1759-63. The 18th Light Dragoons.
1763-66. The 17th Light Dragoons.
1766-69. The 3rd Light Dragoons.
1769-1822. The 17th Light Dragoons.
1822-76. The 17th Lancers.
1876 (from). The 17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers.
PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGNS, BATTLES, &c.
* "Honours" on the Colours.
1761. Germany.
1775-83. America.
1775. Bunker's Hill.
1776. Brooklyn.
1778. Freehold.
1795. West Indies.
1806. Buenos Ayres.
1807. Monte Video.
1815-20. Cutch.
1816-18. Pindaree War.
*1854. Alma.
*1854. Balaclava.
*1854. Inkerman.
1855. Eupatoria.
*1855. Sevastopol.
1858. Indian Mutiny.
*1858. Central India.
*1879. South Africa.
1900. South Africa.
UNIFORM.--Scarlet (1759-84); Blue (1784-1830); Scarlet (1830-40);
Blue (from 1840). Facings, White (from 1759). Plume, White.
REGIMENTAL BADGE.--"A Death's Head," with the words "Or
Glory." This, chosen by Colonel Hale, who raised the corps in
Hertfordshire and near London, was intended to commemorate the
death of General Wolfe at Quebec (1759). Colonel Hale was with
him at the time, and subsequently bore the home despatches.
NICKNAME.--"The Death or Glory Boys," or "The Skulls and
Crossbones" (_see_ Badge); "Bingham's Dandies" (_circa_
1826)--one of its Colonels, Lord Bingham, insisting on perfection
of fit in uniform, and smartness in accoutrement; "The Gentleman
Dragoons;" "The Horse Marines" (when employed as marines on board
the _Hermione_ frigate on the West India station in 1795).
NOTES.--First raised as the 18th Light Dragoons, and renumbered
on the disbandment of the old 17th. This regiment was one of
those taking part in the famous charge at Balaclava. Renamed in
1876 in honour of the Duke of Cambridge, who served in its ranks.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.--_Historical Record of the 17th Regiment of Light
Dragoons (Lancers)._ 1759-1841. Illustrated with plates. [London:
Parker. 1841.]
_A History of the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own)._ By the
Hon. J. W. Fortescue. [London: Macmillan. 1895.]
_The "Death or Glory Boys": The Story of the 17th Lancers._ By D.
H. Parry. [London: Cassell. 1900.]
The Eighteenth Hussars.
"_Pro Rege, pro Lege, pro Patria Conamur._"