The Commander Series Forum

I was looking at getting a few companies of cavalry for my 1939 Polish, but they seem a little neutered in the BKCII rules - no shooting from horseback, no charging even against suppressed enemies...

Have I missed something, or are they really as "mounted-infantry-only" as they appear?

Don't think you've missed a thing.

Aww =[

Howdy, I,m collecting polish cavalry as well. Fwiw. Troops in transport (a). Can,t fire (b). You can dismount then assault 5cm. . They are still the fastest troop types the poles have . Support your cavalry with tachanka Mmg carts Fire with the mmgs then assault with the cavalry . Gotta love those poles

The Polish cavalry were very good - but reports of their steadfastness and elite status stem from actions like Mokra where they were entrenched (difficult to entrench mounted cavalry)in a defensive position. The charging against tanks is one of those propaganda myths I'm afraid. I'd let them charge but they should get shot to pieces - they did charge successfully at least once, but against surprised infantry not tanks, and then were shot to pieces by supporting armoured cars following the infantry (I know-wrong way round somehow but there you go- maybe the Germans threw a double 6).

Perhaps change the rules?

Cavalry operated on the Eastern Front within German, Polish, Soviet, Italian armies and by others.

Soviet cavalry still used mounted charges. Not always successfully. One Soviet cavalry division charging in the snow against a German column in open got mowed down as the infantry in the column dismounted.

As Recce and mounted infantry then cavalry had an important role. Although modern rifles and MGs had long ago swept mounted charges from the battlefield.

The rules work fine, IMO. When mounted, cavalry are really fast but vulnerable. They can get in to close combat easily, but are easy to shoot out. If you do it "Italian style" into flanks and rear or into suppressed defenders it's great.

But as much more often happened, if get caught mounted by troops ready to fire... it's Value burger time.