"WWII German Cavalry Division" Topic

"Under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles Germany was permitted three cavalry divisions – about 16,400 men – out of a total army of 100,000. This high proportion was deliberate, since by 1919 horsed cavalry had little part to play in serious military operations, yet remained an expensive force, effectively further reducing the abilities of the new Reichsheer. After 1933 and the coming of the Nazis some of the horsed regiments were converted to panzer regiments or otherwise had their horses taken away, although some were later restored to horse (‘Reiter') regiments, and on the invasion of Poland in September 1939 horsed cavalry proved a great success. As a result such troops continued to serve throughout the War, mainly in reconnaissance and anti-partisan duties, particularly in Eastern Europe.

As usual some consideration is first required on the subject of dating the set. None of the figures have a sabre, nor do they have their rifle in a boot or bucket, so are not appropriate for the early months of the War such as the Polish campaign. Also missing here is the breast strap and martingale, which were withdrawn after 1940, but every animal does have the M34 saddlebags mounted on the front of the saddle, which were supposedly replaced with bags at the rear of the saddle after 1940, though in fact the older style and position persisted throughout the war, and bags at the front were once more regulation in the final months. The men give more clues. Three of the poses wear a smock over their tunic, which suggests a date of 1942 at the earliest, or even later if not the SS. The central figure in the top row wears a peaked cap, again introduced 1942 for the SS and 1943 for others, and some of the helmets have covers, which further reinforces this date, so we are looking at the second half of the war…"

Full review here
link

Amicalement
Armand

Interesting how the set got 10/10 for sculpting but the reins are missing, the horses tails are (if they were hanging) would nearly touch the floor, the saddle Cloths appear to blend into the horses (in fact some of the Detail is so poor it Looks like they nags have been quickly Held over a candle flame) and the stirrups look virtually non-existant.

Agree!

Amicalement
Armand

Peter Pig make some nice mounted germans

What, in 1/72 plastic. Cool

Glad you like them my good friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

I wish they'd give us a machine gunner instead of one of those other wierd beggers.

..and the one 2nd in from the right..is his head tiny in comparison with his Body or is the pic at an odd angle ?

I like the figure firing his rifle off to the side. He would look great riding around a bunch of T-34s formed in a circle.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand