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.