The Royal Lancers

The Royal Lancers is a distinguished cavalry regiment of the British Army, known for its storied history, gallant service, and modern armored capabilities. Formed through a series of amalgamations of historic lancer regiments, the Royal Lancers uphold a proud tradition of service while adapting to contemporary military requirements.

Historical Background

The Royal Lancers was formed on May 2, 2015, through the amalgamation of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales’s) and the Queen’s Royal Lancers. This merger brought together two regiments with rich histories dating back to the early 18th century.

The 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales’s):

  • 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers: Raised in 1715, it served in numerous campaigns including the Napoleonic Wars, the Indian Mutiny, and both World Wars.
  • 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales’s): Formed in 1715, this regiment also saw extensive service in conflicts such as the Peninsular War, the Crimean War, and both World Wars.

The Queen’s Royal Lancers:

  • 16th The Queen’s Lancers: Established in 1759, participated in the Battle of Waterloo, and fought in the Crimean War and World War I.
  • 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge’s Own): Raised in 1759, known for their heroic charge at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War and their service in both World Wars.

The formation of the Royal Lancers combined these storied legacies, creating a regiment with a wealth of historical experience and a reputation for bravery and excellence.

Structure and Organization

The Royal Lancers is part of the Royal Armoured Corps, which encompasses the army’s armored and mechanized units. The regiment is structured to provide versatile armored reconnaissance capabilities and is equipped with modern vehicles and weaponry to operate effectively in various combat scenarios.

Key Components:

  1. Sabre Squadrons: The regiment is divided into several sabre squadrons, each equipped with armored reconnaissance vehicles. These squadrons conduct scouting missions, gather intelligence, and provide direct fire support.
  2. Headquarters Squadron: This unit provides logistical, administrative, and command support to the regiment, ensuring operational readiness and effective coordination during missions.
  3. Light Aid Detachment (LAD): Attached to the regiment, the LAD is responsible for the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, ensuring that the regiment’s assets remain operational in the field.

Operational Role

The Royal Lancers’ primary mission is armored reconnaissance, a critical function in modern military operations. Their role involves gathering and relaying intelligence on enemy movements, terrain, and other key factors, enabling commanders to make informed tactical decisions.

Core Tasks:

  1. Reconnaissance: Conducting patrols and surveillance to detect and monitor enemy activity. This includes using advanced sensors and communication systems to gather and transmit real-time intelligence.
  2. Screening and Security: Providing a protective screen for larger formations, detecting and engaging enemy forces before they can threaten the main body of the army.
  3. Direct Fire Support: Using their armored vehicles to deliver precision fire against enemy targets, supporting infantry and other units in combat operations.
  4. Peacekeeping and Stability Operations: Participating in peacekeeping missions and stability operations, where their reconnaissance and rapid response capabilities are invaluable.

Notable Contributions

Throughout their history, the regiments that make up the Royal Lancers have been involved in numerous significant military campaigns:

  1. Napoleonic Wars: Both the 9th and 12th Lancers served with distinction, participating in key battles such as Waterloo.
  2. Crimean War: The 17th Lancers gained fame for their participation in the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava.
  3. World War I: The lancers adapted to the changing nature of warfare, participating in both cavalry charges and trench warfare.
  4. World War II: The regiments transitioned to armored vehicles and played crucial roles in North Africa, Italy, and Northwest Europe.
  5. Recent Conflicts: The Royal Lancers have been actively involved in modern operations, including peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Traditions and Culture

The Royal Lancers maintain a strong sense of tradition and regimental pride, preserving the heritage of their antecedent units. Key aspects of their traditions and culture include:

  1. Motto: “Death or Glory” (or “Viresque Acquirit Eundo” – It grows in strength as it goes) reflects the regiment’s ethos of courage and determination.
  2. Cap Badge: The iconic cap badge features a skull and crossbones, symbolizing the regiment’s historical association with the 17th Lancers.
  3. Regimental March: The quick march “The Light Cavalry” and the slow march “God Bless the Prince of Wales” are integral to the regiment’s ceremonial traditions.
  4. Mess Traditions: The officers’ and sergeants’ messes uphold long-standing customs, including formal dinners, toasts, and the display of regimental silver and memorabilia.

Modern Role and Adaptability

The Royal Lancers continue to evolve to meet the demands of contemporary military operations. Equipped with advanced reconnaissance vehicles such as the Jackal and the AJAX, the regiment remains at the cutting edge of armored reconnaissance. Their training emphasizes versatility, ensuring that they can operate effectively in diverse environments, from urban settings to open terrain.

Conclusion

The Royal Lancers exemplify the enduring importance of cavalry in modern warfare. With a legacy of courage and excellence dating back centuries, the regiment combines historical traditions with cutting-edge capabilities. As they continue to serve in today’s complex operational landscape, the Royal Lancers remain a vital and respected component of the British Army, embodying the spirit of “Death or Glory.”