16th The Queen's Lancers

[1] The regiment was closely involved, undertaking several cavalry charges, in the action leading up to the capture of the French Garrison of Belle Île in April 1761 during the Seven Years' War.

[17] The regiment were ordered to support Sir Arthur Wellesley's Army on the Iberian Peninsula and landed at Lisbon in April 1809.

After the battle, their commander, Lieutenant-colonel James Hay, lay so badly injured that he could not be moved from the field for eight days.

[37] The regiment landed at Cape Colony in January 1900 for service in the Second Boer War and took part in the relief of Kimberley in February 1900.

[40] The collar badge of the regiment comprised the figure 16 above a scroll inscribed "Queen's Lancers", over a pair of crossed lances and surmounted by a crown.

[41] In its early years as the 16th Light Dragoons, the regiment wore the standard red uniform of this branch of cavalry with black and then royal blue facings.

Sir John Vandeleur petitioned that the regiment might be permitted to retain their scarlet coatee and on 2 March 1841, his request was granted.

The unique distinction of scarlet lancer tunic and dark blue plastron was retained in full dress until 1914.

A private of the 16th Light Dragoons ( David Morier , 1760)
Charge of the 16th Lancers at the Battle of Aliwal , January 1846
Men of 16th Lancers at the entrance to Hollebeke Chateau, October 1914