Cavalry corps (Soviet Union)

It is also important to note that; the cavalry usually fought under-strength of 3000 men at full strength for a division, while often being thrown into the hardest parts of the battle.

Later in their place with the same units Issa Pliyev and Viktor Kirillovich Baranov would perform with most proficiency even in worst situations they always found the way to keep fighting never being captured or destroyed throughout the war.

The speed of the German advance often spread out the units thinly, allowing Soviet cavalry formations to launch raids into its enemy's rear.

At dawn on August 28, 1941, Col. Lev Dovator led a cavalry group of three thousand sabers (accompanied by medium and light machine guns but no artillery or armor) in a mounted attack which, broke through the 450th German Infantry Regiment.

Their horses were the only units able to negotiate terrain that would prove difficult to motor vehicles, while at the same time being able to conduct rapid raids into the rear of the enemy positions.

Later during the crucial encirclement of the Battle of Stalingrad, the cavalry units Issa Pliev with their mobility were the first to close the circle entrapping the German 6th Army.

During the Battle for Moscow, elements of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian's 2nd Panzer Group tried to seize Kashira, a town that was vital to the Soviet defenses on the Western Front on 18 November 1941.

These elite troops achieved great success from their advantage in cavalry, superior physicality, bravery, and mental strength made up for their small numbers.

As was demonstrated during the 1941-42 Moscow counter-offensive, rifle units penetrated enemy lines, which were then successfully exploited by cavalry, supported by tanks.

This cavalry tank tactic created a higher operational tempo, making it difficult for the Germans to re-establish a defensive line.

Additionally Pavel Belov demonstrated this art of war successfully against Guderian's 2nd Panzer Group in the south part of the city, which later resulted in his famous 5-month raid behind the German 9th Army.

This got the attention of Franz Halder who later had 7 German divisions on the pursue, this was over 100,000 men resulting in one of the greatest chases in world history earning him the nickname the Fox.

Aircraft, armor, and motorized infantry all failed to intercept Dovator as he weaved across the country and passed safely back through the lines.

For instance, Operation Bagration might have not been as successful if it wasn't for mechanized cavalry units using deep battle penetration to keep up with the tanks upon breakthrough.

In the final months, it demonstrated once more how effective cavalry could be in a modern age when applied properly, as they successfully encircled Berlin and later were instrumental in the Japanese in 1945 during the Battle of Manchuria, cementing their legacy as one of the finest units of the war.