Squadron A

Squadron A is the remarkable cavalry regiment that began as a "picturesque civilian group," the New York Hussars, also called Dragoons. It developed into an outstanding, distinguished unit of highest discipline, efficiency and morale. The history of the squadron divides naturally into several periods. The first covers the inception and joyous early years of the original Troop A; the birth of the squadron and its sturdy growth and colorful development; the Spanish-American War; and a period of nearly two decades during which the command devolved upon officers trained in its own ranks. This period culminated in Federal service on the Mexican border. Following this came the troop's dedication to the grim, drab and exhausting realities of service in World War I, with full and effective performance of every assigned undertaking. During that conflict, the unit constituted the 105th Machine Gun Battalion, 27th Division. Squadron A members were well educated and witty; their stories are lively and exciting. This volume covers training, athletics, activities, small arms practice and competitions, practice marches, tactical exercises, actual maneuvers, escort duty, parades and reviews, as well as service on the Mexican border, in the Spanish-American War and World War I, "The Depot Troop" (later, Squadron A, New York Guard), the Roll of Honor and the Roll of Service for World War I. Additional papers detail the chronology of Squadron A, the Armory, the Association of Ex-Members of Squadron A, verses and songs of the squadron and a list of former members of Squadron A. Illustrated with wonderful illustrations and photos, this volume is the perfect companion to the 2005 publication, Squadron A: An Informal History of Its Second Half-Century of Service: A Sequel to the History of Its First Fifty Years, by Edward L. Bimberg.