In addition to numerous campaigns in North Africa, these colorful regiments also served in the Crimean War, Italy (1959), Franco-Prussian War, Indochina, France's invasion of Mexico, Dahomey (1892), Madagascar (1895) and both world wars. The 1st and 4th Regiments of "Chass. d'Af." distinguished themselves by securing the flank of Lord Cardigan during the ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade. On this and other occasions they used their characteristic African tactic of advancing rapidly in open order, in contrast to the rigid lines of the Light Brigade.