Re: T-6 Texan specs

[<GRBroman@aol.com>]

In a message dated 2/28/2002 11:40:19 AM Central Standard Time, jrdennis@earthlink.net writes:


> The ROK Cavalry Squadron that had the M-8s did an adequate job in 
> screening the southern bank of the Han River.  But they were only there 
> to provide a delaying screen and once the North Koreans were able to ford 
> the river, they had to leave.  As I recall, none made it back to Pusan.  
> Mechanical problems, fuel, North Koreans and the USAF would have finished 


Yup, good point.  Actually an M-8 was pretty adequate for mission like a screen.  There are two primary mission for Cavalry, reconnaissance and security.  A screen is a security mission of the lowest risk.  Generally report and withdraw while maintaining contact and reporting.  Technically, there is no such thing as "delaying screen" There are stationary screens and moving flank screens.  The mission the ROK M-8's had was a delay, or it could have been a guard mission, which entails much more risk and is not given to a cavalry unit without reinforcement, like infantry and real armor.  IIRC, what they did was actually a guard mission, although the reality was that it was not organized as such at all.  Sort of a hastily organized defense using what ever was available.  To get back to the subject, the M-8's and M-20's were designed to perform Cavalry functions like I mentioned above.  They do okay for missions that call for mobility and reporting, they really don't do well as fighting vehicles if you are fighting anything heavier than disgruntled citizens and lightly armed troops.  Good for internal security.  Actually, they did do a great job of marking the path of the attacking NK T-34/85's.  You could follow the T-34's progress by the burning wrecks of the M-8's.  
Glen Broman