Part 4

The 8th Hussars was raised in Ireland in 1693 and has always been closely associated with the Emerald Isle. It was known as "St. George's" from its Colonel's name in 1740-55; also as the "Cross Belts" in 1768 from the circumstance that it was permitted to wear the sword belt over the right shoulder, in place of round the waist as usual in dragoon regiments, for its gallant conduct at the battle of Saragossa, where it captured the belts of the Spanish cavalry. The regimental motto "_Pristinæ virtutis memores_," was specially conferred on their corps in commemoration of its brilliant gallantry at the battle of Leswarree in India. During the Crimean War it formed one of the regiments in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaklava. The 8th Hussars and 17th Lancers have seen much service together, and they call themselves from their numbers "The Twenty Fives."

In the Indian Mutiny five Victoria Crosses were won by the regiment.

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

"Peninsula," "Punniar," "Sobraon," "Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "Delhi, 1857," "Lucknow," "Charasiah," "Kabul, 1879," "Kandahar, 1880," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Modder River," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, Lance cap of black leather, with the upper part and top of blue cloth; black and white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

Linked Regiment, 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Queen Adelaide's Cypher and Crown.

The Officers wear a gold instead of a silver pouch.

9th (Queen's Royal) LANCERS

The regiment was originally raised in 1697, and re-embodied in 1715. They were known as "Wynne's Dragoons," and received their title in 1830 in honour of Queen Adelaide. Soon after its formation the regiment served continuously in Ireland for 86 years. It has seen much service in India. It particularly distinguished itself in the first Sikh War at Sobraon, and in the second Sikh War at Chillianwallah and Goojerat. At the siege of Delhi the natives called them "The Delhi Spearmen," from the good use they made of their long lances against the rebels. During the Afghan War it took part in Lord Roberts's march to Kandahar. At one period in its history the troopers wore crimson overalls.

(_Depot_, Scarborough.)

"Warburg," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Sevastopol," "Ali Masjid," "Afghanistan, 1878-79," "Egypt, 1884," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with black and white plume and scarlet busby-bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 18th (Queen Mary's Own) Hussars.

In Levee Dress the officers wear pantaloons of scarlet cloth.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Prince of Wales's Plume.

In Review Order the saddlery of the officers' chargers is ornamented with cowrie shells.

10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) HUSSARS

Originally raised in 1697, and in 1783, was known as the "Prince of Wales's Light Dragoons." In 1793 the Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV) was appointed "Commandant," and in 1796 "Colonel" of the regiment. In 1811 the title "Royal" was conferred on it.

The regiment performed good service during the Peninsular War, and at Waterloo. It was one of the regiments summoned from India during the Crimean War. Dressed in plain clothes, the officers and men were sent up the Red Sea and taken across the desert to Alexandria, thence to the seat of war.

Nicknames: "Baker's Light Bobs;" "The Chainy 10th," from the pattern of the pouch belt.

(_Depot_, Dublin.)

The Sphinx superscribed "Egypt."

"Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Salamanca," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Bhurtpore," "Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol."

Motto: "_Treu und Fest_" (True and Steadfast).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Overalls_, Crimson.

_Head-dress_, Busby with crimson and white plume, and crimson busby bag. Band, grey fur busbies.

_Horse plume_, Black and white.

_Forage cap_, Crimson.

Linked Regiment, 13th Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Crest and Motto of the late Prince Consort.

11th (Prince Albert's Own) HUSSARS

Raised in 1697, and afterwards disbanded. Raised again in 1715 and later received the title of the "Prince Albert's Own," because it formed Prince Albert's escort, from Dover to Canterbury, on his arrival in England in 1840, to be married to Queen Victoria. The regiment was present at the Alma and at Inkerman, and was one of the five regiments which, under the leadership of Lord Cardigan, its former Colonel, rode "into the jaws of death," at Balaklava. One of the regiment, Trooper Hope, also rode in the charge of the Heavy Brigade on the same occasion. He did so without permission and started without arms.

Nicknames: "The Cherry Pickers," also "The Cherubims," from its crimson overalls, being the only regiment in the British Army entitled to wear overalls of that colour. Also known as "Lord Cardigan's Bloodhounds."

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

The Sphinx superscribed "Egypt."

"Peninsula," "Waterloo," "South Africa, 1851-2-3." "Sevastopol," "Central India," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, Lance Cap, black leather, with upper part and top of scarlet cloth; scarlet plume.

_Forage cap_, Scarlet.

Allied Regiment, 12th Manitoba Dragoons of Canada.

Linked Regiment, 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Prince of Wales's Plume.

It has been the custom in this regiment for the band to play five hymns every evening at tattoo. One version of the legend is that it was a punishment for breaking into a monastery during the Peninsular War, the punishment to last a hundred years. Another version is that these hymns were presented to the officers by Pope Pius VI for the band to play. Whoever originated the custom we can all sympathise with the unfortunate bandsmen who have to carry out the bequest.

12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) LANCERS

The regiment was raised in 1715, and served uninterruptedly in Ireland for 76 years. It won high reputation during the Peninsular War. It subsequently fought gallantly at Quatre Bras and at Waterloo. It was one of the regiments summoned from India to the Crimea, proceeding there by way of the Red Sea and across the desert to Alexandria. It subsequently returned to India and bore a distinguished part in the operations in Central India under Sir Hugh Rose during the Mutiny.

Nicknamed the "Supple Twelfth" at Salamanca, from its dash and rapidity of movement, in action.

(_Depot_, Dublin.)

"Albuhera," "Vittoria," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Viret in Æternum_ (It flourishes for ever).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Collars_, Buff.

_Head-dress_, Busby, with white plume and buff busby bag.

_Forage cap_, White, with blue band.

_Horse plume_, White.

Linked Regiment, 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars.

The "Honours" are worn on the Officers' shoulder belt.

13th HUSSARS

Raised in 1715 as "Munden's Dragoons"; was known as the "Green Dragoons" from its facings; and in the Peninsular War nicknamed the "Ragged Brigade" for its inability to keep a trim appearance owing to its hard and severe work during 32 actions, in which it lost 276 men and over 1,000 horses. It fought gallantly at Waterloo. It was present throughout the Crimean War, and was engaged at the Alma and at Inkerman. It was one of the regiments of the Light Brigade in the famous Balaklava charge, and afterwards served before Sevastopol.

Known as "The Lilywhites," on account of its white collars on tunics and white stripes down overalls. Also known as "The Evergreens," from the old green facings and motto; and "The Geraniums," from the smart dress of the officers and men.

(_Depot_, Scarborough.)

The Royal Crest within the Garter.

"Douro," "Talavera," "Fuentes d'Onor," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Punjaub," "Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Persia," "Central India," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby, with white plume and yellow busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 20th Hussars.

14th (King's) HUSSARS

Originally raised in 1697 and disbanded. Again raised in 1715. It fought with distinction through the whole of the Peninsular War from first to last, and was engaged times without number. In the pursuit after the battle of Vittoria, the 14th came up with Joseph Buonaparte's carriage, from which he had but just escaped, leaving behind him a celebrated but indescribable silver trophy called The Emperor's Chambermaid, still widely renowned throughout the service. This is the corps of Charles O'Malley's choice, and mustered in its ranks the ever memorable Micky Free. In 1848 the regiment charged vastly superior numbers of the Sikh army at the battle of Ramnuggar, losing their Brigadier, their Colonel, and 40 officers and men, and have since been known as the Ramnuggar Boys--the anniversary of that battle being still observed as a great day in the regiment. It fought in Persia in 1857, and was particularly distinguished in Central India.

Nicknamed "The Emperor's Chambermaids."

(_Depot_, Bristol.)

The Crest of England within the Garter.

"Emsdorff," "Villers-en-Cauchies," "Willems," "Egmont-op-Zee," "Sahagun," "Vittoria," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Afghanistan, 1878-80."

Motto: _Merebimur_ (We will deserve).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with scarlet plume and busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Scarlet.

_Horse plume_, Scarlet.

Allied Regiment, 15th Light Horse of Canada, Calgary, Alberta.

Linked Regiment, 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars.

The officers wear crossed flags, pointing downwards, on the leopard skin.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Royal Crest.

15th (The King's) HUSSARS

The 15th Hussars was the first regiment of Light Dragoons raised for permanent service in 1759 by Colonel Eliott, the gallant defender of Gibraltar, afterwards Lord Heathfield. It was named after him "Eliott's Light Horse." In 1767 the regiment was made "Royal" as a reward for its services in Germany, and in 1768 styled the "King's Light Dragoons." Its present title it received in 1806.

This regiment was authorized to bear on its helmets the following inscription: "Five battalions of Foot defeated and taken by this regiment, with their colours, and nine pieces of cannon, at Emsdorff, 16th July, 1760." In 1794, the 15th, at Villiers-en-Cauchies, charged enormously superior numbers of all arms. It succeeded in its object at a terrible sacrifice. In 1799, the troopers had given them the honour of decking their helmets with scarlet feathers.

Nicknamed "The Fighting Fifteenth."

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

The Cypher of Queen Charlotte within the Garter.

"Beaumont," "Willems," "Talavera," "Fuentes d'Onor," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Bhurtpore," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Maharajpore," "Aliwal," "Sobraon," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: _Aut cursu, aut cominus armis_ (Either in the charge, or hand to hand).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Lance cap of black leather with upper part and top of dark blue cloth; black plume.

_Forage cap_, Scarlet, with blue band.

Allied Regiment, 16th Light Horse of Canada, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Linked Regiment, 17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers.

16th (The Queen's) LANCERS

The regiment was raised in 1759. It served with distinction throughout the Peninsular War, from Talavera to Toulouse, during the greater part of which time it was attached to the Light Division. Subsequently, it fought at Quatre Bras and at Waterloo, where it lost heavily. It was the first Lancer regiment to serve in India, and the first British Lancers to use the lance in action. During a tour of service in India extending over a quarter of a century it won great fame on many fields. At the battle of Aliwal (where Sir Harry Smith, with a force of 12,000 men with 32 guns, defeated 19,000 Sikhs with 68 guns) it specially distinguished itself.

The 16th Lancers, being the only Lancer corps wearing the scarlet tunic, received the sobriquet of the "Scarlet Lancers."

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

Death's Head "_Or Glory_."

"Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Central India," "South Africa, 1879, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Lance cap of black leather with white cloth top, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with white band.

Linked Regiment, 16th (The Queen's) Lancers.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Death's Head.

17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) LANCERS

The regiment was raised in 1759 and in 1876 received its present title of "17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers." It was present throughout the Crimean War and fought at the Alma, Inkerman and Balaklava, where it was one of the five regiments that took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade. It also fought in the Indian Mutiny.

Popularly known as the "Death or Glory Boys," and "Skull and Crossbones," from the circumstance that its Colonel (Hole) chose its crest of a "death's head" and its motto "_or glory_," as he wished all to remember General Wolfe, with whom he happened to serve in the year on which his regiment was first raised in Scotland by Lord Aberdour. Another nickname given them was that of "Bingham's Dandies," the uniform being of scarlet with white facings and overalls and black plume. The late Earl of Lucan, when Lord Bingham, was Lieutenant-Colonel of the corps, which was in his time remarkable for the well-fitting uniforms both of the officers and men belonging to it.

(_Depot_, Scarborough.)

"Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Pro Rege, pro Lege, pro Patria conamur_ (We strive for King, for Law, for Country).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with scarlet and white plume and blue busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Q.M.O. Monogram.

The silver trumpets used by the regiment were provided out of proceeds of the sale of the captured horses at Waterloo.

18th (Queen Mary's Own) HUSSARS

Originally raised in 1759 by the Marquis of Drogheda, and disbanded in 1821, after brilliant service in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo. The regiment served in the Maroon War and at San Domingo, 1759-60, and lost so heavily from war and disease that it returned to England under the command of the regimental surgeon. At one time the Duke of Wellington served in the regiment, in command of a troop, before being transferred to the 33rd Foot as a field officer. The present regiment was raised at Leeds in 1858, and was permitted to revive the honours, "Peninsula" and "Waterloo," borne by the old regiment. It wore Lincoln green busby bags and plumes, and scarlet pouches and sabretaches. Its present title was conferred in 1910.

(_Depot_, Bristol.)

The Elephant, superscribed "Assaye."

"Mysore," "Seringapatam," "Niagara," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882-84," "Abu Klea," "Nile, 1884-85," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with white plume and busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

_Horse plume_, White.

Linked Regiment, 15th (The King's) Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, an Elephant.

Queen Alexandra's crest is used as a collar badge. In 1914 Her Majesty presented the regiment with a pair of beautiful kettle drum banners.

19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) HUSSARS

Originally raised in 1759 as the 19th Light Dragoons, and converted into Hussars in 1807. The present regiment was formed in 1860 out of the late Hon. East India Company's Bengal European Cavalry. It was subsequently permitted to assume the honours of the old 19th Dragoons (Lancers): "Assaye" and "Niagara." It fought with distinction during the Egyptian War, 1882, Suakin, 1884, and in the Nile Expedition. Sir John French commenced his military career with the regiment.

Nicknamed the "Dumpies," from the circumstance of the men, originally taken over from the East India Company's 1st Bengal European Cavalry, being of diminutive size. The Indian history of the regiment is full of interest, for much hard service was seen and a good deal of heavy fighting, especially at Assaye, where, for its distinguished conduct, the badge of the Elephant was awarded.

(_Depot_, Scarborough.)

"Vimiera," "Peninsula," "Suakin, 1885," "South Africa, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with yellow plume and crimson busby bag.

_Horse plume_, Yellow.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 14th (King's) Hussars.

20th HUSSARS

The Regiment was originally raised in Ireland in 1789 from the "Light Troop" of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, and wore a scarlet uniform, the facings being at first yellow and afterwards black. It is a curious fact that a detachment of the regiment under Sir Robert Wilson was present with the Russian Army in their operations against Napoleon in his famous capture of and return from Moscow in 1812 and in the subsequent campaign in Germany. The present regiment was raised in 1861 by volunteers from the late Hon. East India Company's 2nd Bengal European Light Cavalry. It was subsequently permitted to assume the honours of the old 20th Light Dragoons: "Vimiera" and "Peninsula." Part of the regiment was employed in the Suakin Expedition, 1885, and subsequently did good service with the Egyptian Frontier Force in 1885-6.

Nicknamed the "X's."

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

"Khartoum."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, French grey.

_Head-dress_, Lance cap of black leather with upper part and top of french grey cloth, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with french grey band.

Linked Regiment, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Imperial Cypher and Crown.

21st (Empress of India's) LANCERS

Four British Cavalry regiments have in succession been numbered the 21st; the original regiment having been raised in 1760 as the 21st Light Dragoons, by the famous Marquis of Granby. It was disbanded in 1763, re-raised in 1779, and again disbanded. In 1794 it again appeared, and saw a great deal of service abroad, and served in St. Helena when Napoleon was imprisoned there. The uniform first was scarlet, and later blue, with pink facings, which was afterwards changed to black velvet.

Raised in 1858 as the 3rd Bengal European Cavalry. In 1862 it was transferred to the British establishment, and until 1897 was known as the 21st Hussars. In that year the title was changed to 21st Lancers, and in 1898, in recognition of its brilliant services at the battle of Omdurman, its present Royal title was conferred upon it.

Nickname: "The Grey Lancers."

Mottoes: _Ubique_ (Everywhere). _Quo Fas et Gloria ducunt_ (Where Duty and Glory lead.)

_Head-dress_, Busby with white plume and scarlet busby bag. The R.A. Mounted Band wear scarlet plumes.

_Forage cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_: "British Grenadiers."

The R.H.A. take precedence next the Household Cavalry, but when on parade with their guns take the right of the line.

ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY

Although the Royal Regiment of Artillery dates back to the reign of King Henry VIII, the Horse Artillery was first organised in 1793. In 1794 the splendid service rendered by the Horse Batteries at Vaux led the Duke of York to direct it to march past the whole of the allied armies at a special parade. The famous Chestnut Troop (now "A" Battery) did equally good service in North Holland in 1799, and the famous Rocket Troop was raised for special service in Flanders. The Royal Horse Artillery have won fame on many hard fought battlefields, notably at Fuentes d'Onor, in the Peninsular War, where Norman Ramsay charged with his battery (now "I" Battery) through the enemy's cavalry; and in South Africa and France where "Q" Battery and "L" Battery won many Victoria Crosses.

Nicknames: "The Right of the Line," "The Galloping Gunners," and "The Four-wheeled Hussars."

Mottoes: _Ubique_ (Everywhere). _Quo Fas et Gloria ducunt_ (Where Duty and Glory lead).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Girdle_, Red and Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet with brass ball on top.

_Forage cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

_Cap badge_, A gun with motto.

_Collar badge_, A grenade.

ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY

The Royal Regiment of Artillery, as it is now known, was formed in 1716, when two companies were permanently established at Woolwich, but, prior to that, artillery formed part of the King's Armies as early as the 15th century. The history of the Artillery is really the history of the British Army, for very seldom indeed has there been an action fought by British troops without some representatives of the Royal Regiment being present. The guns are looked upon as the standards of the regiment, and in the old days one of the guns was known as the colour gun, which was usually the heaviest piece in the field. All ranks are animated with the most intense bravery and devotion, which has been demonstrated on many fields, and won for the regiment many distinctions. The Great War on the Continent has added greatly to the reputation of the regiment.

Nicknamed "The Gunners."

Mottoes: _Ubique_ (Everywhere). _Quo Fas et Gloria ducunt_ (Where Duty and Glory lead).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Belt_, White.

_Head-dress_, Helmet with brass ball on top.

_Forage cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

_Cap badge_, A gun with motto.

_Collar badge_, A grenade.

ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY

The Garrison, or Heavy Gunners can be considered as the direct descendants of the ancient British Artillery, which was originally formed for siege or defence purposes. The more mobile Field and Horse Artillery was not formed till very many years later. The records of the Garrison Artillery show they have won glory in all parts of the world. The gallantry displayed during the two years defence of Gibraltar is among their most cherished traditions, and for distinguished conduct at the reduction of Martinique, No. 11 Company received as a mark of honour a battle axe, which was directed to be carried by the tallest gunner at the head of the battery when on parade. The splendid achievements of the Heavy Artillery in the great war with Germany has added materially to the reputation of the regiment for gallantry and valour.

Nicknamed the "Heavy Gunners."

Mottoes: _Ubique_ (Everywhere). _Quo Fas et Gloria ducunt_ (Where Duty and Glory lead).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue velvet.

_Head-dress_, Helmet with brass spike on top.

_Forage cap_, Blue.

Field Officers when attending Court or Levees wear the cocked hat.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

The band wear a bearskin cap in full dress.

CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS