What was the 17th regiment of Dragoons?

The 17th Regiment of Dragoons refers to two distinct cavalry regiments of the British Army that bore the number "17th Regiment of Light Dragoons" at different points in their history. One was a short-lived formation, while the other evolved into one of the British Army's most famous cavalry units, the 17th Lancers.

The First 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons

The initial formation known as the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons was a distinct cavalry unit active for a brief period in the mid-18th century.

• Formation: This regiment was raised in 1759.
• Service Period: It had a relatively short operational life, existing only until 1763 when it was disbanded. Its history is separate from the more enduring regiment that later adopted the 17th designation.

The Renowned 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons (Later 17th Lancers)

The more historically significant and famous regiment associated with the number 17 in the Dragoons was the one that ultimately became the 17th Lancers. This unit's lineage is detailed through its transformations.

Origins and Evolution

This distinguished regiment embarked on its journey under a different initial designation:

• Initial Raising: It was originally raised in 1759 as the 18th Dragoons.
• Transition to 17th Light Dragoons: Over time, following the disbandment of the first 17th Regiment, this regiment took on the mantle of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons. This established the numerical connection for which it became widely known.
• Redesignation as Lancers: A significant transformation occurred in 1861 when the regiment was officially redesignated as a lancer regiment. From this point forward, it was known as the 17th Lancers, famous for their distinctive lances and unique role within the cavalry.

Significance

The 17th Lancers, descended from the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons (and originally the 18th Dragoons), carved a distinguished place in British military history. Their skull and crossbones emblem, adopted in memory of General James Wolfe, who fell at Quebec, further cemented their iconic status.

Overview of 17th Dragoons Regiments

To clarify the two distinct units:

For further historical details, you can refer to information on the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons.