Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Unit name	Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Caption	Cap badge of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Dates	2 July 1971 – present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Line cavalry
Role	Formation reconnaissance
Size	One regiment
Command structure	Scottish, Welsh and Irish Division
Garrison	Leuchars Station
Ceremonial chief	The Princess Royal
Colonel of the regiment	Major General Sir John R. G. K. C. B. C. B. E.
Nickname	Carabiniers and Greys
Motto	Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (No one assails me with impunity)
Colours	Blue
March	Quick: (Dismounted) Hielan' Laddie; (Mounted) The Garb of Old Gaul, Slow: (Dismounted) The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Slow March
Equipment	FV107 Scimitar
Battles	The Troubles, Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is a senior cavalry regiment of the British Army and the Scottish Household Cavalry. Formed in 1971 from the amalgamation of the 3rd Carabiniers and the Royal Scots Greys, it maintains a dual heritage as both dragoons and carabiniers. The regiment serves in the formation reconnaissance role and is renowned for its distinguished service across multiple modern conflicts and its rich musical tradition.

History

The regiment's lineage was forged on 2 July 1971 at Holyrood Palace with the union of two historic units. The Royal Scots Greys trace their origins to 1681, famously fighting at the Battle of Waterloo and earning the nickname "the Birdcatchers" for capturing a French Imperial Eagle. The 3rd Carabiniers were formed in 1922 from the amalgamation of the 3rd Dragoon Guards and the 6th Dragoon Guards. As part of Options for Change reforms, the regiment absorbed the personnel of the 4th Royal Tank Regiment in 1992. It has since deployed operationally to Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the Gulf War with the Desert Rats, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) under International Security Assistance Force command.

Organisation

The regiment is currently based at Leuchars Station in Fife and forms part of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Division. It is equipped with the FV107 Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicle and fulfills a vital formation reconnaissance role within the British Army's Strike Brigade concept. The operational squadron structure is supported by a Regimental Headquarters and administrative elements. The regiment falls under the command of the Chief of the General Staff (United Kingdom) and the operational control of Field Army.

Regimental traditions

The regiment proudly upholds the customs of its forebears, wearing the distinctive bearskin and the famed "eagle" cap badge of the Royal Scots Greys. Its motto, Nemo Me Impune Lacessit, is shared with the Order of the Thistle and the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The mounted band, known globally for its 1972 recording of "Amazing Grace" with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums, performs at events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The ceremonial tactical recognition flash features a thistle over crossed carbines, and the regiment maintains a close association with The Princess Royal, its Colonel-in-Chief.

Battle honours

The regiment displays battle honours from the War of the Spanish Succession to the War in Afghanistan, inheriting the emblazoned distinctions of its predecessor regiments. Notable honours from the Royal Scots Greys include Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet, and Waterloo. The 3rd Carabiniers contributed honours from the Peninsular War such as Salamanca and Vittoria, as well as Afghanistan 1879-80. Twentieth-century honours include the Second Boer War, the First World War (Somme (1918), Cambrai (1917)), the Second World War (Normandy landings, Rhine Crossing), and more recent campaigns like Gulf 1991 and Afghanistan 2001-2014.

Notable members

Distinguished individuals associated with the regiment include Field Marshal The Earl Haig, who commanded the British Expeditionary Force (World War I). Sir Winston Churchill was commissioned into the 4th Queen's Own Hussars but was later appointed an honorary colonel of a constituent regiment. John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, is a celebrated figure in the Royal Scots Greys' early history. Modern notable members include senior officers who have served as Chief of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom) and recipients of the Victoria Cross such as John Grieve (VC) of the Royal Scots Greys for actions at Balaclava.

Museum

The regimental collection is displayed at The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum located within the historic Edinburgh Castle. The museum, part of the National Museums Scotland partnership, charts the story from the 17th century to the present day through artefacts including the captured French Imperial Eagle from Waterloo, uniforms, medals, and the FV107 Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle. The museum is adjacent to the Scottish National War Memorial and operates under the auspices of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Trust.

Category:Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Category:Cavalry regiments of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1971 Category:Military in Scotland