Part 3

The Regiment carries three Squadron Standards in addition to the King's Standard.

The Silver Kettle-Drums used in the Regiment were presented by King William IV, in 1831.

2nd LIFE GUARDS

This Corps formed by Charles II was styled in 1660 "The Duke of Albemarle's Troop of Guards," in 1670 "The Queen's Troop of Life Guards," and not till 1788 the 2nd Life Guards. Life Guards were at one time known as "Cheeses," from the old gentlemen of the corps declining to serve in it as remodelled in 1788, saying "that it was no longer composed of gentlemen but of cheesemongers." The name fell into desuetude, but was revived at the battle of Waterloo, when the officer in command shouted "Come on, Cheesemongers, charge!" Also known as "The Tin Bellies" (from the cuirasses).

See Note "A," 1st Life Guards.

"Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1900."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Cloak_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet with red plume.

On State occasions the band and trumpeters wear a special tunic of crimson heavily braided with gold.

A crimson cord it worn in the centre of the shoulder belt.

A broad scarlet stripe is worn down the sides of the overalls.

In addition to the four Standards carried by the Household Cavalry, the Royal Horse Guards have a crimson silk Standard presented by King William IV.

The Silver Kettle Drums were presented by King George III.

ROYAL HORSE GUARDS (The Blues)

The Royal Horse Guards is the only cavalry regiment now in existence that formed part of the Parliamentary Army during the reign of Charles I. In the autumn of 1660, after the Restoration, its disbandment was ordered but not carried out, and King Charles "gave orders for raising a regiment of horse of eight troops, of which the Earl of Oxforde was to be Collonel, and also of a troop of horse guards." This was done under a Royal Warrant of 26th of January, 1661. In 1690 the regiment was called "The Oxford Blues" to distinguish it from the Earl of Portland's (Dutch) "Horse Guards." During the campaign in Flanders (1742-1745) it was known as "The Blue Guards," and is now popularly called "The Blues."

See Note "A," 1st Life Guards.

(_Depot_, Dunbar.)

On Standard, The Royal Cypher within the Garter.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Waterloo," "Sevastopol," "Taku Forts," "Pekin, 1860," "South Africa, 1879, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with red plume; band, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with blue band.

Linked Regiment, 5th Dragoon Guards.

The Sergeants are entitled to wear the Regimental badge on their chevrons.

1st (King's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 1st Dragoon Guards were styled "The Queen's Regiment of Horse" when first raised in 1685 on the accession of James II. When in Flanders with Marlborough, the regiment wore cuirasses, and had bright yellow facings. In 1714, in recognition of its brilliant services, the title was changed to "The King's Regiment of Horse," and in 1746 to "The 1st (or King's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards." A detachment of the regiment captured the Zulu King Cetewayo after his defeat at the battle of Ulundi. The battlefields of Flanders figure in the regiment's history no less than four times, viz.: In 1695 under King William at the siege of Namur; in 1704-9 under Marlborough at Schellenberg, Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet; in 1759 when it fought at Minden and elsewhere; and in the Great War, 1914.

Nicknames: "The K.D.G.'s," also "The Trades Union."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, the Cypher of Queen Caroline within the Garter.

"Warburg," "Willems," "Lucknow," "South Africa, 1901-02."

Motto: "_Pro Rege et Patria_" (For King and for Country).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Buff.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmets with black plume; band, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue with buff band.

Linked Regiment, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.

Special arm badge for Sergeants: "Bays" within a laurel wreath surmounted by a crown.

2nd DRAGOON GUARDS (Queen's Bays)

The 2nd Dragoon Guards was raised in 1685, and in 1687 called "The 3rd Horse," then "The Princess of Wales's Own Royal Regiment of Horse," in 1727 "The Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Horse," in 1746 "The 2nd Queen's Bays, or 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards," and in 1767 its present title of "Queen's Bays," from the circumstances of the corps being entirely mounted on bay chargers, the other heavy regiments (except the Scots Greys) having black horses. The regiment was much distinguished for its gallantry at the battle of Almanza, and in Flanders under King William.

Nicknames: At one time known as the "Rusty Buckles," and more popularly as "The Bays."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, The Plume of the Prince of Wales. The Rising Sun in second corner, and the Red Dragon of Cadwaller in the third corner.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Vittoria," "Peninsula," "Abyssinia," "South Africa, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Yellow.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with black and red plume; band, red and white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue with yellow band.

Linked Regiment, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers).

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Prince of Wales's Plume.

3rd (Prince of Wales's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 3rd Dragoon Guards, originally "Cuirassiers," was raised in 1685, and after the battle of Sedgemoor its six troops were incorporated into a regiment called "The 4th Horse." In 1746 it was named "The 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards," and in 1765 "The Prince of Wales's Regiment of Dragoon Guards." At Ramillies it captured the standard and kettledrums of the Bavarian Guards. It was the only British Cavalry Regiment to take part in the Abyssinian campaign under Gen. Napier and formed part of the British column that made the memorable march on Magdala.

Nicknamed the "Old Canaries," on account of its facings being yellow, or canary colour.

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, the Harp and Crown and the Star of the Order of St. Patrick.

"Peninsula," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882."

Motto: _Quis separabit?_ (Who shall separate?)

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with white plume; band, black plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with blue band.

Linked Regiment, 7th Dragoon Guards.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Star of the Order of St. Patrick.

4th (Royal Irish) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 4th Dragoon Guards raised in 1685, was originally known as "Arran's Cuirassiers," or the "6th Horse," and in 1788 "The Fourth Dragoon Guards," and later on the words "Royal Irish" were added. Whilst on service in Ireland it obtained the name of the "Blue Horse," from its facings being of that colour. During the Crimean War the regiment took part in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, a memorable feat which has hardly received the recognition it deserved. The regiment rode into the charge cheering madly and did terrible execution. They are the only regiment of Dragoon Guards with an Irish title.

Nicknames: "The Buttermilks" on account of their lengthened stay in Ireland, during which many of the men acquired farms; and the "Mounted Micks."

(_Depot_, Dunbar).

On Standard, the Regimental device within a union wreath.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Beaumont," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: "_Vestigia nulla retrorsum_" (No going backward).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Dark Green.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with red and white plume; band, red plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with dark green band.

Linked Regiment, 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, White Horse of Hanover.

At Salamanca it captured the staff of the drum-major of the French 66th Regiment. This is still carried on special parades by the trumpet-major.

5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 5th Dragoon Guards was raised in 1685, and was then the "Seventh Horse." During Marlborough's campaigns it won fame on many fields. Led by General Cadogan in person they rode down the Bavarian Horse Grenadier Guards, and drove them through the French infantry in rear, capturing many standards. Its present full title, was given it in 1804, after the Irish rebellion of 1798. During this latter period it was familiarly known as the "Green Horse," from its facings, and the "Green Dragoon Guards." During the Crimean War the regiment took part at Balaklava in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade, led by their Colonel, Yorke-Scarlett.

Nicknames: "The Old Farmers" on account of their lengthened stay in Ireland, and the "Green Horse."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Warburg," "Willems," "Sevastopol," "Delhi, 1857," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with white plume; band, red plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue with white band.

In 1851 the colour of the tunic was changed from scarlet to blue.

Linked Regiment, 3rd (Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Guards.

Allied Regiments, 1st and 2nd Mounted Rifles (Natal Carabineers of South Africa).

6th DRAGOON GUARDS (Carabiniers)

The 6th Dragoon Guards raised in 1685 as the "Queen Dowager's Regiment of Horse" and became the "Queen Dowager's Cuirassiers."

William III gave the regiment its name of King's Carabiniers in 1691 as a title of honour in recognition of its distinguished services. The name is also derived from the fact that the men were armed with long pistols called "Carabines." Many regiments on the Continent at this time were called Carabiniers. Its present name was given it in 1788. It greatly distinguished itself during Marlborough's campaigns, taking part in sieges and minor affairs without number. It was at Meerut on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny and rendered the most valuable service throughout the campaign. The regiment has a very brilliant record of service.

Nicknames: "Tichborne's Own," since the trial of Arthur Orton, Sir Roger Tichborne having served in the regiment; and "The Carbs."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, in the centre, the Coronet of Princess Royal.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Warburg," "South Africa, 1846-7," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "South Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: _Quo fata vocant_ (Where Fate calls).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Black.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet, with black and white plume; band, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with black band.

Linked Regiment, 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Ligonier's Crest.

7th (Princess Royal's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 7th Dragoon Guards was raised in 1688 by the Earl of Devonshire, whose title it bore till 1690, when from its Colonel's name it was called "Schomberg's Horse"; in 1742 "Ligonier's Horse," and then "The Black Horse," and became celebrated as a model for efficiency and discipline. In 1788 the present title, "The 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards," was given to it at Dettingen. The 7th captured from the enemy a pair of kettledrums, which are now in the Officers' Mess. A Standard carried at the battle of Dettingen was presented by King George II to Cornet Richardson who bore it. He had received upwards of thirty wounds, but he refused to surrender, and preserved the Standard which is still in the possession of his descendants. Nicknames: In the reign of George II, "The Virgin Mary's Body Guard," having been sent to assist the army of the Archduchess Mary Theresa of Austria, also "Strawboots," because the men wrapped straw round their legs in a wet campaign; popularly known as "The Black Horse."

(_Depot_, Dunbar.)

On Guidon, The Crest of England within the Garter.

"Tangier, 1662-80," "Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Fuentes d'Onor," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Spectemur Agendo_ (Let us be judged by our deeds).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet with black plume; band, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

Linked Regiment, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).

Special arm badge for Sergeants, the Royal Crest.

1st (Royal) DRAGOONS

The Royals originated in a troop of Cuirassiers formed in 1661, on the marriage of Charles II with the Infanta Catherine of Portugal, and which was sent to garrison Tangier, whence they got the name of "Tangier Cuirassiers." In 1684 it was styled "The Royal Regiment of Dragoons," and each troop was furnished with a crimson Standard with badges embroidered upon them of (1) The King, (2) The Black Prince, (3) Henry V, (4) Henry VI, (5) Henry VII (Queen Mary I), (6) Queen Elizabeth. Towards the close of the 17th Century it was known as the "English Horse." At the battle of Dettingen it captured the white Standard of the French Mousquetaires Noirs. Its gallantry at the battle of Waterloo, where it formed part of the Union Brigade, is a matter of history.

Nicknames: "The Birdcatchers," for the capture of a French Eagle at the battle of Waterloo, and "The Royals."

(_Depot_, Dunbar.)

On Guidon, the Thistle within the Circle and Motto of the Order of the Thistle.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Warburg," "Willems," "Waterloo," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Second to None_.

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap, with a silver badge of a white horse at the back; hackle or plume, white; band, scarlet hackle.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with white vandyked band.

Linked Regiment, 1st Royal Dragoons.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, an Eagle.

2nd DRAGOONS (Royal Scots Greys)

Raised in 1678. In 1700 the corps was known as "The Grey Dragoons," and "The Scots Regiment of White Horses." In 1707, "The Royal Regiment of North British Dragoons." In 1713, "The 2nd Dragoons." And in 1866, "The 2nd Royal North British Dragoons, Scots Greys." At Waterloo, the regiment with a shout of "Scotland for ever," charged the French infantry masses and almost annihilated them. In the charge the eagle of the 45th French Regiment was captured by Sergeant Ewart; at Ramillies (1706) the Scots Greys captured the colours of the French "Regiment du Roi" and for this it was permitted to wear grenadier or bearskin caps.

The men have the nicknames of "Bubbly Jocks," owing to their dress. "Bubbly Jock" being a Scottish name for a turkey cock; "The Birdcatchers," in commemoration of the capture of an Eagle at Waterloo; also "The Greys."

(_Depot_, Bristol.)

"Dettingen," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Cabool, 1842," "Moodkee," "Ferozeshah," "Sobraon," "Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "South Africa, 1902."

Motto: _Nec aspera terrent_ (Nor do difficulties deter).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Collar_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, Busby with white plume and garter-blue busby bag.

_Horse plume_, White. Leopard skin saddlecloth.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, White Horse of Hanover.

The regiment has an additional sergeant as kettle-drummer who, on ceremonial occasions, wears a silver collar which was presented by the wife of the Hon. Charles Fitzroy, afterwards Lord Southampton, on his being appointed colonel in 1772.

3rd (King's Own) HUSSARS

The 3rd Hussars, raised in 1685, was styled the "Queen Consort's Regiment of Dragoons." On the accession of George I it was called the "King's Own Dragoons." In 1861 the regiment became "Hussars." It was nicknamed "Lord Adam Gordon's Life Guards," from that officer detaining it for such a long period in Scotland when he commanded there.

It was also known as "Bland's Dragoons." At Dettingen the regiment lost very heavily, and in the following year it was reviewed by the King, who remarked with some asperity on its attenuated appearance, and inquired whose regiment it was, and where were the rest of the men. "The regiment is mine, your Majesty," replied the gallant Col. Bland, "and I believe the rest are at Dettingen."

(_Depot_, Dublin.)

"Dettingen," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol."

Motto: _Mente et Manu_ (With heart and hand).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with scarlet plume and yellow busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

_Horse plume_, Scarlet.

Linked Regiment, 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars.

4th (Queen's Own) HUSSARS

Originally raised in 1685 under the name of "The Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Dragoons," became the 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars in 1861. As heavy cavalry the regiment fought in the Peninsular War, some brilliant exploits were performed. In 1818 the regiment became Light Dragoons, and the Regiment wore scarlet uniform with straw coloured facings, the uniform afterwards being changed back to light green. During the Crimean War it took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade, under its Colonel, Lord George Paget, who led them with a cry of "Tally ho!" as they charged the enemy's guns. When the regiment formed part of the "Army of the Indus" under Lord Keane it was nicknamed "Paget's Irregular Horse," in consequence of its loose drill, the result of long service in the field.

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Suakin, 1885," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Quis separabit?_ (Who shall separate?)

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, Lance cap of black leather with upper part and top of scarlet cloth. Green plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

Linked Regiment, 12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Harp and Crown.

5th (Royal Irish) LANCERS

Raised as the "Royal Irish Dragoons" in 1689, and in 1858 became "The 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers." In recognition of the prominent part it took in Marlborough's campaigns, and particularly of its distinguished conduct at Blenheim, Marlborough directed that the captured kettledrums should be borne at the head of the regiment, and that the establishment should be nine troops. At Ramillies, with the Royal Scots Greys, it cut off two battalions of the Grenadiers of Picardie, and almost annihilated a third battalion before a body of French horse galloped to the rescue. To this the regiment owed the privilege it formerly enjoyed of wearing Grenadier caps like the Royal Scots Greys.

Nicknames: At one time called "The Daily Advertisers." More popularly known as "The Redbreasts" or "Irish Lancers."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Guidon, The Castle of Inniskilling, with the St. George's Colours, and the word "Inniskilling" underneath.

"Dettingen," "Warburg," "Willems," "Waterloo," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Primrose.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet, with white plume; band, scarlet plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with primrose band.

_Horse plume_, White.

Linked Regiment, 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays).

Allied Regiment, 25th Brant Dragoons of Canada, Brantford, Ontario.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Castle of Inniskilling.

6th (Inniskilling) DRAGOONS

The regiment was raised in 1689. In 1690 the corps was styled the "6th, or The Inniskilling Regiment of Dragoons." Its brilliant conduct as part of the Union Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo is a matter of history. During the Crimean War it took part in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, a memorable feat which has hardly received the recognition it deserved. Of more recent years the regiment saw a great deal of active service in South Africa.

About 1715 it was known as "The Black Dragoons," from being mounted on black horses. It achieved a high reputation for gallantry in Flanders.

Nicknames: "The old Inniskillings," and "The Skillingers." Popularly known as "The Inniskillings," from its badge "The Castle of Inniskilling."

(_Depot_, Bristol.)

"Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Lucknow," "South Africa, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with white plume, and scarlet busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

_Horse plume_, White. Leopard skin saddlecloth.

_Collar badge_, the letters "Q.O." interlaced, within the Garter.

Linked Regiment, 3rd (King's Own) Hussars.

The only cavalry regiment in which the Officers are permitted to wear white strip collars with the frock coat.

7th (Queen's Own) HUSSARS

The regiment was raised in 1689 and called "Cunningham's Regiment of Dragoons." It was, during the Peninsular War, jocularly nicknamed "The Old Saucy Seventh," also "The Lily White Seventh," from its pale blue uniform and white facings, and also "Young Eyes." It was at first a Scotch Regiment, and it is the custom of its band to play "The Garb of old Gaul" when marching past, and "Hieland Laddie" when trotting. Also called the "Black Horse." It was the senior of the Light Dragoon Regiments when first connected with Hussars. It distinguished itself during the Indian Mutiny, particularly at the passage of the Betwa, where it had a hand-to-hand fight with the enemy's cavalry in the bed of the river. The name of the "Old Straws," or "Strawboots," originated at Warburg, 1760. The boots of the troopers being worn out, straw-bands were substituted for them.

(_Depot_, Dublin.)

"Leswarree," "Hindoostan," "Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Central India," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "South Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: "_Pristinæ virtutis memores_" (The memory of former valour).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Collar badge_, The Harp and Crown.

_Head-dress_, Busby, with red and white plume and scarlet busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Harp and Crown.

8th (King's Royal Irish) HUSSARS