Japanese Cavalry

[Brady]

By the 30's and 40's they were realy more like "Mounted Infentry" as aposed to "Cavalry"...Corect?

Which means thgey did not realy intend to fight from the horse, but dismount, the horse was just a means of transport.

[Akira Takizawa]

The Japanese doctrine stated two ways of fight of cavarly, the riding fight and the foot fight. But, the examples of riding fight are a few and the most of them are in Russo-Japanese War. Because machine guns were widely used after WWI, riding fight became impossible.

Taki

[Peter H]

Another pic from ebay seller wwkochan

[Nicole S.]

Here a new photograph of my collection.

reiter.jpg (67.84 KiB) Viewed 1538 times

Horrido!

Nicole

[jwsleser]

RE: Mount vice dismounted.

Regardless of what doctrine and manuals stated at the time, the Japanese cavalry fought dismounted during the Russo-Japanese War. From the opening advance northwards in Korea in Feb 1904 to the final battles in June-July 1905, there was only one mounted combat during the war. The action at Judsiatun (German transliteration) on 30 May 1904 saw Russian and Japanese cavalry clash on horseback. The results were not unexpected; the Cossacks of the 8th Siberian Regiment maneuvered and upset the Japanese of the 13th Regiment, forcing them to retreat in a solid example of how mounted cavalry should fight. While the 13th Regiment fell back to the 14th Cavalry Regiment, it was the accompanying Japanese infantry and supporting machineguns that stopped the Russian pursuit.

After that fight, the Japanese never again challenged the Russian cavalry in mounted combat. It wasn’t until Mukden in Feb-March 1905 that large Japanese cavalry formations were once again placed opposite their Russian counterparts. During the advance of Nogi’s 3rd Army, when opposed by Russian cavalry, the Japanese cavalry dismounted and let their accompanying infantry dislodge the enemy. Even Mischschenko’s raid in January 1905 was countered by Japanese infantry, not cavalry. Divisional cavalry was exclusively used as reconnaissance (but only in mixed infantry/cavalry formations) and as courier/ communication/outpost roles. A few selected squadrons reinforced the two cavalry brigades during Mukden.

I can’t speak to the performance of the Japanese cavalry after 1905. What is clear is that the cavalry finished the war deeply imbedded with the doctrine of mounted infantry. The cavalry wasn’t seen as an offensive force, capable of shaping the battlefield, but as a security/reconnaissance force supporting the infantry.

Jeff

[Akira Takizawa]

Jeff,

Besides the fight you mentioned, there are following fights of mounted combat in the Russo-Japanese War.

The fight of Naganuma Raiding Unit at 張家窪子 on Feb. 14th, 1905
http://sakanouenokumo.hp.infoseek.co.jp/naganuma.htm

The fight of 15th Cavalry Regiment at 七家子 on May 1st, 1905

Taki

[jwsleser]

Taki

Thanks for the link. I considered, then discounted, Lt Col Naganuma action from this discussion for several reasons. As the comment was whether the Japanese cavalry fought on horseback or foot, the actions on 14 February better supports the latter. The opening moves on both sides consisting of maneuvering and dismounting. It was the carbine fire that drove the Russians into the village, and the Japanese mounted charge into the village only began a long, protracted fight. While the Japanese finally prevailed, all sources highlight the heavy causalities suffered by the mounted Japanese squadron.

In all, the main event of the action (gaining the initiative and pushing back the enemy) was decided by dismounted carbine fire. The mounted charge into the village was a near desperate move to bring the action to a quick end. The Japanese force was taking too many casualties and couldn’t break contact (which was what Lt. Col. Naganuma desired). While ultimately successful, this action ended any possibility for further Japanese action by the force. This fight was against a two Trans-Amur Cossack squadrons under Cpt. Liniski, a 3rd Line unit which also fought dismounted. To recap, while there was a mounted charge, it was the least desirable action from the Japanese point of view. This is a different situation from Judsiatun where the Japanese selected mounted action as a doctrinal option to seize the initiative and gain victory.

I am not sure to which event on 1 May you are referring to. Can you provide a little more detail?

In all, in terms of selecting a doctrinal action to a tactical situation, the Japanese cavalry didn’t perceive mount combat as the raison d’etat of the cavalryman. While doctrine left mounted action as an option, the Japanese feared their cavalry was inferior, a fear (whether justified or not) the results of Judsiatun reinforced. In situations where mounted action would have been quite appropriate, the Japanese commanders elected to dismount. The early actions in Korea during the advance of the 1st Army repeatedly show this choice. Lt. Col. Nagnamua’s actions reflects greatly on his service, but were the result of a unique situation by a small force whose mission was raid rather than combat.

Of course, this is my opinion. However, I can support my opinion with research.

Jeff

[Akira Takizawa]

The fight of 15th Cavalry Regiment at 七家子 on May 1st, 1905

When Managi company from 15th Cavalry Regiment was scouting, the road behind them was blockaded by about 60 Russian cavalry. Therefore, Managi and his 65 cavalry attacked this enemy by riding. Surprised by the attack, Russian cavalry dogded to both sides of the road and Japanese cavalry broke through the enemy.

Japanese cavalry thought they had escaped successfully. However, about 200 Russian cavalry suddently appeared and charged against them with a war cry. They fought with saber on riding horse and made a melee. Japanese cavalry were outnumbered and routed. Commander Managi and 20 and a few were killed and 10 and a few were wounded and captured.

Taki

[jwsleser]

Taki

Thank you for the information. I didn’t have the details of this action.

The 15th Cavalry Regiment was part of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. After Mukden, the brigade was assigned to the 3rd Army, which occupied the western flank of the Japanese armies in Manchuria. The Russians began aggressively reconnoitering the Japanese positions as their army was reinforced from Europe. I knew there were many small fights between the screens and the probing forces between May and August. In all, this period saw the resurgence of the Russian Army and indicated that the Japanese were reaching their limits.

I have details of four major action during this period (brigade or larger). However, information on the numerous small actions is difficult to obtain.

Is there a website that describes this action?

To add to this thread, here is a picture of a japanese cavalry in the RJW.

RJW-Japanese-cavalryman 1.jpg (62.97 KiB) Viewed 1423 times

Here is a picture of the Japanese horse equipment.

RJW-Japanese-Cav-Equip 1.jpg (65.06 KiB) Viewed 1423 times

Both photos are from Part V of the American observer reports (Reports of Military Observers attached to the Armies in Manchuria during the Russo-Japanese war)

Jeff

[Akira Takizawa]

Is there a website that describes this action?

No, I cannot find any site.

Taki

[Peter H]

From ebay,seller wwkochan

[Peter H]

Same again

[Peter H]

More..

[Peter H]

From ebay,seller wwkochan

Nice saddle shot.Looks like infantryman holding officer's horse.

[Nicole S.]

Here I bought some postcards, showing Cavalry.

Nicole