Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0018
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Introduction the 9th was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the Zulu Wart Both Regiments fought in the South African War of 1899- 1902. They took part in the Relief of Kimberley, the most brilliant cavalry exploit of the war, and the operations which resulted in Cronie’s surrender at Paardeberg. The 9th provided Lord Roberts’ escort when he made his state entry into Blo- emfontein. He said “I know they have always been a splendid Regiment and this is the third time they have been on active service with me". Both Regiments were engaged in all the actions which culminated in the capture of Pretoria. At Diamond Hill, the last pitched battle of the war, where both Regiments were again engaged The Earl of Airlie, the Com— manding Oflicer of the 12th, was killed after leading a charge which saved two guns of“Q” Battery RHA. For their services in South Africa the 9th received the Battle Honours “Modder River”, “Relief of Kimberley”, “Paar~ deberg”, and “South Africa 1899—1902”, the 12th “Relief of Kimberley", “Paardeberg”, and “South Africa 1899—1902”. Both Regiments served on the Western Front throughout the Great War 1914—18. The 9th,“‘12th Lancers now celebrate Mons/Moy Day annually, which commemorates the last occasions on which both Regiments charged with the lance. On the 28th August 1914 “C” Squadron ofthe 12th made a most successful charge against the 2nd (Queen Victoria‘s Own) Prussian Dragoons supported by the fire of “A" and “B” Squadrons, “J” Battery RHA, and the Scots Greys, On the 7th September Lieutenant Colonel David Campbell charged at the head of two troops of “B” Squadron of the 9th and overthrew a Squadron of the 1st Guard Dragoons. This was the only lance versus lance action of the Great War. Earlier in the campaign of 1914 Captain Francis Grenfell and a party of the 9th had helped to save the guns of 119 Battery Royal Field Artillery. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for “gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Audregnies, Belgium, on the 24th August 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery Royal Field Artillery near Doubon the same day”. Captain Grenfell was 17 |
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