Cap for Cavalry Regiment 18
I have been doing a bit of research on the history of Cavalty Regiment 18 since becoming the custodian of a rather nice Erel produced cap which has been very thoughfully stamped, Gepruft 2/KR 18, allowing us the opportunity to try and trace a bit of its history.
Sadly, unlike my Panzer cap the owner has remained a mystery but the research has thrown up some fabulous info (and pictures) which enable a presentation of the places this cap would have been including a picture of it possibly being worn……………..
So History first.
1919 -1934.
The Regiment was born out the creation of the Reichswehr in 1919 and was part of the 3rd cavalry division. It was designated Reiter Regiment 18 and the cadre drawn form the various cavalry regts of the old Imperial army. The secound squadron was formed by the Uhlans "King Charles" (1 of Württemburg) No.19.
The squadron was based at the Reiter barracks in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. These had been bulit in 1845 and are still there today serving as both commercial and residential property.
Officers receiving visit of Wilhelm II of Würtemberg
The barracks were renamed after 1945 to Wallace barracks and used by the US army.
Under new management again in 2004 and undergoing rennovation.
1935-1939.
With the expansion of the Wehrmacht in 1935 the majority of the cavalry units were disbanded and used as cadre to form the new panzer units. The bulk of the 3rd division going to form the 1st panzer division.
The remaining units which included the R-R 18 were to be used as recon for the infantry divisions in the event of war and had their designation changed to cavalry regiments.
The 2nd squadron pictured at Cannstatt in late 1936. The company commander was Capt. Schonfeld and the big question….. is one of his men wearing the cap we are discussing ?
A picture taken 1937 - Ausmarsch to parade
In Aug 1939 the mobilisation saw the disbandment of the cavalry units as planned and it’s personnel used as either drivers for the baggage trains or as reconnaisance battalions.
The 2nd squadren KR 18 went lock stock and barrel to the 35th Infantry Division and fought with them through to 1945.
The memorial to the fallen of regt 18 in Stuttgart is a testament to their individual sacrifices.
cheers
tony
