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Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0015

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Transcription A Short History of (he 9111,1122}: Lancers
of Bastia in Corsica, The remainder sailed to Italy where they
landed at Civita Vecchia in the Papal States The good conduct
of the 12th impressed Pope Pius VI who received some of the
oficers at the Vatican and presented them all with Gold Medals.
He also presented the Regimental Hymns which are still played
regularly by the 9th/12th Lancers
In 1795 the 12th returned to England, however in 1797 they
sailed to Portugal where they stayed until 1800. Meanwhile the
9th had been involved with fierce fighting in Ireland which had
broken out in 1798‘ They were particularly praised for their
conduct at the action of Three Bullet Gatet
In 1801 the 12th took part in General Abercrombie’s cam—
paign in Egypt, Colonel Archdale, the commanding officer,
was severely wounded, losing an arm in a skirmish outside
Alexandria. On the march to Cairo a large French column
surrendered to the 12th and 26th Light Dragoons. In 1802 the
12th returned to England and were honoured with the Royal
Authority to bear on its Guidons and Appointments the Sphinx
with Egypt; the 12th‘s first battle honourt
In 1806 the 9th embarked for foreign service and took part
in the Buenos Aires campaign in South America, being present
at the taking of Montevideo
Both Regiments embarked on the Walcheren Expedition in
1809. The 9th were the only cavalry regiment to disembark,
and as a result out of a total of just over 500 who sailed, 200
became casualties, most of them were victims of the deadly
Walcheren fevers
In 1811 both Regiments sailed for the Spanish Peninsula to
reinforce the Duke of Wellington‘s Army. The 9th formed part
of General Hill’s Division in the Alenteio, In their first action
at Arroyo dos Molinos they captured the French General Bron.
The 12th took part in the operations which culminated in the
taking of Cuidad Rodrigo and Badaios. In 1812 they took part
in the battle of Salamanca. After the retreat from Spain to
Portugal under very severe conditions in the winter of 1812,
the 9th were so depleted that it was decided that they should
return [0 England to recruits Wellington ofl’ered “His best
thanks to the Regiment for their service" and regretted that
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