The history of the experimental bicycle unit that ran through about 3000 km in the United States
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Although it is a 'bicycle' that is widely used from developing countries to developed countries as a means of transportation that is faster than walking and easier than cars and motorcycles, there was once an attempt to use it as a means of transportation for the military. Military media Army Times Sarah Shikard introduces an episode in which the United States failed to form a 'bicycle unit' that deployed bicycles.
US Army's 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps: Wheels of War
https://www.historynet.com/us-armys-25th-infantry-bicycle-corps-wheels-of-war/
How the Army tried and failed to build a bicycle corps
Since around 1880, a rear-wheel chain-driven bicycle, which is close to the modern shape, appeared, and since it is lighter than a horse, quieter, and easier to manage, attempts to use bicycles as a means of transportation for troops have been made in England, France, etc. It has been done in each country. The U.S. Army also attempted to develop a bicycle unit in the late 19th century, but failed.
In 1869, the Army organized the '25th Infantry Division' consisting of African Americans. The force was stationed west of the Mississippi and stationed in the Texas settlement until 1880 when it was transferred to the Dakota Territory. Eight years later, the unit moved to the Missoula base in Montana, a hunting and fishing paradise, from where it was deployed as peacekeepers during railroad and mining strikes, forest fires in Montana and Idaho, and more. Although it has a track record of , it is said that one of the most severe missions that this unit performed was 'long-distance cycling under realistic site conditions by bicycle'.
Rear Admiral Nelson Miles believed that the bicycle would be the most important piece of equipment in the next war. Organize a bicycle team. We gave them state-of-the-art military-use bicycles donated by AGSPALDING & BROS, and arranged for them to undergo training in riding a designated route.
In July 1896, the first long-distance running training was conducted by a bicycle unit led by Lieutenant Moss. The unit covered a round trip of 126 miles (approximately 200 km) over three days, and after confirming how the bicycle unit would be affected in environments such as heavy rain, strong winds, and steep slopes, the following month We will train to run 500 miles (about 800 km) over 10 days and succeed in moving at an epoch-making speed of about 6 miles per hour (about 10 km) on average.
After these experiences, in 1897 full-scale ultra-long-distance movement training will be conducted. The route chosen followed the railroad from Corps Headquarters at Fort Missoula to Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri, and the distance, difficult terrain, and extreme weather and road conditions made it a 'military experiment.' It was said to be the best route as
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Lieutenant Moss selected 20 of the 40 infantrymen who volunteered for the expedition. Age is from 24 to 39 years old, physical condition is perfect. Five of them were veterans who had participated in the previous year's training. Lieutenant Moss praised the unit as 'brimming with enthusiasm.' In addition to the infantry, the unit also includes Surgeon's Assistant, Dr. James M. Kennedy, and Daily Missouri newspaper reporter Edward Booth.
Each member carries a 10-pound (about 4.5 kg) package that includes a shelter tent and poles, a set of underwear, two pairs of socks, a handkerchief, a toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, food such as bacon, bread, and canned beef was carried in a hard leather case attached to the frame of the bicycle, so the total weight of luggage reached 59 pounds (about 27 kg) per bicycle. About. In addition to these, all carried 10-pound
The force departed Missoula at 5:30 am on June 14, 1897. Although it was good to see off with cheers, it was soon hit by heavy rain, and the road changed to muddy. Lieutenant Moss described the situation at the time, saying, ``To avoid the mud, we had to go through weeds and undergrowth. has resumed.” Despite these rainy weather, we succeeded in running 54 miles (about 87 km) on the first day.
However, it rained heavily all night and by morning the roads were completely impassable. A drizzle forced the troops to abandon their original route and run over the railroad tracks. The group had to endure violent shaking caused by stepping on sleepers instead of mud.
Near noon on the fourth day, the crew crossed the Continental Divide, enduring freezing temperatures and sleet and snow. Troops had to stop frequently to warm their hands and ears. As they began to descend the mountain, the snow melted, and the soldiers were forced to paddle through ankle-deep water.
In addition to the challenges of running in harsh environments, problems of food and water supply also surfaced. Due to the weight, the soldiers could only bring food for two days, and it was supposed to be secured at the supply station installed every 100 miles (about 160 km), so naturally it was about 80 km in one day. It became necessary to march the However, it wasn't all days when I could run so well, and I suffered from cold and hunger.
Water became a serious problem as the troops moved through Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Although the only drinking water was supplied from the tank of the railroad car, when the soldiers were too far from the railroad, they had to drink natural water, and the whole unit became ill.
Lieutenant Moss's report states, 'On June 29, after more than 20 miles (32 km) of mostly sloping roads under the scorching sun, we stopped in town for lunch. We were told that the only place we could get was the town of Moorcroft, about 30 miles away, and the party set off again.By 7 p.m., they had covered about 16 miles.' There is a description of It is said that one person's bicycle was broken at this time, but it is also written that the infantryman had no choice but to push the bicycle because he prioritized replenishing water rather than repairing it.
Three weeks after departure, the water problem became serious. The temperature during the day was so high that the unit started at dawn, rested during the hottest part of the day, and continued running until the end of the afternoon. If the road conditions were good, he said that he sometimes ran under the moonlight.
As the goal draws near, newspaper reporter Henry Lucas visits the cycling squad's camp and plans to escort the players to the town of St. Louis. At the time, Lucas told the St. Louis Star newspaper that the players were “in good health and in high spirits.”
Hundreds of St. Louis residents welcomed the approaching troops on July 24, and thousands of spectators visited the camp site over the next few days. St. Louis cyclists hosted a parade in honor of the unit, with the St. Louis Star touting 'the greatest cycling trip in the history of the wheel and the fastest military march on record.' .
The 40-day bicycle troop journey ended, and the members set a record of running a total distance of 1,900 miles (about 3,000 km). However, it is recorded that nearly 400 miles (about 640 km) of this was 'pushed and walked due to bad weather.' The average distance traveled per day is 52 miles (about 84 km) to 60 miles (about 97 km), and under the same conditions, it can move twice as fast as cavalry and infantry, and the cost can be reduced to one third. Proven.
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During the trip, however, the Army lost interest in the bicycle unit and sent it back to Missoula by train. Lieutenant Moss 'is particularly useful in situations where speed is more important than numbers, such as capturing bridges and passes and holding them until reinforcements arrive.' and infantry complement each other, and it is best for the bicycle corps to play a supplementary role to the cavalry and infantry.” However, due to the influence of the Spanish-American War in 1949, it was not approved, and after that, attempts were made to utilize automobiles.
The Bicycle Company was soon disbanded, and the hardships of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Company were never repeated.
As a practical example of a bicycle unit, the Japanese army during the Pacific War used the ' Ginrin Unit ' in the Malay Peninsula and the Philippines.
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