Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0017
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A Short History of the 9Ihl121h Lancer: the honours “Punjab 18484)”, “Chillianwallah”, and “Gooierv at”. While the 9th had been gathering fresh laurels in India, the 12th had been serving at home. In 1851 they embarked for the Cape and took part in the Kaflir War. A detachment of the Regiment was on board the il]»fated Birkenheud when she foundered off the African Coast. Comet Bond was one of the few survivors of the wreck. The 12th was awarded the honour “South Africa 1851—53”. In 1855 the 12th were sent from India to the Crimea to reinforce the Light Cavalry Brigade which had been decimated by the Charge at Balaclava and the severity of the winter of 1854. For their services in the Crimea the 12th received the honour “Sevastapol”. Both Regiments were in India at the outbreak of the Mutiny in 1857. The 9th was the only Regiment to be present at the three major actions of the campaign, the Seige of Delhi, the Relief and Seige of Lucknow, and the award of no less than thirteen Victoria Crosses justified the unique honour ofa salute oftwenty—one guns on their departure from India. But perhaps the greatest tribute paid to the 9th was the title “The Delhi Spearmen" bestowed on them by the mutineers who had reason to fear those terrible horsemen who were described by a comrade in arms as “the beau ideal of all that British Cavalry ought to be in oriental countries”. The 12th formed part of the Saugur Field Force which helped to pacify Central India. For their services in the Mutiny the 9th received the honours “Delhi 1857", and “Lucknow”, the 12th ”Central India”. 1n1878 the 9th took part in the Afghan campaign. In October 1879 a Squadron took part in the action at Charasiah. At Kila Kazi in November 1879 the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Clelland was mortally wounded while leading a charge. In 1880 the Regiment took part in Lord Roberts’ famous march from Kabul to Kandahar, where on the lst September Ayub Khan’s Army was completely routed. The 9th was awarded the honours “Charasiah”, “Kabul 1879”, “Kandahar 1880", and “Afghanistan 1879—80”. In 1879 Lord William Beresford of 16 |
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