LORD ELLENBOROUGHasked the Under Secretary of State for War, 1601 What alteration of equipment, if any, is contemplated in the appointments or uniform of the heavy dragoon regiment known as the King's Dragoon Guards, about to proceed on active service at the Cape of Good Hope, or those of the 17th Lancers, under orders for the same station? He thought it a very unwise step to send out the horses of the cavalry regiments from this country. Horses that had not been acclimatised in South Africa would be useless. He regretted that that most excellent force, the Cape Mounted Rifles, had not been maintained. The men were well drilled and accustomed to the country, and their native horses were thoroughly acclimatised—and altogether they were a most useful body of men.
§ VISCOUNT BURY,in reply, said, there had been some minor alterations in the equipment of the two regiments which the noble Lord had named. Cork helmets had been substituted for brass helmets; a second ammunition pouch, making a total of 40 rounds for each man, had been supplied; some extra leather had been put on their overalls; a clasp knife had been given to each man; also, waterproof saddle covers, waterproof sheets, and a certain number of sets of harness for lasso purposes. The changes of equipment had been of a very minor character.
§ THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGEwished to add that the two regiments in question would remain exactly as they were before, and although they had been sent out with these additional equipments there was the fullest permission to the commanding officers to put into store anything that was not required. Probably lances might not be found useful for service in the bush; but all lancers now carried the carbine as well as the lance. The noble Lord was in error when he described the King's Dragoon Guards as a heavy dragoon regiment. It was a medium regiment; and the men of both regiments were active, efficient, and not over heavy for their horses. With regard to equipments, the fullest permission was given to the commanding officers to make necessary alterations. For instance, the Lancers were furnished with a carbine, as well as a lance; and if the latter were found unserviceable or not fitted for the bush, the commanding officer could have it placed in store. As regarded the horses, 1602 the question was settled by the requisition from the Cape. It had been asked that the men should bring their horses with them. Even if the horses died, it would be undesirable that the authorities at home should refuse to send them when asked for in that way by those who must have the best knowledge on the subject. The reason was obvious. To collect a large number of horses on the spot would take time, and it was necessary that the men should go ready to proceed to the field at once on landing. Accordingly horses had been sent out with the cavalry, and also with the artillery. Everything had been done to assist the authorities on the spot, and he hoped and believed that the arrangements made here would give them entire satisfaction.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Six o'clock, to Monday next, Eleven o'clock.