The Death or Glory Boys

By D H Parry

The regiment's first overseas service came when a detachment of the unit was sent to Germany during the Seven Years War (1756-63). The whole regiment then deployed to the American War of Independence (1775-83), fighting at Bunker Hill (1775), Long Island (1776), White Plains (1776) and Crooked Billet (1778). Later, it was the only regular unit in Tarleton's Legion in the southern colonies, where it served at the Battle of Cowpens (1781) but was interned after being captured at Yorktown (1781). The 17th served in Ireland, England and the West Indies during the French Revolutionary Wars (1793-1802), helping to take Santo Domingo (1796) in the Caribbean. In 1806, it was sent to assist an attempt to capture the Spanish colony of Buenos Aires, which proved unsuccessful. After moving to garrison Cape Colony, it then sailed to India in 1808. During its time there, it fought in the Third Maratha War (1817-18). The unit finally returned to Britain in 1823, finding out en route that the Army had converted it into a lancer regiment. In 1854, it was sent to the Crimean War (1854-56), taking part in the Battle of Alma (1854), the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava (1854) and the Siege of Sevastopol (1854-55). Three years later, it was sent to India as reinforcements during the Mutiny (1857-59). It took part in the final operations of that campaign, before returning home in 1865. The Duke of Cambridge, one of Queen Victoria's cousins, became the regiment's colonel-in-chief in 1876. It also took on his name, becoming the 17th (The Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers. The regiment's next overseas service was at Ulundi in the Zulu War (1879), where it carried out a decisive charge against the retreating enemy. Following 20 years of imperial and home garrison duties, it moved to the Boer War (1899-1902) in 1900, fighting in several engagements including the Battle of Modderfontein (1901). About the author D. H. Parry was an author and historian, primarily known for his writings on military history, particularly focusing on wars and the army's experiences during conflict. He was deeply interested in the personal stories of soldiers and the human costs of war, and his works often explore the bravery, sacrifice, and challenges faced by those who served. His writing is characterised by its attention to detail and its empathy for the soldiers who fought on the frontlines. Parry wrote about military engagements, such as the Crimean War and the exploits of the army in various conflicts. His books, including The Death or Glory Boys: The Story of the 17th Lancers and The V.C.: Its Heroes and Their Valour, focus on the valour and heroism displayed by soldiers in these campaigns. Through his writing, Parry helped to preserve the history and memory of military service, offering readers a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices made by soldiers in war. Cover illustration 'Last Sleep of the Brave', Isandlwana, Zulu War, 1879. Oleograph after Alphonse de Neuville, 1881. This work depicts a patrol from the 17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers discovering the bodies of Lieutenant Teignmouth Melvill and Lieutenant Nevill Josiah Aylmer Coghill, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, who were both killed attempting to save the Queen's Colour of the 1st Battalion at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879. The depiction of the 17th Lancers is however anachronistic as when the bodies were retrieved the lancers had yet to leave England for South Africa.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1474541437
• ISBN13: 9781474541435
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Naval & Military Press
• Length: 418 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"