1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards

Regiment of the British Army September 2020 February 2012 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards 1stQDG.svg Badge of the regiment Since 1 January 1959 United Kingdom United Kingdom Dragoon Guards Royal Armoured Corps Light cavalry Regiment ~403 personnelhttps://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2018-11-22/194616 Army – Question for Ministry of Defence 1 14 December 2020 15 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200915161827/https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2018-11-22/194616 dead Catherine, Princess of Wales RHQ – CardiffRegiment – Swanton Morley Colonel-in-Chief Brigadier Alan Richmond Regimental Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel David G. A. Landon Commanding Officer The Welsh Cavalry Pro rege et patria (For King and Country) (Latin) 100px Tactical recognition flash Royal Cypher of Queen CarolineFrom the Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards) Arm badge QDG Abbreviation Quick – The Radetzky March and Rusty Buckles Slow – 1st Dragoon Guards and 2nd Dragoon Guards Slow March Welsh pony (Emrys Forlan Jones)https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-36832818 Welsh Cavalry adopt mountain pony as new mascot 19 July 2016 BBC News 8 May 2019 Combined battle honours of 1st King's Dragoon Guards, and 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays)Wadi al-Batin 1991 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) is an armoured cavalry regiment in the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) of the British Army that specialised in armoured reconnaissance, combined arms, counterinsurgency in desert terrain, counter-sniper tactics and special reconnaissance (snipers units only), desert warfare, ISTAR, manoeuvre warfare, and support to providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism. Nicknamed The Welsh Cavalry, the regiment recruits from Wales and the bordering English counties of Cheshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire. It is the senior RAC cavalry regiment and therefore senior regiment of the line of the British Army. History The current regiment was formed in 1959 by the amalgamation of 1st King's Dragoon Guards (raised in 1685 by Sir John Lanier as Lanier's or the 2nd Queen's Regiment of Horse in response to the Monmouth Rebellion) and the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays) (raised in 1685 by the Earl of Peterborough as Peterborough's or the 3rd Regiment of Horse, also in response to the Monmouth Rebellion).http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/RAC_QDG_history.pdf The History of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Ministry of Defence https://web.archive.org/web/20150923185710/https://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/RAC_QDG_history.pdf 23 September 2015 dead 3 May 2014 The regiment has spent much of its short history based in Germany. It served during the Aden Emergency in 1966 and 1967 and its squadrons were dispersed throughout the Middle East during that time. Perhaps the best known member in the 1970s was Captain Mark Phillips, one-time husband of The Princess Anne: they married in 1973.http://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/201107275839/iconic-weddings-princess-anne-mark-phillips/ Iconic weddings: Princess Anne and Mark Phillips 27 July 2011 3 May 2014 In 1983, the regiment was deployed to Lebanon in support of the allied Multinational Force, in 1990 it was sent to the Middle East for the Gulf War, and in 1996 it was deployed to Bosnia as part of NATO peacekeeping forces during the Yugoslav Wars. In 2003, the regiment served during the invasion of Iraq providing the armoured reconnaissance and light armour support necessary to allow 3 Commando Brigade's advance north to Basra.Welsh Cavalry pushes in to Iraq https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/2872929.stm BBC News 21 March 2003 On their return from Iraq in 2005, Brigadier Rose of 3 Commando Brigade presented the Regiment with the Commando Dagger in recognition of the superb relationship between 'C' Squadron and the Royal Marines during the liberation of Iraq. This squadron had the distinction of spending one of the longest periods of constant contact with the enemy for 20 days or so during this operation. In 2004, the QDG returned to Iraq on Op TELIC 5 in the counter insurgency role with B Squadron deploying from Basra in support of 1st Battalion, The Black Watch in support of operations around Fallujah.2003 onwards – Operation TELIC 1, 5, 8 (Iraq) and Operation HERRICK 9, 15 & 20 (Afghanistan) to the present day https://www.qdg.org.uk/op-telic-and-herrick/ 2020-08-18 After operations in Basra and Maysan, the Regiment then took command of Al Muthanna Province as a Task Force of over 1000 personnel. In 2006, the QDG returned to Iraq on Operation Telic 8 and oversaw the successful transfer of Al Muthanna province back to Iraqi control. At the end of 2007, the Regiment left Osnabrück and moved to Dempsey Barracks, Sennelager, where they trained for a six-month deployment to Afghanistan as part of 3 Commando Brigade. Here, they carried out a variety of frontline tasks across Helmand Province. QDG were the first Formation Reconnaissance Regiment to deploy to Helmand as the Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Group (ISTAR Gp) on Operation Herrick 15 in 2011. The ISTAR Gp consisted of HQ Squadron, 'C' Squadron, 'D' Squadron QRH, an Intelligence Company, K Battery 5 Regt RA and 11 UAV Battery with 'B' Squadron initially detached to the Danish Battlegroup but joining the remainder of the Regiment towards the end of the tour. The regiment celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on 31 July 2009 with a ceremony at Cardiff Castle and a parade through the streets of Cardiff city, both attended by the Colonel-in-Chief, the Prince of Wales (now Charles III). The regiment received a great response from the people of Cardiff. That same year, the unit was also awarded with the Freedom of the City of Swansea.1st Queen's Dragoon Guards http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=31181 Swansea City Council July 2009 3 May 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140503160942/http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=31181 3 May 2014 thumb|Snipers training while on exercise In 2012, the regiment were called in to provide security for the 2012 London Olympics with composite squadrons focused on supporting the beach volleyball and securing the athletes village.2012-07-13 London 2012: Welsh Cavalry and 1 Rifles soldiers on standby en-GB BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-18829756 2020-08-18 In May of that year, there was speculation that the unit would become a victim of the defence budget cuts. As it was one of only three regiments historically associated with and one that still largely recruits from Wales, there was much support from the Welsh public to keep the QDG. However, Ministry of Defence officials announced no such plan has been made.1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards: Ray Scanlon in 'save regiment' call https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18254779 BBC News 30 May 2012Fears for future of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards – The Welsh Cavalry https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-18092753 BBC News 16 May 2012 3 May 2014 As part of the Army 2020 plans, most units based in Germany returned to the UK and the QDG moved to Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley, Norfolk, in June 2015.Regular Army Basing Plan – 5 Mar 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/136406/regular_army_basing_plan.pdf Ministry of Defence They re-roled as "light cavalry", using Jackal vehicles.The Welsh Cavalry swap Scimitars for jungle boots https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-welsh-cavalry-swap-scimitars-for-jungle-boots Ministry of Defence 7 March 2013 3 May 2014 In 2014, the Regiment deployed on the final British combat deployment to Helmand Province on Operation HERRICK 20. Battlegroup Headquarters worked alongside the senior leadership of 3/215 Brigade of the Afghan Army.3 June 2014 Welsh cavalry The Queen's Dragoon Guards begin last tour of Afghanistan https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-cavalry-queens-dragoon-guards-7208921 'A' Squadron worked with the Afghan Army to develop the latter's capabilities and professionalism in a training capacity. 'B' Squadron formed the Afghan National Security Forces Liaison Team, patrolling to the forward operating bases across the southern part of the province. 'C' Squadron formed the Brigade Reconnaissance Force.4 April 2011 Brigade Reconnaissance Force YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=BbuOpFHMthE&feature=emb_logo In 2018, the QDG conducted two tours of Poland on Operation Cabrit providing the role for NATO as the enhanced forward presence in order to protect and reassure NATO's Central and Northern European member states on NATO's eastern flank of their security.https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/queens-dragoon-guards-spearhead-massive-battlefield-exercise-in-poland/ Queen's Dragoon Guards spearhead battlefield exercise in Poland UK Defence Journal 20 June 2018 thumb|QDG operating in Mali In June 2021 'C' Squadron, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards deployed to Mali with 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment to form the Long Range Reconnaissance Group for Op Newcombe rotation 2 for 6 months. Op Newcombe was a peacekeeping operation in support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Whilst deployed C squadron assisted in facilitating war crime investigations and also came under fire for the first time since combat operations in Afghanistan 2014 where the welsh cavalry were also at the time. A member of C squadron QDG earned a mention in dispatches while deployed for courageous actions in the face of the enemy. In December 2021, the regimental headquarters and 'A' squadron, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, with support from a company from the Royal Irish Regiment, took over from 'C' squadron to start a further 6 months tour of Mali. thumb|QDG driving through village in Mali In July 2022, once all squadrons were back from Op Newcombe in Mali, the regiment as a whole took part in freedom parades in Wales, most notably in Cardiff where King Charles III (then Prince Charles) was in attendance. The regiment then went onto parade in Wrexham, Swansea, and Newport.Royal welcome home from Mali for the Welsh Cavalry 11 July 2022 British Army https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/07/royal-welcome-home-from-mali-for-the-welsh-cavalry/ thumb|QDG Officer on parade As part of the Future Soldier programme, the regiment will remain in their armoured cavalry role but move to Caerwent 'not before' 2027.Future Soldier Guide https://www.army.mod.uk/media/15057/adr010310-futuresoldierguide_30nov.pdf 11 July 2023 www.army.mod.uk en-GB Operational role thumb|Members of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards under training to operate the Coyote vehicle The regiment's role is reconnaissance using the Jackal 2 and Coyote high mobility vehicles.QDG ROLE https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/royal-armoured-corps/1st-the-queens-dragoon-guards/#:~:text=QDG%20soldiers%20are%20experts%20in,Jackal%202%20high%20mobility%20vehicle. Regimental museum The regimental collection is displayed at Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier in Cardiff.http://www.cardiffcastlemuseum.org.uk/ Museum of The Queen's Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh 3 May 2014 Uniform, cap badge and march In 1896, Austria-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st King's Dragoon Guards and allowed the regiment to wear the imperial Coat of arms of Austria-Hungary, which is still used as the regiment's cap badge today; the collar badge is that of The Queen's Bays. Also the regiment adopted an Austrian military march, Radetzky March, as quick march. The current Regimental March is the Radetzky March and Rusty Buckles, the latter being the Regimental March of The Queen's Bays. Other items of uniform draw on the regiment's dual heritage: thus, whilst the cap of 1st King's Dragoon Guards (with dark blue velvet strip and piping) is worn, trousers have the distinctive broad white stripe of The Queen's Bays.https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishcavalry/queensbays1865.htm Queen's Bays British Empire 19 June 2019 Full dress is still worn by some on ceremonial occasions:https://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/image_galleries/hereford_parade_140709_gallery.shtml PICTURES: On parade in Hereford www.bbc.co.uk the 1st King's Dragoon Guards tunic (scarlet with blue velvet facings) being paired with Queen's Bays white-striped overalls. The KDG red-plumed brass cavalry helmet is also worn, together with pouch belts and other accoutrements.http://www.qdg.org.uk/pages/Uniform-1843-Onwards-81.php Uniform 1843 Onwards Queen's Dragoon Guards https://web.archive.org/web/20160618125139/http://www.qdg.org.uk/pages/Uniform-1843-Onwards-81.php 19 January 2021 18 June 2016 In the QDG, lance corporals wear two chevrons, corporals wear two chevrons surmounted by the Bay's emblem, which is worn by all senior NCOs. Squadron Quartermaster Sergeants wear four chevrons surmounted by a crown. thumb|LCpl and Cpl rank slides Battle honours Combined battle honours of 1st King's Dragoon Guards, and 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays), plus: Wadi al-Batin, Gulf 1991,House of Commons https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1993/oct/19/gulf-battle-honours#S6CV0230P0_19931019_CWA_22 Gulf Battle Honours 19 October 1993 3 May 2014 Iraq 2003 Commanding officers The Commanding Officers have been:http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/REGIMENTAL%20COs.pdf Regiments and Commanding Officers, 1960 - Colin Mackie 15 3 November 2020 44em 1959–1960: Lt.-Col. H. C. Selby 1960–1962: Lt.-Col. Jack W. Harman 1962–1964: Lt.-Col. Peter R. Body 1964–1967: Lt.-Col. Thomas W. Muir 1967–1969: Lt.-Col. George N. Powell 1969–1971: Lt.-Col. John H. Lidsey 1971–1973: Lt.-Col. Maurice R. Johnston 1973–1975: Lt.-Col. Robin C. Middleton 1975–1977: Lt.-Col. Robert W. Ward 1977–1980: Lt.-Col. John I. Pocock 1980–1982: Lt.-Col. Charles H. Bond 1982–1985: Lt.-Col. J. Gordon G. de P. Ferguson 1985–1987: Lt.-Col. Eric J. K. O’Brien 1987–1990: Lt.-Col. Michael G. Boissard 1990–1992: Lt.-Col. Christopher Mackenzie-Beevor 1992–1994: Lt.-Col. Mark R. M. Eliot 1994–1997: Lt.-Col. Hamish L. A. Macdonald 1997–1999: Lt.-Col. Simon V. Mayall 1999–2001: Lt.-Col. Patrick J. Andrews 2001–2003: Lt.-Col. Gilbert T. Baldwin 2003–2005: Lt.-Col. Timothy R. Wilson 2005–2007: Lt.-Col. Anthony J. Pittman 2007–2010: Lt.-Col. Alan S. Richmond 2010–2012: Lt.-Col. Jasper J. De Quincey Adams 2012–2015: Lt.-Col. William H. L. Davies 2015–2017: Lt.-Col. Daniel B. Duff 2017–2019: Lt.-Col. Justin G. E. Stenhouse 2019–2022: Lt.-Col. Hugo T. Lloyd 2022–2024: Lt.-Col. Christopher S. Kierstead Since 2024: Lt -Col. David G. A. Landon Colonels-in-chief Colonels-in-chief were as follows: 1959–2002: Queen Elizabeth the Queen Motherhttp://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/cav/DG1qdg.htm 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards regiments.org dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060208145208/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/cav/DG1qdg.htm 8 February 2006 2003–2023: King Charles III 2023–present: Catherine, Princess of Waleshttps://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-08-11/further-military-appointments-for-members-of-the-royal-family Further Military Appointments for Members of the Royal Family The Royal Family 11 August 2023 11 August 2023 Regimental colonels Regimental colonels were as follows: 1959–1961: Brig. John Gerard Edward Tiarks 1961–1964: Col. George William Charles Draffen GBR DSO 1964–1968: Col. Kenneth Edward Savill GBR DSO DL 1968–1975: Brig. Anthony William Allen Llewellyn-Palmer GBR DSO 1975–1980: Gen. Sir Jack Wentworth Harman GBR GCB OBE MC ADCGen 1980–1986: Maj. Gen. Desmond Hind Garrett Rice GBR CVO CBE 1986–1991: Lt Gen. Sir Maurice Robert Johnston GBR KCB OBE 1991–1997: Maj. Gen. Robert William Ward GBR CB MBE 1997–2002: Col. John Ievers Pocock GBR MBE 2002–2007: Col. Christopher MacKenzie-Beevor GBR CBE 2007–2019: Lt Gen. Sir Simon Mayall GBR KBE CB Since 2019: Brig. Alan Richmond GBR OBE Alliances Royal Navy HMS Monmouth Affiliated Regiment The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry Allied Royal Air Force Squadron IV Squadron RAF Affiliation The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers Commonwealth – The Governor General's Horse Guardshttps://www.qdg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/QDG-2010.pdf The Regimental Journal of the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards 21 June 2021 – 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers – 1 Special Service Battalion – 11th Cavalry (Frontier Force) – 1st Reconnaissance Regiment Non-Commonwealth Austria – Panzergrenadierbataillon 35 – 1er Régiment Étranger de Cavalerie (Twinned Regiment) Order of precedence The Blues and Royals(Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) Cavalry Order of Precedence The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards(Carabiniers and Greys) References External links Official site QDG Regimental Comrades Association 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards – National Army Museum British Army Locations from 1945 1-001 Queen's Dragoon Guards Category:Royal Armoured Corps Category:Dragoon Guards Category:Military units and formations in Wales Category:Military units and formations in Cardiff Category:Military units and formations established in 1959 Category:1959 establishments in the United Kingdom