Royal Horse Artillery

Royal Horse Artillery
Unit name	Royal Horse Artillery
Dates	1793–present
Country	Kingdom of Great Britain (1793–1800), United Kingdom (1801–present)
Branch	British Army
Type	Artillery
Role	Close support artillery
Command structure	1st (United Kingdom) Division
Motto	Ubique (Everywhere), Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt (Whither Right and Glory Lead)
Battles	Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, Second Boer War, First World War, Second World War, Falklands War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War

Royal Horse Artillery. The Royal Horse Artillery constitutes the mounted artillery arm of the British Army, renowned for its speed and mobility in providing close fire support to cavalry and armoured formations. Formed in the late 18th century, it has served with distinction in every major conflict involving British forces. Its unique identity is preserved through distinctive traditions, uniforms, and its motto, Ubique, shared with the wider Royal Regiment of Artillery.

History

The unit was formed in 1793 at Goodwood House by the Duke of Richmond, who was then Master-General of the Ordnance, to provide highly mobile artillery support for cavalry units. It first saw major action during the Peninsular War under the command of the Duke of Wellington, where its speed proved decisive. Throughout the 19th century, it was instrumental in campaigns across the British Empire, including the Battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War, and the Second Boer War. In the 20th century, it transitioned from horse-drawn guns to mechanised systems, fighting in both World War I and World War II, notably during the North African campaign and the Normandy landings.

Organization

Today, operational batteries are grouped under regiments within the 1st (United Kingdom) Division. Key regiments include 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, which are equipped with the AS-90 self-propelled gun. Each regiment comprises several batteries, such as C Battery (The Blücher's Troop) Royal Horse Artillery, which often have historical designations tracing back to their formation. The regiment maintains a ceremonial mounted troop, the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, based at Woolwich, which performs state duties and the famous Royal Gun Salutes in London.

Uniform and insignia

Personnel wear the distinctive blue uniform with red facings, a legacy of its original status as part of the Board of Ordnance. The most iconic item is the busby, a fur hat with a red bag and white plume, worn with full dress. Officers and soldiers wear the unique "ball and loop" pattern shoulder title. The crowned Royal Cypher is a central feature on badges and appointments, reflecting its royal patronage. The King's Troop maintains full dress uniforms for its ceremonial role, including riding breeches and Wellington boots.

Equipment

Historically equipped with light, horse-drawn cannons like the BL 12-pounder 6 cwt, it now operates modern artillery systems. The primary weapon is the AS-90 Braveheart 155mm self-propelled howitzer. For forward observation and fire direction, units use advanced systems like the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and the Exactor missile system. Support vehicles include the MAN SV truck and the Panther CLV. The King's Troop uses historic 13-pounder guns for ceremonial salutes in Hyde Park and other state occasions.

Notable actions and deployments

Its early fame was secured at the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in 1811. A century later, batteries endured the Battle of the Somme and the Third Battle of Ypres. In World War II, regiments supported the 7th Armoured Division (the "Desert Rats") at El Alamein and the XXX Corps during Operation Market Garden. Post-war, it saw action in the Falklands War, notably supporting the Battle of Mount Tumbledown. More recently, regiments deployed to Basra during the Iraq War and to Helmand Province in the War in Afghanistan.

Traditions and heritage

The most famous ceremony is the Royal Gun Salutes performed by the King's Troop for state events like the Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament. The unit's march past at a gallop, with guns limbered up, is a unique spectacle. It shares the motto Ubique (Everywhere) with the Royal Regiment of Artillery, signifying its global service. Individual batteries often celebrate their own historic battle honours, such as those from the Battle of Balaclava. The museum collection is held at Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich.

Category:Royal Horse Artillery Category:Artillery regiments of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1793