British 17th Lancers

By Crusader1307

A standard “Light” Cavalry Regiment of The British Army, they were formed (along with 3 other Dragoon-Type Regiments in 1759) – in England. The Unit, whose primary weapon was the 12-foot Lance (a spear-like thrusting weapon, common with many European Nations), also carried various other firearms (as the weapons development evolved). Carbine-Type weapons were preferred (due to their lightness and easy of use). The Medium to Heavy Cavalry Saber was also a standard for this (and most Cavalry Regiments). The 17th had various nicknames throughout their colorful career (to include, “The White Lancers”, “Horse Marines” and “The Tots”). Their Regimental motto “Death or Glory”, was sadly earned when they were deployed under British Major-General Lord Cardigan at The Battle of Balaklava Heights at the infamous “Charge of The Light Brigades”.

“Half a League, Half a League, Half a League Onward -
All in The Valley of Death, Rode The Six-Hundred!”

The 17th (along with her sister Regiments) suffered heavy casualties amounted to almost 300 troopers and near 350 horses. The Regiment was reconstituted and would eventually served with distinction deployed first to Indian and then to The Anglo-Zulu Wars of the late 1870s (participating in the destruction of The Zulu Capitol of Ulundi). The 17th was among the “last” of the British Cavalry Regiments (with horses), used in World War I. The Regiment was merged with other Units in 1993 to form The Queen's Royal Lancers.