24th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons

The 24th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons was a British Army cavalry regiment raised in 1794 and disbanded in 1819. Like other dragoon regiments of the time, its primary function was mounted infantry, although they were also trained for shock action on the battlefield.

The regiment was raised by Colonel Charles Leigh as part of the expansion of the British Army during the French Revolutionary Wars. Its initial strength was drawn from volunteers and drafts from other regiments.

The 24th Dragoons saw active service in several campaigns, most notably in India. They were deployed to India in 1799 and participated in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, including the siege of Seringapatam. They continued to serve in India for several years, involved in various engagements and peacekeeping duties.

The regiment's designation changed over time, sometimes being referred to simply as the 24th Dragoons. The "(Light)" designation reflected their role as light cavalry, suitable for scouting, raiding, and rapid deployment.

Following their service in India, the regiment returned to Britain. After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the British Army underwent significant reductions in size. The 24th Dragoons were disbanded in 1819 as part of these post-war economies.

The regimental history is relatively limited compared to some other more famous cavalry regiments, but it is documented in military records and historical accounts of the period.