Soviet Cavalry Operations During the Second World War

Soviet Cavalry Operations During the Second World War and the Genesis of the Operational Manoeuvre Group Author:John S Harrel Language:English Format:Hardcover Dimensions:6" x 9.5" Pages:336 Photos:50 black and white illustrations Publisher:Pen and Sword Military ISBN:9781526743022 Item No. 9781526743022 While the development of tanks had largely led to the replacement of cavalry in most armies by 1939, the Soviets retained a strong mounted arm. In the terrain and conditions of the Eastern Front they were able to play an important role denied them elsewhere. John Harrel shows how the Soviets developed a doctrine of deep penetration, using cavalry formations to strike into the Axis rear, disrupting logistics and lines of communication, encircling and isolating units. Interestingly he shows that this doctrine did not stem from the native cavalry tradition of the steppe but from the example of the American Civil Wa