This is a brief summery of about a specific historical unit in World War One combat reenacting. Due to size limitations this is an abridged version of our unit history. The Bavarian Chevaulegers are currently based in Southern California and is attached to the Great War Historical Society. As the unit grows in membership it will attend other WW1 events through out the country.

We would also like to point out that there are several fellow superb Imperial German units and Allied units all steeped in grand history and looking for new members. Some of these include the Prussian Stormtroopers, Pioneers and Landwehr along with the 13^th Canadian Blackwatch Highlanders, the French forces, British 17^th Lancers, the Austrailians, the Yanks and several new units. Please email me, if you wish to contact these other units.

By reading this sketch, hopefully you’ll get a taste of the historical value and the excitement and experience of WW1 combat reenacting. Of course reading about this is passive at best, and as a spectator, one is still rather limited though one gets visual sights and perhaps the smell of gunpowder; only as a participate can one fully grasp the depth and challenges faced by the trench soldier; crawling through the wire with gas mask under fire! We encourage you to come to the field of glory. Good luck in your historical travels…

(A Bavarian Chevauleger survives the artillery barrage; note the trademark y-straps)

"Chevauleger (der), a unique Bavarian Cavalry formation whose roots extend back to 1682. From the French for 'light rider or horse', or in practical terms, 'light cavalry'. The Chevauleger were roughly comparable to the Dragoons in tactics but closely uniformed like the Uhlans." (1)

As to its original founding, there is a mention of a Graf Rumford of Bavaria, forming two Light Horse regiments in 1790 (2). (There are references of Bavarian Cavalry even earlier, during the thirty-years war (3) .)

In 1793, the Bavarians fought against the French as part of the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. The Chevau-Legers were attached to Major-General von Blucher's Prussian brigade in 1794 and fought the French in a series of clashes at Friedelsheim, Battenburg, Herzheim, Monsheim and Zell (4).

The 2nd Bavarian Light Horse (Chevaulegers Regenter) has a rich combat history during the Napoleonic Wars (5). The 2nd Chevau-Legers Regt. "Konig" participated in many battles of the Napoleonic campaign, beginning with successful sieges of the following Prussian fortresses in 1806-07 at Plassenburg and Grossalogau, Breslau, Brieg, Kosel Kosel, Glatz and Niesse. The six Chevau-Leger regiments went with Napoleon to Russia, and fought in the battles of Smolensk & Bordeno. After the battle at Winkowo (Oct 18, 1812) on the horrendous retreat from Russia , it was with the 1st Regt., where it was reduced from 80 men to 14 and both regiments ceased to exist (6).

In 1813, the newly reconstituted Bavarian Army was again the 6th Corps, and fought in the campaign, from Hanau, Saxony up to the armistice. Later, the alliances changed and they fought against Napoleon in a series of battles.

In 1870, Bavaria quickly sided with Prussia in the war with the French 2nd Empire, under Napoleon III. The 2nd Bavarian Chevauleger was attached to Third Army lead by the Bavarian Prince, Frederick Charles. In the opening move of the war, the Third Army victoriously fought with distinction at Wissenburg, overrunning French and Algerian units.

It continued and fought throughout the entire campaign with the 2^nd Corps all of the major

Battles.

The 2nd Bav. Lt. Cavalry was attached to the 6th Bavarian Division for the entire duration of World War One (7). Known as Divisional Cavalry, the Squadron was part of a 1st Class, tenacious "attackers" Division (8), trained in storm trooper tactics (9).

In 1918, there were three squadrons (10) of the 2nd Bavarian Light Cavalry in the Sixth Bavarian Division (it was also short-handed with transfer of the 11th Bav Rgt. (11)) . It is well documented that Divisional Cavalry Squadrons held front line trenches (12) and were often in the farthest forward observation posts (13) (observing was historical role of the cavalry). Being part of an Attack or Shock Division, the 2nd Bav. Lt. Cav., while in the trenches, would support attacks and counterattacks especially since the 6th Division suffered heavy losses throughout the war (14). When dismounted in the trenches, the cavalry squadron would have been subdivided down to the smallest military unit a Gruppe (8 men and 1 lance-corporal) (15).

When the dismounted troopers were relieved of it's forward trench duties, it would become mounted and patrol roads and escort POW's to rear areas (16).

The typical 2nd Bavarian Light Cavalryman would look very similar to the infantryman. Equipped with a late-war M1916 Bluse (Tunic), and 1916-17 Stahlhelm, the trooper would more likely wear boots (17) , but would travel lighter since they were not issued knapsacks (18). Most of their heavier gear was in the rear, with their horses. The Chevauleger "were armed with a rifle instead of a carbine." (19).

Manning a forward observation post (20), would require stealth and initiative. Using periscopes (21), cavalryman would report any activity by field phone. Being the closest to No-Mans Land (or in it) they would often have to venture out (rescue wounded, or fight sappers). During an attack, observation posts being so vulnerable, casualties would obviously be high (22).

The dismounted cavalryman would serve their stint in the front-line trenches (23) as well. Exposed to artillery and gas as well as massive Allied attacks, they would have suffered numerous casualties (24). It is documented that the entire division suffered greatly from numerous gas attacks as well (25).

The 2nd Bavarian Lt. Cav. was well seasoned in combat (26), since it was part of a division that was respected even by the enemy (27). It was mentioned clearly in dispatches that the "whole division" (28) fought in the attack at Verdun and lost heavily. In numerous times, (Nancy -1914, St. Mihiel -1914-15, Verdun 1916, Artois 1917, Flanders 1917, Lille 1918, Cambri 1918, Dixmunde 1918 and Roye 1918) the division defended and attacked territory at a staggering loss, it is fair to assume that the Chevauleger Squadrons were often in the front trenches spilling blood as well (29).

The 2nd Bav. Lt. Cav, and the division (30) maintained high morale inspite of the course of the war and a well-known dislike (31) of the Prussians. These dedicated soldiers fought to the bitter end staging a violent counter-attack on Sept 29, 1918 (32). Throughout the war, the British gave this division a first class combat rating (33).

*Footnotes are not included in this document.

(TOP: Early war mounted Chevauleger.

BOTTOM:Two Chevaulegers prepare to fire on the attacking Allies.)

It is the goal of 2nd Bavarian Light Cavalry to recreate the daily life of combat conditions in the trenches by Bavarian dismounted cavalryman during the Great War, especially the latter years. The unit is especially geared to the reenacting of combat conditions and fighting tactics. This style of unit fighting is aggressive and very energetic.

As a forward observer for the infantry and artillery, the dismounted cavalry will have an active role in defending the line and supporting counter attacks. As an observer, it is especially important that the unit communicates and coordinates with it's fellow Imperial units. This can be accomplished by the use of whistles, hand signals, dogs, messengers and field phones.

To this end we strive to create a visually authentic appearance in such a way as to promote participation and camaraderie (and of course have fun!). We strive to base the foundation of our unit's history and appearance upon solid historical research. Our approach to WW1 reenacting may vary slightly in some instances but is more often similar with that of other WW1 units. We do not attempt to recreate a living history museum piece, but to recreate the look and feeling of trench warfare on the Western Front. Over the course of one's reenactment lifetime improvements will naturally occur.

There are two major battle reenactments a year (at Jack Rabbit Trail) along with some optional early war engagements. There are periodic work sessions at the trenches, and it is encouraged that members participate at these. 

The unit also has several unscheduled Work Parties. All of this promotes camaraderie within the unit and with fellow Imperial units.

Site - At the battlefield, there will be necessary improvement and repairs of the trenches and no-man's land.

Equipment - This a way to manufacture extra gear (and repair) for existing and new members.

Ordinance - The manufacture of grenades, mortars, machine guns and yes, someday maybe a tank!

"Veni Vini Vici!"

The unit will has a goal this year. To construct a new and larger bunker, that will be closer to our trenches. This will be hard work and will require great assistance and some funding for supplies as well.

The Bavarian 2nd Light Cavalry welcomes new membership. All that we require is that each new member commit in becoming a valuable asset to the unit. We ask that each member make an investment of time and effort in the historical research and the building of a good impression. Teamwork and camaraderie as a unit and the integration with other Imperial forces is also highly stressed. Existing members have several books and videos tapes and movies to assist new members in getting a better understanding of the period.

 

Along with the Bavarian Cavalry, there are several excellent Prussian units looking for new members as well!

 

 Typical Bavarian Chevauleger in 1918.

 

Uniform Regulations

Bavarian 6th Division, 2nd Light Cavalry Regiment

 

Our impression of the 2nd Light Cavalry is of cavalry fighting in a dismounted role in the front line trenches. At this point only dismounted gear is required for members. At a later date, the unit will try to build a mounted impression as well. 

Our view on reenacting late 1918 combat, is to model the desperate shortages and ad hoc gear portrayed in the majority of photos of the German forces on the western front. The German 1918 Spring Offensives used up many supplies and forced many units to rely on ersatz materials and often captured Allied gear and equipment.

Likewise, even the trenches would have a temporary and shelled look. Very often, German forces 'on the move' would bivoac'd in converted crater holes. Dismounted divisional cavalry had many similarities to the infantry in uniform and gear. (Such subtle differences are noted in our larger unit document.)

 Members must purchase their personal equipment and uniforms at their own expense. This can cost between $400-$900. The lower price range is more affordable if you spend the time "making" your gear and uniform etc. Like it's Imperial German brothers, this unit does loan gear to assist new members to get their impression up to standard.

 

Assistance

 

If there are any questions please feel free to ask any member of the unit or dig into the books & find the answer yourself. By doing that you may find some new or more accurate information regarding the Bavarian 2nd Lt. Cavalry. If you have a clarification of some item discussed here please, and we really mean it, bring it to our attention.

We encourage all members to do research themselves too! So much information on the German Forces is scarce and often conflicting. Overtime, we have since found several errors by some very reputable sources. So explore and do some research and share the information, it will help our impression and make the activity that much more richer for all sides.

 

Tom Helmers Fritz Bronner

(818) 840-8846 (818) 766-3271

260 West Elmwood Apt-R 6137 Case Av.

Burbank, CA 91502 North Hollywood, CA 91606

[email protected] [email protected]

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws