2nd Cavalry Division (Belgium) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2nd Cavalry Division |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1940 |
| Country |  Belgium |
| Branch | Belgian Army |
| Type | Cavalry Division |
| Role | Combat Support |
| Size | Division |
| Part of | Cavalry Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | Leuven |
| Engagements | |
| Disbanded | 28 May 1940 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Major General, Joseph Beernaert |
The 2nd Cavalry Division was a special military group in the Belgian Army during the Second World War. It was like a support team, helping other soldiers during the Battle of Belgium. This division played an important part in trying to stop the German forces in 1940.
Contents
History of the 2nd Cavalry Division
Early Days: Before World War II
Before the Second World War, the 2nd Cavalry Division wasn't a full division. During World War I, it was known as the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. This brigade was based in Ghent. It included the 4th and 5th Lancer Regiments. It also had a Chasseurs Regiment, which was the 4th Chasseurs.
The Second World War Begins
When war was declared, the 2nd Cavalry Division became much stronger. Many of its soldier groups, called regiments, were brought to full size. This was similar to the 1st Cavalry Division. The division's groups were also spread out. For example, the 1st Regiment Lancers and 4th Regiment Carabiner-Cyclists went north. They were near Liège with other troops.
The 2nd Cavalry Division then set up a defense line. This line was near the Demer/Gate position. This was a key area to protect.
Fighting in Belgium
When the fighting started, the 3rd Regiment Lancers joined the 2nd Cavalry Division. This was ordered by the army's high command. After the Ardennes area was lost, the 2nd Cavalry Division got more help. The 2nd Regiment Jagers te Paard joined them.
Heavy fighting happened in the northern part of the battle area. German forces caused big losses to the 36th Line Regiment. The 2nd Cavalry Division quickly set up many artillery guns in Demer. They knew if they didn't, the Germans might break through their defenses. Soldiers from the 10th Infantry Division also helped strengthen Demer.
The German army kept pushing hard on Demer. A breakthrough in the north almost surrounded the entire 2nd Cavalry Division. This meant they were nearly trapped.
Retreat and Surrender
On May 13, the division was told to retreat. They moved back to the K-W line, a strong defense line. The division was placed west of Mechelen. However, the Allied commanders decided to leave the K-W line. This meant the 2nd Cavalry Division and the rest of the Belgian army had to retreat again. The 2nd Cavalry Division then moved west of Doel.
German forces began crossing the Scheldt River. The 2nd Cavalry Division quickly moved back to Watervliet. After things calmed down a bit, the division was placed between Breskens and the Braakman Sanctuary.
The Allied forces, including Belgium, became surrounded. The situation quickly got worse. Many support units from the 2nd Cavalry Division were moved. They were sent to help defend the Leie River. The division itself was placed in the Wervik Sector. German forces met the 2nd Cavalry Division there and kept pushing forward.
Eventually, the fighting stopped. The 2nd Cavalry Division was forced out of its positions. They fell back to a new line, mostly along the Rouselare Ypres Railroad line. But the Germans easily broke through this line too. Finally, the 2nd Cavalry Division had to surrender.
How the Division Was Organized
Just before the Battle of Belgium, the 2nd Cavalry Division was set up like this:
- 2nd Cavalry Division
- Headquarters, located in Leuven
- 1st Lancers Regiment
- 1st Regiment Hunters-on-Horse
- 2nd Carabiner-Cyclists Regiment
- 4th Carabiner-Cyclists Regiment
- 18th Artillery Regiment
- 26th Engineer Battalion
- 29th Battalion of Transmission Troops
See also
- Army Group B
- 1st Cavalry Division
- K-W line
