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The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons)
The Royal Dragoons were the oldest British cavalry regiment
of the line and their history is no less illustrious than there antiquity would suggest. They were formed in the year of 1661
and were known then as the Tangier Horse, they did not however become The Royal Dragoons until some time later in the year
of 1684. History will remember them by the name they were always known 'The Royals' throughout the years
until their final merger with The Royal Horse Guards in 1969. These two fine regiments formed what is now 'The Blues
and Royals' and both regiments have gone on together as one, earning even more battle honours and glory to their standards.
Nothing can diminish the past achievements or glory with which the name of the 'Royals,-1st Dragoons,- The Royal Dragoons'
(however you wish to remember them) are linked.
The Royals may no longer exist as an independent regiment,but
in the minds of many old soldiers worldwide the spirit of the 'Eagle105' lives on in the sense of pride at knowing you were
privileged to serve in the regiment.
The 'Royals' have indeed had a long and illustrious career since 'Southark,
21 October 1661 upto Detmold, Germany, 29 March 1969' as these are the datelines of the Regiment, from Tangier Horse, Royal
Regiment of Dragoons, and now back to Horse again, but still 'Royal' and serving as a component of the Household Cavalry as
'The Blues and Royals'. Whether as mounted cavalry, armoured cars or tanks, they have served with distinction in every
corner of the globe, and earned battle honours by the score from 'Tangier 1662-1680 right up to Iraq(Gulf War) 2003.
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