ISBN 0-85420-264-1
xvi + 128

Prefix [sic]; Authors [sic] Biography; Introduction; Symbols; Silhouettes Key; Abbreviations; tables; organigrams; TOEs; Bibliography

Hays, J.J. United States Army Ground Forces TOE, World War II, vol 4: The Cavalry Division, 1940-1945, part 2. Milton Keynes, UK: Military Press, 2004

ISBN 0-85420-274-9
x + 139

Prefix [sic]; Authors [sic] Biography; Introduction; Symbols; Silhouettes Key; Abbreviations; tables; organigrams; TOEs; Bibliography

Hays, J.J. United States Army Ground Forces TOE, World War II, vol 4: The Cavalry Division, 1940-1945, part 3. Milton Keynes, UK: Military Press, 2004

ISBN 0-85420-284-8
ix + 139

Prefix [sic]; Authors [sic] Biography; Introduction; Symbols; Silhouettes Key; Abbreviations; tables; organigrams; TOEs; Bibliography

   J.J. Hays continues plugging away at his impressive series of books covering organization and equipment of US Army formations. Having already dealt with infantry divisions (three volumes), armored divisions (two volumes), and airborne divisions (two volumes), Hays turns his attention to the rather less ubiquitous American cavalry divisions of World War II and still manages to produce three solid volumes of TOE data.
   Given the limited number of American cavalry divisions during the war—two—and their relatively limited action, three volumes of TOE data might seem like overkill, but Hays, as always, seems determined to provide all the information available. As usual, that information doesn't relate to unit histories; in fact, three paragraphs in the Introduction represent the full extent of historical background on 1st and 2nd Cavalry Divisions.

   The 1st Cavalry Division was part of the prewar regular army, being formed in 1921, The division was organized under the November 1940, and subsequent 1942, tables of organization. During the fall of 1943, the 1st Cavalry Division, less horses and associated equipment, was sent to Australia. The division then reorganized under a hybrid structure of both infantry and cavalry tables of organization. These initial changes were completed by 4 December 1943, and the division was redesignated 1st Cavalry Division "Special". Further changes were made to the division's subunits during 1944 and early 1945. During July 1945, the division's four "Cavalry" Regiments converted to the infantry regiment table of organization, but with only two squadrons per regiment, The cavalry squadron at that time was identical to a standard infantry battalion. Cavalry terms such as Squadron and Troop were used in place of Battalion and Company.
   Immediately following the end of the war the 1st Cavalry Division was reorganized as a standard infantry division. The brigades structure was eliminated. However, the cavalry designations Squadron and Troop were maintained.
   The 2nd Cavalry Division, was initially formed in April 1941, under the 1940, cavalry standard tables and subsequently deactivated in July 1942. Again, in February of 1943, the division was reformed under the August 1942, cavalry division tables. During early 1944, the division was sent to North Africa, without horses or associated equipment. Shortly after arrival the division was again deactivated, personnel being reassigned to service units.

   Instead of unit history, Hays continues to focus on the organization and equipment of the divisions and their subordinate formations. In this case, that means TOE information for the following:

Cavalry division
Division headquarters
Division headquarters troop
Reconnaissance squadron and troops
Engineer squadron and troops
Signal troop
Military Police platoon
Cavalry brigade
Brigade headquarters troop
Cavalry regiment and troops
Cavalry squadron and troops
Cavalry regiment (Infantry)
Medical squadron
Ordnance Troop
Division artillery
Field artillery battalions, 105 howitzer
Field artillery battalions, 75mm howitzer
Quartermaster section

   Each of these formations evolved throughout the war, and Hays provides details on the TOE of each at multiple points during the war, with data mostly taken directly from the relevant US Army field manuals and T/O documents. For each iteration, the book devotes a page or more to displaying and describing exactly how the unit was organized and with what is was equipped. This is done in typical Hays fashion, which will be familiar to those who have seen the earlier volumes in the series.
   Each version of a unit's TOE is shown in three main parts. First, Hays presents a very attractive organigram showing the unit organization with standard military symbols and vehicle silhouettes. The organigrams are further annotated to show numbers of officers and enlisted men as well as quantities of vehicles, weapons, and equipment. Next, the same information is displayed in tabular format, with columns for each unit and rows for personnel of each rank, and for each variety of vehicles, weapons, and equipment. The tables also show sub-totals and totals where appropriate to help keep track of everything. Finally, in the "Detail" section, Hays provides blocks of text about the same units with further amplification.
   Here's an example of coverage for a typical unit, in this case "Cavalry Rifle Troop, Horse" as of 1 April 1942: