1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Unit name	1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Dates	1939–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Artillery
Role	Close support artillery
Size	Regiment
Command structure	1st Artillery Brigade
Garrison	Albemarle Barracks
Nickname	"The First"
Motto	"Ubique"

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery is a British Army artillery regiment with a lineage tied to the Royal Horse Artillery and operational experience across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The regiment combines traditional horse artillery heritage with modern self‑propelled firepower, contributing to coalition operations and NATO exercises alongside units from the British Army, Royal Artillery, Household Cavalry, and allied forces. Its personnel have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions alongside formations such as 1st Armoured Division, 3rd Mechanised Division, Task Force Helmand, and multinational commands under NATO and United Nations mandates.

History

The regiment traces its antecedents to 19th‑century Royal Horse Artillery batteries that served in the Crimean War, Second Boer War, and on the Western Front during World War I. Reformations in the interwar period and mobilisations for World War II saw elements of the regiment participate in the Battle of France, the North African Campaign, and the Italian Campaign. Postwar reorganisations during the Cold War integrated the regiment into British Army of the Rhine structures alongside formations such as BAOR and the British Expeditionary Force (World War II), adapting to mechanised warfare with platforms like the FV433 Abbot and later the AS90. During the late 20th century the regiment took part in operations related to the Falklands War, deployments to Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and NATO exercises such as Exercise Lionheart. In the 21st century, the regiment deployed to Iraq for Operation TELIC and to Afghanistan for Operation Herrick, while restructuring under Army reforms including the Army 2020 programme and subsequent modernisation initiatives.

Organisation and Sub-units

The regiment is organised into a headquarters and multiple batteries, typically including a headquarters battery and two to three gun batteries aligned with formations like 1st Armoured Division or brigade combat teams. Sub‑units have historically been designated as batteries with territorial and historic titles deriving from pre‑existing Royal Horse Artillery batteries that trace lineage to figures such as Sir John Moore and campaigns like Waterloo. Elements have been paired with reconnaissance units from the Household Cavalry Regiment and supported by signals and logistics detachments from formations such as the Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Corps of Signals. Training and integration often involve cooperation with schools and establishments including the Royal School of Artillery, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and multinational centres such as the Multinational Joint Headquarters.

Operational Deployments

Operational deployments include expeditionary combat operations, peacekeeping, and training missions. In Iraq the regiment contributed to artillery support for counter‑insurgency and stabilization operations under Coalition forces during Operation TELIC, coordinating fires with units from the United States Army, Royal Air Force, and Iraqi Army. In Afghanistan under ISAF the regiment provided close support fires and counter‑indirect fire tasks during Operation Herrick, working alongside Royal Marines, International Security Assistance Force partners, and provincial reconstruction teams. NATO deployments have included participation in the Enhanced Forward Presence and exercises with the Bundeswehr, French Army, Polish Land Forces, and Canadian Army. Humanitarian and peace support tasks have sent detachments to Africa under UNAMID and to the Balkans under KFOR, liaising with the United Nations and NATO command elements.

Equipment and Capabilities

The regiment has transitioned through towed and self‑propelled artillery systems; recent configurations emphasise the AS90 155 mm self‑propelled gun and the use of precision munitions interoperable with systems fielded by the United States Marine Corps and other NATO partners. Fire control and surveillance capabilities incorporate digital systems from vendors and integration with platforms such as the Bowman (communication system), the Counter‑Battery Radar family, and unmanned aerial systems similar to those used by the Army Air Corps. Logistics and mobility are provided by vehicles from the Royal Logistic Corps fleets, while survivability and force protection align with doctrine influenced by lessons from Operation Herrick and Operation TELIC. The regiment also fields forward observers trained in joint fires coordination with assets like the Royal Navy maritime gunfire liaison and allied close air support from RAF Typhoon and USAF platforms.

Traditions and Insignia

Regimental traditions reflect the Royal Horse Artillery heritage, including ceremonial drill, battery guns on parade, and uniforms with elements reminiscent of 19th‑century dress seen in regalia maintained by institutions such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Insignia include badges and emblems granted by the College of Arms and linked to honors awarded in campaigns such as Waterloo and the Somme. Colours and standards are preserved in regimental museums and displayed during events like Remembrance Sunday and state ceremonies where the regiment has performed gun salutes in coordination with the King's Guard and ceremonial units of the Household Division.

Notable Personnel and Honors

Officers and soldiers from the regiment have received decorations including the Military Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and mentions in dispatches for actions during the North African Campaign, Operation TELIC, and Operation Herrick. Prominent figures associated through service or command include senior leaders who later held appointments at institutions such as the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and NATO headquarters in Brunssum. Regimental battle honours commemorate engagements aligned with British Army campaigns recognized on the roll of the Royal Artillery.

Category:Royal Artillery regiments Category:British Army regiments