| CAVALRY |
| The IJA Cavalry began in the Meiji era, particularly the Russo-Japan War of 1904-5 and ended at the beginning of the Showa era (late 1920s). After that, tank and other vehicle units as well as airborne units took the place of the cavalry. As one can imagine, the horse was used as a symbol of the cavalry; however, the horse was also used as the main symbol of the transport units, too. So the only way to know is to learn to read the kanji. Here are the symbols you need to know. Common cavalry cup designs have a horse and battle flag, a horse and military star, or just a horse. Less common are the mounted soldiers. Some Cavalry cups can also be identified by the Cavalry insignia, used on collar flashes. Click here to see some Transport Unit cups, which are often confused with Cavalry cups. |
| The kanji indicating CAVALRY (KI) |
| The kanji indicating CAVALRY (KI) followed by '24' |
| The kanji for CAVALRY (KI) is often seen with SOLDIER (HEI) Kihei |
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Cavalry insignia.
See below for
another example
and a photograph.
See below for
another example
and a photograph.
Here in blue is the Cavalry insignia. Note that this
resembles the kanji for kabuto (helmet), but the small line
at the bottom (a circle on this cup) is different than the
kanji. Inscribed: '26th Cavalry Commemorative.'
resembles the kanji for kabuto (helmet), but the small line
at the bottom (a circle on this cup) is different than the
kanji. Inscribed: '26th Cavalry Commemorative.'
This soldier has the same symbol on his collar.
| Lacquered wood Cavalry cup. Inscribed 'Special Cavalry Large Maneuvers Participation Commemorative, 2nd Cavalry, Saito.' |
| Scarce hand-painted soldiers on horseback. These are probably Meiji-era cups. Inscribed 'Cavalry 10th Regiment, Tanaka, Holder of the 8th Class (Rising Sun Medal)'. |
