1st Hussar Regiment (Lithuania)

The 1st Hussar Regiment of the Lithuanian Grand Hetman Duke Jonušas Radvila (Lithuanian: 1-asis husarų Lietuvos Didžiojo Etmono Jonušo Radvilos pulkas), also known as the 1st Cavalry Regiment (Lithuanian: 1-asis raitelių pulkas) was a light cavalry regiment that served in the Lithuanian Army during the Interwar period.

Hussars outside, enjoying the weather (1923–1924)

In the autumn of 1918, the first Lithuanian military units, including cavalry squadrons, began to be formed for the struggle for Lithuania's independence. The 1st Hussar Squadron was established in Kaunas on 9 January 1919.[1] Officer J. Kasiulis was as the 1st Squadron's commander. On 4 February 1919, the formation of the 2nd Hussar Squadron began.[1] Officer Aleksandras Laikūnas was appointed as its commander. However, the first battles with the Bolsheviks showed that the Lithuanian army required more cavalry. So, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Silvestras Žukauskas issued an order on 12 May 1919 that all mounted units be formed into the 1st Lithuanian Horsemen Regiment (Lithuanian: 1-asis lietuvių raitelių pulkas). Major G. E. Hoeger of the Swedish Armed Forces was made its commander. Since July 1, the regiment was taken over by Officer Pranas Jackevičius, who also started to form the 3rd Squadron.

On 25 October 1919, the regiment was named the 1st Horsemen Regiment (Lithuanian: 1-asis raitelių pulkas), later the 1st Cavalry Regiment. As the situation on the fronts deteriorated, a 4th Squadron (commander J. Kalino, an officer of Lithuanian Tartar origin) was formed. The 1st Cavalry Regiment fought against the Red Army, Bermontians and units of the Polish army.

On 25 September 1927, by the Act of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Antanas Smetona No. 484, the Grand Hetman of Lithuania Duke Jonušas Radvila was appointed the chief of the Regiment, while the regiment was renamed to the 1st Hussar Regiment of the Lithuanian Grand Hetman Duke Jonušas Radvila. On the same day, a flag with the motto "Nugalėsim ar mirsim" (We will win or die) was presented.

Regimental commanders
  • 1919 – Major G. E. Hoegeris
  • 1919 – Colonel Pranas Jackevičius
  • Colonel Jonas Litvinas
  • Major T. Engmanas
  • Officer Šileris
  • 1920-1929 – Povilas Plechavičius
  • General Staff Lieutenant colonel J. Bačkus
  • 1935-1939 – General Staff Colonel Aloyzas Valušis
  • 1939-1940 – General Staff Colonel Izidorius Kraunaitis
  • 1940 – Colonel Kazimieras Gudelis

References
  1. Vaičenonis, Jonas. "Husarų pulkas" (in Lithuanian).

Sources
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