Honourable Artillery Company

Honourable Artillery Company. The Honourable Artillery Company is the oldest regiment in the British Army and the second most senior unit of the Army Reserve. Incorporated by Royal Charter from King Henry VIII in 1537, it has served as an artillery unit, an infantry regiment, and a provider of ceremonial support in the City of London. Its headquarters at Armoury House on City Road has been its home since the 17th century, and the regiment maintains a unique dual role as an operational reserve unit and a prestigious ceremonial body.

History

The company's origins trace to a 1537 charter granted to the "Guild of Fraternity of Artillery of Longbows, Crossbows and Handguns" by King Henry VIII, making it older than the Royal Navy's standing fleet. It trained the Trained bands of London for centuries, with its grounds at Artillery Ground in Finsbury being central to its activities. During the English Civil War, elements supported both King Charles I and the Parliament of England, with its members seeing action at the Battle of Turnham Green. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it evolved from a volunteer force into a more structured regiment, with members serving in conflicts like the American War of Independence and the Napoleonic Wars. The 20th century saw extensive service in both World War I and World War II, particularly in the Middle East and North African campaign, and later in operations in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

Organisation and structure

The HAC is structured as a regiment within London District and comprises several distinct sub-units. The main operational element is a Surveillance and Target Acquisition battery, equipped with advanced systems like the MAMBA artillery locating radar. A separate infantry company, maintains the regiment's historic foot soldier role for ceremonial duties. The regiment also includes a dedicated band and a veterans' association. Governance is provided by a unique Court of Assistants, a tradition dating to its guild origins, and it maintains close links with the City of London Corporation and the Worshipful Company of Gunners.

Role and activities

The regiment fulfills a dual mission. Its primary operational role is within the Surveillance and Target Acquisition field, providing critical battlefield intelligence to the Royal Artillery. Alongside this, it has a major ceremonial function, providing the King's Guard at the Tower of London and the Honourable Artillery Company Guard for the Lord Mayor of London. The HAC also fields competitive teams in sports like cricket and real tennis, the latter played on its historic court at Armoury House. It hosts significant annual events, including a large Remembrance Sunday service and the HAC Open House day.

Uniforms and insignia

The HAC maintains several distinctive uniforms reflecting its long history. For ceremonial duties, soldiers wear a dark blue tunic with scarlet facings, a design reminiscent of early 19th century Volunteer Force uniforms, paired with a bearskin cap. The regiment's badge features a crowned Tudor rose encircled by the motto, worn on headdress and buttons. A unique feature is the "HAC" shoulder title worn on service dress. The stable belt is horizontally striped in red, blue, and yellow. Officers' mess dress includes a blue waistcoat with distinctive embroidery, and the regiment's colours are displayed in Armoury House.

Notable members

Throughout its history, the HAC has counted numerous prominent figures among its ranks. Early members included Samuel Pepys, the famed diarist and Secretary to the Admiralty. Several former Prime Ministers served, such as Arthur Balfour, William Ewart Gladstone, and Winston Churchill (who was a member of the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars, a linked yeomanry unit). Military leaders include Field Marshal Lord Gort, a Victoria Cross recipient, and General Sir John Hackett. Other notable members have been explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton, poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and actor David Niven, who served with the regiment's infantry battalion during the Second World War.

Category:British Army regiments Category:Military units and formations established in 1537 Category:Organisations based in the City of London