She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: The Cavalry in the West
A Temporary Exhibit April 12-August 17, 2008

The Cavalry Between the Wars 1918-1940

Between the Wars 1918-1940
General explanatory text for this case. Instead of the earlier (and uncomfortable) standing collar, the new uniforms had turned down collars, and the handsome "Sam Browne" belts and sporty riding breeches. The social occasions demanded more formal uniforms, in the traditional blue with yellow trim denoting service in the cavalry. The Phillips saddle shown here was values as much for its comfort and styling as for its usefulness in the field. Context for the period With the horrors of WW1 behind them, the U.S. Cavalry enjoyed peacetime service at garrison posts like Fort Douglas. These were the days of polo playing, and socializing and seeking more pleasant surroundings and clothing. The future of cavalry was becoming less certain as motorized vehicles replaced horses for most transportation needs, and ever more effective weapons made the chances of a successful cavalry charge less likely.
Recommended References for further study: xxxxxxxxxxxx (available from Ft. Douglas Gift Shop- order here) xxxxxxxxxxxx

UNIFORMS

  Staff Sergeant, Second Cavalry

circa. 1931

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

Soldiers had long complained about the uncomfortable standing collar on previous uniform coats. The new uniform, pattern 1926, included a new lapel collar for both officers and enlisted men. This staff sergeant also wears the new-pattern breeches and the new laced leather boots.

Captain, Second Cavalry

circa. 1928

Courtesy Fort Douglas Museum Collection

This officer is wearing the new pattern coat and riding breeches authorized in 1926, together with the Model 1921 officer’s belt. He is holding his riding crop.

Colonel, Cavalry

circa. 1938

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

The 1937-pattern blue mess uniform with yellow facings on the lapels was worn by officers during formal occasions. He wears the miniature decorations and service medals on the left lapel as required in regulations.

HORSE EQUIPMENT

Phillips Officer’s Saddle

Model 1936

Courtesy Fort Douglas Museum Collection

The Phillips saddle was adopted by the War Department after almost two years of tests by the Cavalry Board in 1937, though examples were actually produced as early as 1934 and sold to many officers before it was officially approved. The saddle included pommel and cantle bags. This particular saddle was used here at Fort Douglas by the post commander, Colonel Howard Price.

Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.
Fort Douglas Military Museum Association
Revised:20 December 2008