Raising of the Regiments

In 1759 the British Army formed regiments of light cavalry, faster moving than heavy cavalry. Colonel Burgoyne raised the 16th Light Dragoons and wrote his own recruiting poster: 'You will be mounted on the finest horses … Your society will be courted; You are admired by the Fair.' Colonel Hale raised the 17th Light Dragoons, choosing as its badge a Death's Head with the motto 'Or Glory', which has remained to this day. A regiment of dragoons originally raised by Captain James Wynne in 1689 was reformed as the 5th Light Dragoons, and the Marquis of Granby raised the 21st Light Dragoons.

American War of Independence

American colonists revolted against British rule in 1775 and the 17th Light Dragoons arrived at Boston to find the city under seige. The regiment took part in the battles of Bunkers Hill and Cowpens, and in the assault on New York. When Private McMullins was attacked by four rebels he shot one, disabled another with his sword, and took two prisoner! But General George Washington and his army beat the British by fighting a 'guerrilla style' war, and in April 1783 it was Captain tapleton of the 17th Light Dragoons who handed Washington the notice of the cessation of hostilities.