JzP, what purpose...

[ccj]

What was the real purpose of the JzP in the German army? Were these troop kept together as Rgt or were they parceled out in small troops?

[Dave Mosher]

Charles

Here is a description on JzP from "Hussars and Mounted Rifles" by D.H. Hagger: "In order to relieve the regimental staffs of cavalry regiments from orderly duties and carrying despatches, a Cabinet Order of the 30th. March, 1895, ordered the experimental raising of three Despatch Rider Detachments (Meldreiter Detachments). In course of time, the Mounted Rifles (Jager zu Pferde) Regiments of the Prussian Army evolved from these." The three experimental detachments were assigned to the Guard, 1st. and 15th. Army Corps.

In 1897, the Meldreiter Detachments were renamed into JzP Detachments and two more detachments were created. In 1899, these units were perminantly established and renamed as JzP Squadrons. In 1901, there were a total of eight squadrons. In April 1905, these squadrons were re-organized into JzP Regiments 1-3. By 1913, there were six JzP regiments and one Guard JzP Squadron, and at that time seven additional JzP Regiments were formed.

Hope this helps

Dave

[ccj]

Yes, this help. Seems hard to imagine regiments of dispatch riders. Of course that was the main method of delivering messages. These were no more of a combat troop than the train ormedical troops then.

Charles

Here is a description on JzP from "Hussars and Mounted Rifles" by D.H. Hagger: "In order to relieve the regimental staffs of cavalry regiments from orderly duties and carrying despatches, a Cabinet Order of the 30th. March, 1895, ordered the experimental raising of three Despatch Rider Detachments (Meldreiter Detachments). In course of time, the Mounted Rifles (Jager zu Pferde) Regiments of the Prussian Army evolved from these." The three experimental detachments were assigned to the Guard, 1st. and 15th. Army Corps.

In 1897, the Meldreiter Detachments were renamed into JzP Detachments and two more detachments were created. In 1899, these units were perminantly established and renamed as JzP Squadrons. In 1901, there were a total of eight squadrons. In April 1905, these squadrons were re-organized into JzP Regiments 1-3. By 1913, there were six JzP regiments and one Guard JzP Squadron, and at that time seven additional JzP Regiments were formed.

Hope this helps

Dave

[Glenn2438]

Jäger zu Pferde

Yes, this help. Seems hard to imagine regiments of dispatch riders. Of course that was the main method of delivering messages. These were no more of a combat troop than the train ormedical troops then.

Charles,

one the regimental organisation was implemented they became normal cavalry regiments serving in WW1 as either components of a cavalry division or as infantry division cavalry squadrons.

Regards
Glenn