", the Green Books you see in the used bookstores.

Baba Louie · April 5, 2015, 10:12 AM

Lt. Ramsey's War; From Horse Soldier to Guerilla Commander

http://www.amazon.com/Lieutenant-Ram...ramsey%27s+war

Worth the read

Scout · April 6, 2015, 11:21 AM

Model12Win · April 12, 2015, 11:18 PM

VERY cool.

I need to go to the U.S. Cavalry museum on Fort Riley, Kansas sometime soon.

March 9, 2015, 06:29 PM	#1
sourdough1938 Member Join Date: October 2, 2014 Location: lampasas.tx Posts: 25	Last cavalry charge by US horse cavalry in combat I do not remember where I read it now but I read an account of the last US cavalry charge by a participant in the battle. It was on the Battan penninsula against the Japanese invaders during the early days of WW2. The Japanese troops were crossing a river and the cavalry was given the task of delaying there advance. I believe it was a company. When they caught sight of the enemy they sounded the charge and attacked with their 1911 45s and I assume sabers. The Japanese hastily departed back across the river. It was probably something they had never considered! The cavalry having accomplished their task returned and those horses had only one more duty. Too become rations for the starving troops. Much better than to captured by the enemy. I can almost picture it in my mind. Bugles sounding the charge, hundreds of horse hoofs pounding the ground, 45s banging away, sabers flashing. I think I would have sought refuge on the other side of the river also! One moment of glory in what became a terrible and bloody defeat. This is just something an old man (me) recalled reading somewhere and thought I would share it with you. MY memory being about as poor as it can get, I have probably made many errors. But I thought I was a story worth remembering. Anyone with more knowledge please add or correct me if possible. Sourdough1938

March 9, 2015, 07:46 PM	#3
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	Undefeated by Bill Sloan discusses the actions of the 26th Cavalry during their defense of Bataan. Yes, they mounted several horse mounted cavalry style attacks on the Japanese, including a mounted attack against Japanese light tanks that was somewhat successful. I don't think they ever massed in the hundreds, but they certainly fought very bravely, their Regimental Commander deciding he would rather fight on as a guerrilla instead of surrendering. I personally believe that was influence by him having to kill his horse. And yes, they most certainly made good use of their issued M-1911A1 sidearms. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

March 10, 2015, 08:32 AM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Mind you, it only takes 25 horses to have a hundred hooves. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 10, 2015, 09:29 AM	#5
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	A tad bit unrelated: My father was in a Cav Unit prior to WWII. Idaho National Guard, 41st Inf Div. He actually worked full time for the Guard, tending horses between drills. Before Pearl Harbor the 41st was activated, they took their horses away and the were deployed to re-enforced Philippines. They were diverted as the Philippines fell. They were eventually sent to Burma, where they were given mules. He always referred to the Cav. as the Mule Army. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

March 10, 2015, 03:55 PM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...and I assume sabers..." Nope. Gone before W.W. I. sniff. It was considered very bad when a new troopie/junior officer shot his mount in the back of the head while charging with the pistol aimed over said head between the mount's ears too. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 9, 2015, 06:41 PM	#2
sourdough1938 Member Join Date: October 2, 2014 Location: lampasas.tx Posts: 25	I put this here because I didn't know were else to put it. It does have some history of the 1911. Please post were it is most appropriate. Thanks Sourdough1938

March 10, 2015, 02:24 PM	#6
sourdough1938 Member Join Date: October 2, 2014 Location: lampasas.tx Posts: 25	I think your information is interesting. Thank you. Where was your dad located in Idaho? I grew up in Moscow, Id. but don't remember there being any reserves or NG there. But then I probably would not have known if there were.

March 10, 2015, 07:04 PM	#8
sourdough1938 Member Join Date: October 2, 2014 Location: lampasas.tx Posts: 25	I was wondering how they controlled their horse with a pistol in one hand and a sabre in the other. They did wear cavalry headgear and not steel pots I hope.

March 10, 2015, 07:06 PM	#9
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	While I find the Bataan thing generally plausible, I would think the terrain (assumimg jungle but I could be wrong) would not lend itself to a classic "cavalry charge". I could see a whole lot of aggressive pistol work from a highly mobile platform, overlooking intervening foliage that would frustrate a dismounted troop. So, anybody with an original (or second-hand) source? Edit: My apologies, I meant besides the Undeafeted source mentioned above? And I will check that out. Last edited by Arizona Fusilier; March 10, 2015 at 07:12 PM.

March 10, 2015, 08:09 PM	#10
Aikibiker Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2002 Posts: 181	I thought the last US cavalry charge was during the battle of Mazar I Sharif in 2001. __________________ __________________________ ~Joel TFL survivor, THR member, TFL member once again!

March 10, 2015, 08:44 PM	#11
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	I live in Arizona, a large part of the state is dry, But that is not true for all of the USA, The islands were the same in regards to the terrain, yes, you had jungle, but you also had cleared level ground, swamps, hills and so forth. __________________ Ron James

March 11, 2015, 10:57 PM	#14
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	Those snake eaters at Mazar I Shary just happened to have pony's handy, heck, they don't even qualified to wear the crossed sabers brass. __________________ Ron James

March 11, 2015, 11:04 PM	#15
psalm7 Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2014 Location: Middle TN Posts: 543	My Daughter was in the Cavalry . Spent 09 there driving a MRAP .

March 12, 2015, 07:13 AM	#16
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	My dad joined the 22nd cavalry, Ohio national guard prior to WWII. At that time, it was half horse/half armored car, and they wore the full cav uniform, with riding jodhpur britches. They were nationalized as the 107th cavalry. After Pearl Harbor, they went California to train in the Mojave. Their horse were taken away and given to the coast guard to patrol the coast of California. ..he said there were some sad troopers that day, as they had some fine mounts. In any case, they were equipped with M8 armored cars and Stuart tanks, and sent to France sometime after D-Day. They fought in the battle of Falaise Gap, and on into Germany. He said they never lost their horse cav esprit d corps. Dad wore his crossed sabers on his hat for the rest of his life... I still have them, as well as his issue spurs. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

March 12, 2015, 09:17 AM	#17
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	Interesting thread, and I read up some on that last charge. What isn't clear to me is what kind of soldiers actually did the charging. Some sources say the 26th Cav was a US unit, others say that by the time of Bataan the unit was mainly Filipino scouts, aka native troops with US officers. Does anyone have a definite description? __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

March 12, 2015, 05:10 PM	#18
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	God bless GarryOwen.

March 12, 2015, 06:20 PM	#19
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	The action took place at Moron (Morong), Bataan Peninsula, on Jan. 16, 1942. The 26th Cavalry Regiment was a regular US Army unit of the Philippine Scouts. The Cavalry made several charges in Luzon, some successful, including one against Japanese tanks. In February, the unit had withdrawn into the more rugged southern half of the peninsula, offering no opportunity for mounted actions. The horses were killed and eaten by the Americans and Filipinos. The unit was just under 800 men at the start of the war. Less than 300 remained by the time they got to Bataan. This is per "History of the US Army in WWII-The Fall of the Philippines ", the Green Books you see in the used bookstores.

April 5, 2015, 10:12 AM	#20
Baba Louie Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2001 Posts: 1,552	Lt. Ramsey's War; From Horse Soldier to Guerilla Commander http://www.amazon.com/Lieutenant-Ram...ramsey%27s+war Worth the read __________________ A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington, January 8, 1790, First State of the Union Address

April 6, 2015, 11:21 AM	#21
Scout Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 510	__________________ God bless the U.S. Cavalry

April 12, 2015, 11:18 PM	#22
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	VERY cool. I need to go to the U.S. Cavalry museum on Fort Riley, Kansas sometime soon.