Back to Bataan! US Forces in the Far East 1941-1942, Part 5

 I'd like to finish up this series with a discussion of what was probably the most famous unit of the Philippine Scouts (PS), the redoubtable 26th Cavalry. They were the elite of the US forces assigned to the Philippines in the era under discussion. Like all of the Scout units, they were long-serving regulars whose record was one of unmatched valor. The average trooper had served anywhere from ten to thirteen years and in terms of discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations, their record shows the lowest rates of infractions among the military on the islands. In a considerable number of cases, this was further strengthened by multiple generations of families serving within the unit.

Squad on Patrol. The bottom center shows the Regimental Crest of the 26th Cavalry (PS)

 

By the way, while I will use the term Troop/Platoon, it should be noted that US practice used the term "Company" in official documents to describe a unit of three or more troops. Squadrons were units of multiple (4-6) companies and light support with a small headquarters element. Regiments were usually two Squadrons with slightly heavier support.  

As for their organization, the cavalry was similar to that of the infantry overall. It consisted of a Headquarters element (troop/platoon leader, troop/platoon sergeant, and 3-5 men used as messengers, replacements, general duties), and three troops/platoons. Support was primarily in the form of light machine guns (M1919A2, a slightly more compact version of the common M1919A4). What anti-armor weapons existed were heavy (.50 caliber Browning M2) machine guns and AT rifle grenades. 

The M2 was effective in this role in the early part of the war as Japanese tanks were lightly armored compared to European and even American models. The HMG's were held at Squadron-level. No mortars were assigned at any level.

For Chain of Command, the organization would be as follows:

    Troop Headquarters: Platoon Leader, Senior Leader, armed with a pistol; Platoon Sergeant, Senior Leader, armed with a rifle and pistol. At this point, I should say that the 26th Cavalry (PS) had been completely re-armed with the M1 Garand Rifle, although according to some interviews with veterans, some preferred their original M1903 Springfields and acquired them surreptitiously.

    3 Squads, each with: Squad Leader (CPL), Junior Leader, armed with a rifle and pistol,  eight (8) privates also armed with a rifle and pistol. 

 

Given the high quality and long-service of this unit, it should probably be classed as "Elite". Strong consideration should be given to allowing the units to have an additional "Red Die" added to their Command dice. 

It should be noted that a troop of this unit under LT Edwin P. Ramsay, using only their pistols and horses, charged and routed a superior Japanese force on 16 January 1942. Ultimately surrendering to the Japanese in April, 1942, a significant number (including LT Ramsay) continued the fight as guerillas in  Luzon.