Indian Campaign
The Lancers were first posted to India during the Gwalior Campaign of 1843. They subsequently took part in the First Anglo-Sikh War of 1845-46 and the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1848-49 where they were often led by Sir Hope Grant and were the first recipients of the Bronze Star Medal.
During the Indian mutiny of 1857, the 9th Lancers earned the name the Delhi Spearmen, a name which is believed to have been given to them by the mutineers themselves. 9th Lancers was present in all three of the most notable events associated with the Indian mutiny, namely, the seizure of Delhi, the seizure of Lucknow and the relief of Lucknow. For their actions the Lancers were awarded twelve Victoria Crosses, more than any other cavalry regiment. They were described by an ally as:-
"The beau ideal of all that British Cavalry ought to be in Oriental countries".
Prominent officers of the 9th Lancers who lost their lives during the Indian rebellion of 1857 include :
- Captain Robert Abercrombie Yule, killed in action in Delhi on 19 June 1857.
- Captain Lucius John French, lost life in action at Agra on 10 October 1857, and
- Captain Thomas Hutchinson, wounded in Lucknow on 19 March 1858 and died on 21 March.
Read more about this topic: 9th Queen's Royal Lancers
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