1st Hussars History

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Yes, that's correct. I can't tell you the history of the term, although you could probably find it through Google, but the following is a quote off the Canadian War Museum site giving a brief synopsis of the regiment being discussed here:

Founded as an independent cavalry troop in 1856, the 1st Hussars of London, Ontario became a regiment in 1872. This unit supplied officers and men for service in the South African War. During the Great War of 1914 - 1918 it served as a part of the Canadian Light Horse. Mobilized for the Second World War in 1939, it was converted from cavalry to armour in 1940 and was sent overseas in 1941.

The 1st Hussars, as a part of 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, landed at Courseulles-sur-Mer on D-Day. They fought at Le Mesnil-Patry on 11 June and in the battles around Caen in early July. On 7/8 August, they were the follow-up unit to one of the armoured columns in Operation Totalize. During the final attack on Falaise, they were involved in the 'Mad Charge' of Operation Tractable on 14 August.

Following the Normandy campaign, the regiment fought in Belgium, Holland and Germany. The 1st Hussars continue to serve today as an armoured unit in 31 Canadian Brigade Group headquartered in London, Ontario.

http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/armwar/u...ussarseng.html