Page 76 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

Into the valley of death rode the 600, can- non to the right of them, cannon to the left of them, cannon to the front of them. On this fateful day, several hundred 13th Light Dragoons lost their lives in the charge of the Light Brigade. On the 18th of October 1854, this fateful day became a bond of war to last over one hundred years. This bond with the French cavalry came as the 4th Chaussures de Afrique covered the withdrawal of 13th Light Dragoons charging the left flank of the Russian guns, saving many lives. French Marshal Pierre Bosquet is said to have exclaimed while watching the charge: “C’est magnifique, mais ce n’est pas la guerre. C’est de la folie.’ Translated to ‘It is magnificent, but it is not war. It is madness”.
To this day the Light Dragoons and the 4th Regiment de Chasseurs maintain this rela- tionship. Lt Griffiths, LCpl Godbolt, LCpl Stoneman, and LCpl Lawton deployed on Ex Chausseurs Dragoon to the French
alpine resort of Le Devoluy. On this fine weekend history was remembered, and new friendships formed with the Light Dragoons attending the annual French Cavalry slalom competition.
The trip was not all fun and games though, on the first days skiing the team experi- enced temperatures down to negative 20 degrees. This was no issue for the tough soldiers of North Yorkshire, the day accu- mulated with the very enjoyable evening at the Vi Aa Pi, with incredible views of the mountains where the team got to enjoy the finer things in life. Following the dinner, the team took part in a unique opportunity to ski completely empty slopes in the dead of night, accompanied by piste bashers and mountain troops.
The following day, race day, was an event to behold. In true Light Dragoons fashion, the gifted amateurs, showed the French cavalry a thing or two. Lt Griffiths racing
on behalf on the Colonel took first place, second out of all the officers and com- ing 5th overall. LCpl Godbolt took to the slopes at best speed putting in an admi- rable performance. LCpl Lawton showed true heroics, committing himself to the slope to a degree so extreme it ended in a cloud of snow and his skis finishing the race without him. LCpl Stoneman showed up the French coming second out of all the JNCOs and 17th overall, a truly impressive performance.
All in all, it was a remarkably successful trip, the British army can learn a thing or two about how to do things from the French. From their excellent food to some very impressive equipment the Light Dragoons were shown a magnificent side of the French army whilst having a very thoroughly enjoyable time.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Ex Chasseurs Dragoon
OG
Night Skiing
Lt Griffiths
LCpl Stoneman 2nd in the JNCO class
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