On 25 April 1779 warrants were issued to raise three regiments of light dragoons, the 19th, 20th and 21st, to address potential French aggression during the American Revolutionary War.

[7] In 1800, the 19th fought Dhondia Wagh's rebel army and in 1803, led by Major-General Arthur Wellesley (who later became the Duke of Wellington), they participated in the Battle of Assaye in September 1803.

[9] The regiment embarked for England on 20 October 1806, and remained in Britain until the outbreak of the war with the United States in 1812.

The regiment's first three squadrons arrived at Quebec City in May 1813 and were mounted on horses procured in Lower Canada.

[11] Two squadrons were sent to Upper Canada where they were involved in the blockade and re-capture of Fort George, and the destruction of Black Rock and Buffalo in New York State.

Elements of the two squadrons participated in Colonel Thomas Pearson's delaying action against Brigadier General Winfield Scott's brigade during the American invasion of 1814.

[2] The regiment remained in Britain until it was disbanded on 10 September 1821 due to reductions in size of the British Army.