12th lancers Prince of Wales

hill la12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers

Having been practising with lances in the Peninsula and at home, in 1816 the regiment was converted into lancers and the name changed in 1817 to "The 12th, Prince of Wales, Royal Lancers". The regiment served with distinction in most theatres of war of the British empire including: South Africa 1852, The Crimea, The Indian Mutiny 1858 - 1860, The Boer War 1899 - 1902 and The Great War 1914 - 1918. In 1930 the horse had to make way for the automobile, as tanks and armoured cars took over. As an armoured regiment the 12th Lancers fought in several theatres of the Second World War.

British 12th Lancer Other Ranks Helmet

This pattern of Lancer helmet was introduced in 1856 as the other ranks pattern lance cap. It was made of a black leather body, the top having cloth sides while the top was black patent leather. The triangular sunray plate features the Royal arms and regimental honours stamped out in brass, while the plume was red horsehair.



This example is that of an NCO's lancer cap of the 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) Regiment, which was amalgamated with the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers to form the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's)