The 5th Lancers

[willowwilliam]

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone can tell me about the 5th Lancers please. The reason I am asking is I have two GGG Grandfathers that served in the 5th Lancers and both at separate times appear to have deserted, One in 1876 and one in 1878. Was this something common at the time or does it appear to be just my relatives ? Is there something in particular about the 5th lancers ?
Any help would be appreciated thank you

[MaxD]

Guesswork really but in some cases it had to do with the regiment moving and the man not liking the new station.  They had been in India for about ten years until 1874 and then in 1875 they moved from Aldershot to Norwich and then in 1878 it was in Brighton.  Perhaps the change of scene didn't suit?

maxD

[MaxD]

Newspaper reports of the time don't really indicate anything untoward as the regiment went about its business of occasional manoeuvres and officers mess socialising.  In Sep 1876 a lady(?) called Ann Marr was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment  for aiding Private Sinclair of the 5th Lancers to desert.  That would give a reason for that offence at least!  In that same year, the regiment decided to form a circus, based on riding, as a way of improving the fitness of the men, that may not have appealed.

maxD