The Light Dragoons

Published with the full co-operation of the Light Dragoons Regimental Association and drawing on their extensive archives, this Osprey title provides an intimate history of what it has meant to be a cavalry trooper through the ages. First raised in the middle of the 18th century for scouting duties, the Light Dragoons soon acquired a reputation for courage and dash in the charge. The four Light Dragoons regiments that were eventually created served with Wellington throughout the Peninsular War and were with him at Waterloo. The 13th Light Dragoons were at the forefront of the famous Charge of the Light Brigade and they served throughout the extensive Victorian Empire.

In World War I, they exchanged their horses and elaborate uniforms for the trenches of the Western Front. It was the start of a new beginning for the traditional cavalry regiments, which would continue in the Second World War when the 13th and 18th Hussars converted to armor and were the first Allied tanks to land on French soil in 1944.

Today the Light Dragoons is an amalgamation of the four original cavalry regiments - the 13th, 15th, 18th and 19th - but retains all their proud traditions and remarkable fighting skills. Today 'England's Northern Cavalry' can just as easily be found serving on the frontline of Iraq or Afghanistan as they can performing ceremonial duties in the United Kingdom. This book reveals the history of this proud regiment, its numerous battle honors and famous medal recipients, but also gives a taste of what it was like to live and fight as a cavalry trooper both then and now. Fully illustrated with a number of unseen images from the regiment's own archive and including diary entries and letters from the frontline, this book is a fascinating short history of one of England's greatest historic regiments.