Cavalry regiments of the Estonian Ground Force
| Ratsarügement | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1917-1940 |
| Country | Estonia |
| Type | Cavalry |
| Size | 2 regiments |
| Part of | Estonian Ground Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Tartu |
| Anniversaries | 11 December[1] |
| Engagements | Estonian War of Independence |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | General Major Gustav Jonson |
There were two regular cavalry regiments, with six cavalry squadrons provided by the reserve army. Since the restoration of independence in 1991, there are no cavalry units among the modern Estonian Ground Forces.
Structure
Battle of order
- 1st Cavalry regiment
- 2nd Cavalry regiment (dissolved in 1920)
History
The cavalry regiments during the War of Independence
The Estonian cavalry force participated in the War of Independence with two cavalry regiments. In addition to these units, there were also other smaller cavalry formations. For excample each infantry regiments had one cavalry reconnaissance commando. By the end of the war another cavalry regiment was formed in Tallinn, the Cavalry Reserve Regiment, which also performed as a cavalry school for the officers and soldiers.[2]
The abolishment of the cavalry force
The end of the cavalry units in the Estonian Ground Forces started before the start of World War II. The cavalry force could not keep up with the 1930s technological advances and the rapid development of the armoured warfare despite it received several attempts to be modernized by the Estonian Defence Forces. The abolishment of the military force took place in 1940 with the attachment to the Soviet 22nd Rifle Corps on 10 September 1940.[3]
References
- ↑ Military Forum: The anniversaries of the Estonian military formations
- ↑ Estonian cavalry between the worlds wars: "Rahuaegse Eesti ratsaväe struktuur ja areng"
- ↑ Horisont: "Estonian Cavalry regiment on horses, vheels and skiies."