Cavalry Corps (United Kingdom) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cavalry Corps |
|
|---|---|
| Active | October 1914 – March 1916 September 1916 – 1919 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | British Crown |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Cavalry |
| Size | Corps |
| Part of | British Expeditionary Force |
| Engagements | First World War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Edmund Allenby |
The Cavalry Corps was a special group of cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback) in the British Army during World War I. It was created in France in October 1914, led by General Sir Edmund Allenby. This group was disbanded for a short time in March 1916 but started up again in September of the same year. The Cavalry Corps was an important part of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front throughout the war.
Contents
How the Cavalry Corps Was Formed
The Cavalry Corps was made up of three main cavalry groups, called divisions. These were the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd divisions.
Each cavalry division had many cavalry regiments, which are smaller groups of soldiers. Unlike cavalry from France and Germany, British cavalry soldiers were armed with rifles. Other countries' cavalry often used shorter-range carbines. British cavalry divisions also had more artillery (large guns) than other countries' cavalry. They had 24 powerful 13-pounder guns and two machine guns for each regiment.
However, when these cavalry soldiers had to fight on foot, their divisions were not as strong as regular infantry (foot soldier) divisions. They had fewer soldiers and less artillery than a full infantry division.
Key Battles and Campaigns
The Cavalry Corps played a role in several important battles during World War I:
- Battle of La Bassee
- Battle of Messines (1914)
- Battle of Arras (1914)
- Battle of Cambrai (1917)
- The Battles of the Hindenburg Line
Who Led the Cavalry Corps?
Many skilled generals led the Cavalry Corps during its time in World War I. Here are some of the main commanders:
- Lieutenant-General E. H. H. Allenby (October 1914 – May 1915)
- Hon. Lieutenant-General Sir J. H. G. Byng (April – August 1915, with a short break)
- Lieutenant-General H. D. Fanshawe (August – October 1915)
- Hon. Lieutenant-General C. E. Bingham (October 1915 – March 1916)
- Lieutenant-General C. T. McM. Kavanagh (September 1916 – 1919)
See also
- British Army during World War I
- British Cavalry Corps order of battle 1914
- British cavalry during the First World War
