Leatherneck Magazine review of China Horse Marine

[kanemono]

The new May issue of Leatherneck magazine has reviewed my book on the China Horse Marines.

 

JOHN R. ANGSTADT, USMC: CHINA

HORSE MARINE: American Legation,

Peiping, China 1934-1937. By E. Richard

Bonham. Published by Schiffer. 192

pages. $54 MCA Members. $59.99

Regular Price.

 

“Well, I’m Captain Jinx of the Horse Marines, I feed my horse on corn and beans; I court young ladies in their teens; I’m a captain in the Marine Corps!”—old drinking song, “Capt. Jinx.” E. Richard Bonham’s new book, “China Horse Marine” might easily take a permanent place on one’s living room coffee table. If any book may be judged by its cover, this volume, with its handsomely crafted crimson protective cover, may well do the trick.

Early in the 20th century, Marines fielded mounted horse detachments in both Nicaragua and Haiti but the truly evolved model of the mounted detachments came to center stage in pre-World War II China. When “ol’ salts” spoke of the “Horse Marines,” they were speaking about this distinctive mounted unit which served in China in the first half of the century. As a result of the Opium Wars, various foreign countries established trade legations in the ancient and picturesque China. After the turn of the century’s Boxer Rebellion, Marines guarded the American Legation in Peiping. Consistent with what leathernecks do all over the globe, China Marines performed needed security duties with the highest regard for military professionalism. The Mounted Detachment from the China Marines policed and patrolled the Legation zone around the streets of Peiping. Additionally, the Horse Marines were tasked with the protection of Americans and their property from roving bands of Chinese thieves who operated throughout the countryside. The book’s author leaned heavily on two extraordinary sources. Amazingly preserved and skillfully photographed are a unique collection of Corporal John R. Angstadt’s uniform and riding gear. Cpl. Angstadt served with the Mounted Detachment from 1935 to 1937. This rare photo collection is also supported by a collection of period snapshots of Angstadt, his buddies, and of course, his trusted horses, “Good Chance” and “Braum.” The book also incorporates a host of excellent period drawings sketched by none other than Colonel John W. Thomason Jr. who was a decorated WW I veteran who served in China between wars. Many of Thomason’s drawings became the basis for his popular book, “Fix Bayonets.” Many of his Marine-related sketches were featured in various periodical publications of the day, including Scribner’s, American Mercury, and Saturday Evening Post. Also included in this volume are examples of period news articles and other written descriptions of these magnificent mounted warriors. A section of the book is assigned to the presentation of the detachment’s weaponry and assorted riding gear. Pictures of the modification to the McCellan saddle, the saddle mountings for the Patton saber, and the saddle carrying case for the .03 rifle are expertly photographed and displayed. Chapters are devoted to the second Sino-Japanese War, the Marines’ sporting activities, dogs of the Mounted Detachment, and some interesting snapshots of the social life of these old Corps Marines. One excellent section of this volume is committed to formal portraits of the members of the detachment standing tall next to their mounts. The horses needed for this extreme climate and the associated rough work were small, but hardy, Mongolian ponies. The highlight of this fine book is the spectacular care taken to feature the 1930s China Marines and their uniforms. Taken together, these photos alone are worth the price of this outstanding volume. Packed with period photos of old China and the salty leathernecks who served in the China Horse Marines, this book skillfully highlights the grand days of one of our Corps’ most exotic duty stations. So, Mac, order a copy of this book, and then speedily clear the deck on your coffee table: “One more Old Corps’ history book reporting, Sir!”

 

Bob Loring

Author’s bio: Readers will recognize

Marine veteran “Red Bob” Loring as a

frequent Leatherneck reviewer, who has

had more than 100 book reviews published

in the magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The Iron Brigade]

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the China Horse Marines.

[warguy]

I second that, a wonderful book!

[Dirk]

Great review for a great book!

[bobgee]

What Dirk said! Semper Fi........Bob

[kanemono]

I would like to thank everyone who looked at and commented on my book and the Leatherneck review. To be honest I was thrilled to have received such a great review from Leatherneck Magazine. I would like to tell you why I wrote this book although “wrote” is a bit strong since the book is based on photographs rather than text. I bought and traded the Angstadt group from Lt. Col. Mike Manifor U.S.M.C. a number of years ago. The group was sold at a house auction in Elizabethtown, PA in early 2000. The dealer who bought the group sold it on ebay in several lots. Mike bought everything. I bought the group from Mike. I was interested in the group because my uncle served in Peiping at the same time as Angstadt. I learned from Mike and Owen L. Conner, curator of uniforms & heraldry at the National Museum of the Marine Corps that the Angstadt Horse Marine group may be the most complete group of Horse Marine material that has survived. I am one of those people who believes that groups should stay together. However, I also know that unless I give the group to the National Museum of the Marine Corps (something I can’t afford to do) the group will eventually be broken up. In order to preserve the memory of John R. Angstadt and his service with the Horse Marines in Peiping alive I wrote this book. I would like to thank Schiffer Publishing for producing China Horse Marine knowing it would never be a huge seller.

Dick

 

Pictures of Matthew Mannherz and John Angstadt, Peiping, China 1935.