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To: rwb
It's probably a bit silly to be arguing semantics vis-a-vis World War II, but the Poles did primarily use horse drawn trailers for transporting supply in 1939, and they did actually have some rifle units (infantry) that used horses for transport. While these units often showed great bravery in facing the Wehrmacht, it is highly unlikely (no known instances) that any such units used horses to advance against armor. It is a fact, however, that Polish infantry was often seen retreating on horseback -- and undoubtedly they fought while retreating.

Of course, other than the trivia aspect, it really has no relation to this situation. I suspect that in the very rugged country it isn't unheard of here for soldiers engaging in reconnaisance to use horses for transport. Obviously, they aren't engaging tanks by charging on horseback, only someone completely out their mind and willing to commit suicide for no gain would attempt such a thing.

13 posted on 11/07/2001 8:17:45 PM PST by Scott from the Left Coast
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To: Scott from the Left Coast
Obviously, they aren't engaging tanks by charging on horseback, only someone completely out their mind and willing to commit suicide for no gain would attempt such a thing.

The article says "... mounted cavalry charges ... ".

As for people being 'completely out of their minds', it seems there's no shortage of those, nowadays.

17 posted on 11/07/2001 8:30:20 PM PST by rwb
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To: Scott from the Left Coast
"...it is highly unlikely (no known instances) that any such units used horses to advance against armor. ..."

Some interesting info from World War II Almanac, 1931--1945 , by Robert Goralski, page 91---

Quote--"Sept. 2, 1939--Two Polish divisions were destroyed in an attempt to pull back through the Corridor. A Polish cavalry brigade was shattered when mounted lancers attacked German tanks."

Also, "The German ground forces possessed well over a half-million horses on Sept. 1, 1939. By the time the war ended, a total of 2,700,000 horses had served the Wehrmacht. That is nearly twice the number used by the Germans in World War I...." [page 96 ].

30 posted on 11/07/2001 9:53:37 PM PST by gatex
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