16234. (photo) United States Coast Guard Horse Patrol, Atlantic Coast c.1943. Wonderful clear, close original 7” x 9” official Coast Guard photograph provides a great look at a horse-patrol Coast Guardsmen as they charge through the dunes on the Atlantic coast in a training exercise. This rare image includes 25 riderswith some horses falling in the soft sand. On July 25, 1942, Coast Guard Headquarters authorized all Naval Districts that were adjacent to the coast to organize a well-armed and maintained beach patrol, with proper communication equipment to relay messages. Normal foot patrol procedures required men to travel in pairs, armed with rifles, or sidearms and flare pistols. In 1942, the Coast Guard recognized that the use of dogs, with their keen sense of smell and their ability to be trained for guard duty, would help enhance the patrols. The first dog patrols began at Brigantine Park , N.J. , in August 1942 and were so successful, that within a year, the animals and their handlers were on duty in all the districts. Dog patrols were usually conducted at night and consisted of a dog and dog handler. With thousands of miles of coastline to protect, horses were added and horse patrols were put into action in many places. Clear and close view. Dated January 24, 1943. Great view. (VG+). $44.