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.
Charging with the Light Brigade at Balaclava.
Royal Engineers at Pontooning Work.
(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.