Original Items: Only One Set Available. Now this is a lovely early khaki uniform top! The brown cotton canvas fatigue uniform was similar to what was previously worn, but it now sported two lower patch pockets and a single breast pocket on the left side. In 1908 the brown canvas fatigue uniform began to be replaced with blue denim fatigue uniforms. However it would not be until 1919 that the changeover would be completed. This example is missing the 5 front buttons, but these are easily sourced, and due to the design of the uniform, the buttons were not stitched, but retained by a small metal ring.

The tunic is in great condition and does show signs of being worn in a hot/humid climate. There is staining present as well as scattered small holes, but nothing too damaging. It’s lovely to see Corporal chevrons on these. There was a note in the pocket reading:

HERBERT L. BOYD
DEC. 3 1923 - DEC 1926
12TH CAVALRY

This would indicate that Corporal Herbert L. Boyd wore this uniform while serving with the 12th Cavalry from 1923-1926, which likely makes sense considering many of these uniforms would have been overstock in depots across the country post-war. We couldn’t find much information on Boyd, making for a good research project.

A very lovely uniform, just needs the buttons which are easy to find. Comes ready for further research and display.

The regiment returned to Texas to conduct border patrol duty in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. There the 1st Squadron engaged small detachments of raiding bandits until 22 February 1916.

The 1st Squadron then reported for duty to Corozal in the Panama Canal Zone. The squadron remained in Corozal until 1921 when the regiment was reorganized during the drawdown following the First World War.

On 3 January 1933 the Twelfth Cavalry was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and participated in division maneuvers. The unit was reorganized as an infantry regiment in preparation for overseas service.

The Twelfth Cavalry arrived in Australia on 26 July 1943 and began six months of jungle and amphibious training. The Regiment's first assault in the Pacific War came on 29 February 1944 when her soldiers assaulted the Los Negros Islands in the Admiralty Islands, north of New Guinea. The Twelfth Cavalry was assigned to the Leyte-Samar Campaign and helped liberate those islands from Japanese control in spite of stubborn resistance. Continuing the attack onto the island of Luzon, Regimental history was highlighted on 3 February 1945 when a flying column of Cavalrymen cut a 100-mile path through enemy-held territory to be the "First in Manila".