Louis Nolan - British Military Service

British Military Service

Nolan was gazetted Cornet in the 15th King's Hussars in 1839. Nolan's subsequent career was divided between Bangalore and Madras in India, and the Cavalry Depot in Maidstone, Kent. He fell ill on arrival in India, and was sent home. On recovery, he began to train as a riding master at Maidstone. In 1841 he purchased his Lieutenancy, and returned to India in 1843. In 1844, Nolan was appointed Riding Master in his regiment. His effective training of horses and riders impressed his superiors, but although considered a very promising officer by many, he was regarded by others as impulsive, careless and insolent, with a reputation for arrogance. In 1849, Nolan was appointed ADC to General Sir George Berkeley, Commander-in-Chief at Madras. He purchased the captaincy of a troop in his regiment in March 1850, two months after his father's death. He returned to Britain on leave in 1851, and began his first book, The Training of Cavalry Remount Horses: A New System, 1852.

From March to August 1852 he travelled around Europe researching the training of cavalry in several countries, as preparation for his next book. In October 1852 he commanded the regimental depot troop at Maidstone, and that November led his regiment's detachment in Wellington's funeral procession. He also worked on a saddle design, which was tested by the Mounted Staff Corps in the Crimea, and adopted in its essentials after his death. His second book, Cavalry: Its History and Tactics, was published in 1853.