Cavalry troop (Soviet)

Description

Soviet cavalry played a vital role in World War II, especially in the early stages of the war against Nazi Germany. Despite the increasing mechanization of the Red Army, the horsemen proved their worth in many battles and operations. The mobility, surprise and shock effect of cavalry could easily exploit enemy weaknesses and gaps.

One of the most famous examples of Soviet cavalry in action was the Battle of Moscow in 1941-1942. During this battle, the 44th Mongolian Cavalry Division and other units participated in the counteroffensive that stopped the German advance on the capital. The Mongolian horsemen, equipped with submachine guns, rifles and sabers, attacked the German flanks and rear, disrupting their supply lines and communications. They also captured many prisoners and weapons, earning them the nickname of “ghost division” by the Germans.

The Cavalry Mechanized Groups of 1942-1943 aimed to exploit breakthroughs in the enemy lines. These groups consisted of a cavalry corps and a tank or mechanized corps, supported by artillery and aviation. They were able to operate deep behind enemy lines, destroying enemy headquarters, depots and transport hubs, as well as encircling and annihilating enemy forces. For example, in the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943, the 4th Cavalry Corps and the 4th Mechanized Corps formed a Cavalry Mechanized Group that cut off the retreat of the German 6th Army, contributing to its surrender.

Soviet cavalry also proved effective in mountainous and wooded terrain, where tanks and vehicles had difficulty moving. In such areas, the horsemen used their knowledge of the local geography, as well as their ability to move stealthily and quickly, to ambush and harass the enemy. For instance, in the Carpathian Mountains in 1944, the 6th Guards Cavalry Corps fought against the German and Hungarian forces, capturing several important passes and towns.

By the end of the war, Soviet cavalry had participated in almost all major battles and campaigns, across most fronts. They had shown their courage, skill and adaptability in various conditions and situations. They had also inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, while suffering many casualties themselves. Soviet cavalry was a formidable force that helped shape the outcome of World War II.

This unit is supplied as 5 riders and 1 NCO.

• Model: Cavalry troops
• Country/Army: Soviet Union
• Dimension (mm) (WxLxH): 28mm
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: Mr3DPrint
• Painted by: MarDav Miniatures
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly. 
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.

• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.