Sailing the British Empire : The Voyages of The Clarence, 1858-73

Leisure for the Hussars in India

In their spare time, the Hussars participated in many sports. Being a cavalry unit, the most popular sports involved horses, such as horseracing and polo. There were Hussars-only horseraces, such as at the Mhow Race Course in 1871. The regiment fielded a capable polo team as well. They won the Poona Polo Tournament of 1890, with the Governor and other officials in attendance. Polo victories created a great feeling of euphoria for the victors, possibly even fatal in one case. Two weeks after leading the Hussars to victory in the tournament of 1891, one Captain Birch passed away. And of course, the most popular pastime was drinking. The 18th Hussars were particularly prodigious drinkers. On one occasion, more than 50 men drank two gallons of beer and two gallons of rum apiece.



Sources:

1.  "XV. "THE KING'S" HUSSARS REGIMENTAL RACES: WILL TAKE PLACE OVER THE MHOW RACE COURSE, COMMENCING ON TUESDAY, 14TH NOVEMBER." The Times of India [New Delhi] 2 Sept. 1871: n. pag. Print.
2. "Editorial Article 4--No Title." The Times of India [New Delhi] 20 June 1874: n. pag. Print.
3. "The Late Captain Birch." The Times of India [New Delhi] 28 Sept. 1891: n. pag. Print.

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