Cavalry Reconnaissance Number Five

ISBN: 1288563949

Author: Cavalry School

Condition: New

Reconnaissance is Cavalry's traditional role. Mechanized Cavalry units currently are being trained to do that specialized job for higher commanders. A Cavalry reconnaissance unit, moving out ahead to obtain information, normally makes the initial contact with the enemy and maintains it. To be of use to higher commanders, the information which the unit sends back must be accurate, complete, and timely. This pamphlet is Number Five in a series of first-hand accounts of the work Cavalry units have done and are doing on the various battle fronts of World War II. It deals specifically with the operations of the 3d Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized, during the campaign in Sicily from 10 July to 17 August 1943. The campaign in Sicily was brief, swift, and unrelenting. From the moment when its first platoon hit the beach at Licata, just 80 minutes after the assault wave's landing barges had grounded, the 3d Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized, sought out and made contact with the enemy continuously for 39 days. The ability of this unit to "stand the gaff" demonstrated clearly the soundness and effectiveness of training which it had undergone. Day after day it worked in advance of the 3d Infantry Division of which it was an organic part. The unit's commander during these operations is now a member of Staff and Faculty, The Cavalry School. Number Six in this series will cover the operations of this same unit in Italy.