Long Patrol

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The long patrol pictured on the US cover of the book, The Long Patrol
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The long patrol pictured on the US cover of the book, The Long Patrol

The Long Patrol is the legion of hares stationed at Salamandastron in Brian Jacques's Redwall series. Like the Guosim, they are closely allied with Redwall Abbey. It varies in strength between the novels, but usually numbers between 32 (as under Urthstripe the Strong's lordship there) and 1,000 (as in the time of Cregga Rose Eyes). The Long Patrol is renowned for their vast combat skills and superior determination. They are often led by a Badger Lord or Lady, such as Lord Brocktree or Lady Cregga Rose Eyes. Other leaders to note would include: Sunflash the Mace, Urthstripe the Strong, Urthwyte, and Russano the Wise. It was in fact Lord Brocktree who created the Long Patrol after re-capturing Salamandastron from Ungatt Trunn's Blue Hordes. Its first Patrol General was one Dorothea Dillworthy, known as "Dotti", an indignant and optimistic young haremaid who accompanied Brocktree on his journey from Mossflower to Salamandastron.

The battle cry of the long partol is "Eulalia", which is often drawn out to include several more A's in the books. (i.e "Eulaliaaaaa!") This is consistent throughout the books.

The hares of the Long Patrol are known to use spears, javelins, slings, and sabers as their weapons of choice. There are also a few boxing hares, who usually carry just a sling while fighting hand-to-hand. Sergeant Sapwood is a notable example of this. They are known (especially by Redwall's cooks) to put away amazing amounts of food in one meal. In spite of their pompous manner, each soldier is deeply conditioned to believe that he or she is doing the right thing by fighting against the barbarian carnivores, even though it may mean death. Colonel Meadowclary, Colonel Eyebright, Brigadier Thyme, Rockjaw Grang, and Brigadier "Wotwot" Crumshaw are examples of this, in that they literally sacrificed themselves to help their friends survive.

Several non-hares have worked with the Long Patrol. Among these are Tergen and Skarlath. Tergen was a hawk who, due to his hawk eye sight, became a permanent sentry at Salamandastron. Skarlath was a kestrel who traveled with Sunflash the Mace before his reign began.

Note: There is also a book in the series called The Long Patrol.