Sunday, 1 February 2009

Heavy and light Brigade cavalry

HI ALL

Can any one tell me what was the differences between Heavy and light Brigade cavalry ? was it what they carried  or the horses The reason i ask is my exservicmans club is going to hold a  BALACLAVA dinner in oct and being the only ex-cavalryman in the club of mostly ex navy they have ask me for info (help)

thanks steve

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4 comments:

  1. Stan Whitworth1 February 2009 at 16:47

    I did know but I've since forgotton the official answer Steve. However, as I recall, it had nothing to do with the size or weight of the horses.

    Hope this helps.

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  2. James Lees2 February 2009 at 00:35

    Hi Steve, At the time of the Crimea War the main difference was in the tactics used. The heavy cavalry (Dragoons & Dragoon Guards), tended to be heavier (taller) soldiers & subsequently mounted on heavier horses. These were the shock troops - what you may call to-day the heavy armour. They were armed with carbines & swords. The light cavalry (Lancers & Hussars) were mounted on smaller faster mounts & were used as recce troops amongst other things. They were armed with lances, swords & carbines. The Battle of Balaclava was a success for the heavies but as we know the Light Brigade suffered at the hands of the Russian guns. Certainly by the Boer War 1899-1902 all the cavalry were mounted on similiar sized horses. Anthing specific please ask.

    ReplyDelete
  3. michael henchion2 February 2009 at 04:53

    Have a read of this, CLICK on this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Balaclava.
    -----------------------------------------
    M Henchion (paddy H)

    ReplyDelete
  4. James Lees2 February 2009 at 06:44

    Hi Steve,

    As far as I know the Royal Dragoons never celebrated Balaclava as a special day or even held a dinner it was always Waterloo Day 18th June.

    ReplyDelete

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