The 1st Hussars are London’s oldest active military regiment. Their lineage traces back to local volunteer cavalry troops founded in 1856. They performed scouting missions during the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870. Many soldiers of the Regiment volunteered to fight as mounted rifles in the South African War (1899 – 1902).
In the First World War (1914 – 1918), the Regiment served as stretcher-bearers, construction troops, and fought dismounted in the trenches until they fought on horseback at the Battle of Vimy Ridge (9 April 1917) and during the Hundred Days Offensive (8 August 1918 – 11 November 1918).
In the Second World War (1939 – 1945), the 1st Hussars became an armoured regiment and landed at Juno Beach on D-Day (6 June 1944). Their tank, Holy Roller, is one of only two tanks in the world to survive the brutal campaign from D-Day to VE-Day (8 May 1945), and it now serves as a memorial in Victoria Park.
Since the Second World War, soldiers from the Regiment have volunteered for service in the Korean War (1950 – 1953), the War in Afghanistan (2001 – 2014), and many UN and NATO peacekeeping missions.
The 1st Hussars Museum is located at 1 Dundas Street and displays the artifacts, photos, and stories from all these conflicts.
Admission is FREE and gift shop items are available!
1st HUSSARS MUSEUM
1 Dundas Street, London, ON N6A 5H4
Mobile: (519) 661-5724
Email: firsthussarsmuseum@gmail.com