Patton's Iron Cavalry - The Impact of the Mechanized Cavalry on the U.S. Third Army Page: 101
View a full description of this thesis.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
maximum combat power to be provided forward. On 9 January, the group (with the 28th
Squadron back under its control) took a portion of front on the southwest corner of the Harlange
Pocket between the 35th ID and 26th ID. Although not in their orders, the group attacked "when
it became apparent.. that the Germans had so organized the ground that it was impossible for the
infantry on both flanks to advance."224 The cavalry used their combined arms to neutralize
numerous enemy positions, often substituting firepower for manpower. The next day, the group
continued a deliberate assault against the German defenders of the pocket, seizing the towns of
Harlange and Watrange, then continuing the assault north to Sonlez, where they made contact
with the 90th ID, closing the Harlange Pocket.225 The assault to Sonlez was entirely at the
discretion of the group commander, but this action effectively destroyed the German defenses
around Harlange. The enemy in this region, though somewhat battered from a month of heavy
fighting, had held against the 26th 35th, and 90th IDs for over eleven days. Moreover, the cavalry
seized eight 88mm guns, 5 Nebelwerfer rocket launchers, and 300 German prisoners.226 These
numbers meant that the 6th Cavalry attacked an undersized regimental formation that was well
entrenched and supported.227 Thus, the cavalrymen almost certainly did not have the generally
accepted ratio of 3:1 superiority in numbers prior to their attack, though their firepower helped
somewhat. Additionally, the attack was conducted on a limited front, only a couple miles wide.
However, this frontage was standard for much larger infantry RCTs and armor combat
commands. For their actions in this battle, the 6th MCG was awarded a Presidential Unit
224 "Presidential Unit Citation, 6th Cavalry Group" found in Unicorn Rampant- History of the Sixth
Cavalry Regiment / Group at Home and Abroad.
225 "III Corps After Action Report, 1 January 1945 - 31 January 1945," record 203, entry 427, RG 407,
National Archives II, 10.
226 Unicorn Rampant- History of the Sixth Cavalry Regiment /Group at Home and Abroad, 87-88.
227 German strengths are an assumption of the author based upon the following- 300 Germans captured
indicates approximately a battalion strength (300 is more than one company, and could be as many as two to three
full strength companies). Assuming that there were more Germans who were killed or escaped, puts the number
over one battalion, possibly a second. Then, the inclusion of as much artillery present indicates support assets more
commonly seen at the regimental level.101
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This thesis can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Thesis.
Nance, William Stuart. Patton's Iron Cavalry - The Impact of the Mechanized Cavalry on the U.S. Third Army, thesis, May 2011; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc68023/m1/107/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .