2nd Cavalry Regiment in WW I
David.Gettman May 31st, 2008
In April 1918 the Second Cavalry landed in France and was in the Toul sector within three weeks of leaving home. “I should consider myself fortunate to again have your splendid Regiment a part of my command”, wired General Pershing to Colonel West when the Second left Jolo in 1912, and his word was fulfilled, when half a world away, thirty-one of it’s troopers landed with him as his escort, first in England, then in France, as Headquarters Troop at Chaumont.
The Regiment followed and gained the unique distinction of being the only American Cavalry to remain mounted to reach the firing line. They fought in the Aisne-Marne offensive in July 18 – August 6, 1918, when the American First and Second Divisions smashed in the west face of the German Marne Salient at Soissons. Detachments from the Regiment took part in the Oise-Aisne offensive, August 18 – September 11, but the greatest commendation was gained by the Second Cavalry for it’s part in the reduction of the St. Mihiel Salient, Sept. 12-16, when Troops A, B, C, D, F, G and H under Lt. Col. O.P.M. Hazzard were attached to the American First Division of the Fourth Army Corps, making the main effort of the American First Army in France.
General Pershing massed six divisions on an eighteen mile front, so something had to give. The 1st Division jumped off by passing Mont Sec, which the French had assaulted for years in vain, and reached the line Heudicourt-Nosard. Here the Squadron passed through the forests of La Belle Oziere, Nonsard, and Vigneulles, scouted the open country as far as Heudicourt, Creue, and Vigneulles, eventually advancing to St. Maurice, Woel, and Jonville, pursuing the enemy, fighting his rear guard, capturing numerous prisoners, forcing deployment and delaying his retreat, in fact, doing everything that so small a force could accomplish. Continue Reading »
