In the spring of 1758 the SEVENTH dragoons quitted Scotland, and were stationed in Yorkshire, the head-quarters being at York; from whence the light troop was detached to Portsmouth to take part in an expedition against the French coast, under the orders of Charles Duke of Marlborough. A brigade was formed of the light troops of nine regiments of dragoons, under the orders of Colonel Eliott, of the horse grenadier guards; and when a landing had been effected (6th June) on the coast of Brittany, the light horsemen gave signal proof of their activity and usefulness on several occasions. They took a distinguished part in the capture of the suburbs of _St. Maloes_, and in the destruction, by fire, of the privateers and other vessels, amounting to upwards of one hundred sail, in the harbour; also in the destruction of extensive magazines of maritime stores. The light cavalry subsequently advanced several miles up the country, and evinced zeal and activity in skirmishing with the French troops. The expedition not being of sufficient strength to undertake the siege of St. Maloes, the troops re-embarked and returned to England. The light cavalry subsequently took part in a second enterprise against the French coast, under the orders of Lieutenant-General Bligh, when CHERBOURG was captured, and the works, with the shipping in the harbour and iron ordnance were destroyed, and the brass ordnance sent as trophies to London. A second landing was also effected near St. Maloes; but no advantage resulted, and considerable loss was sustained on re-embarking.
After landing at Portsmouth in September, the light troop of the QUEEN'S OWN proceeded to Hackney, and afterwards to Romford; the remainder of the regiment occupying cantonments in Essex and Middlesex, from whence it marched, in November, 1759, to Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.
In the mean time Hanover and the adjoining states had become the theatre of war, and a British force, commanded by the gallant Marquis of Granby, was serving with the troops of Hanover, Hesse, and Brunswick, the whole commanded by Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick; and in March, 1760, the six heavy troops of the SEVENTH dragoons received orders to proceed to Germany.