Cavalry

Featured

Cavalry on the Western Front

In the First World War, the cavalry could no longer deliver the decisive charges it had performed in the past. But it continued to carry out a variety of useful roles that contributed to British success.

Read this story

Explore Cavalry stories

1st King’s Dragoon Guards

This unit was the senior line cavalry regiment of the British Army. Formed in 1685, it had a long and distinguished history until 1959, when it was merged into the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards.

explore this story

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards

This unit is the senior regiment of the line in the British Army. It was formed in 1959 as an armoured reconnaissance regiment by merging two existing dragoon guards regiments.

explore this story

Cap badge of The Royal Horse Guards, c1914

The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)

This cavalry unit was formed in 1650 and was the second most senior regiment of the British Army. It served for over 300 years until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.

explore this story

Other ranks’ cap badge, 1st The Royal Dragoons, c1935

The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons)

This unit was raised in 1661, making it one of the oldest cavalry regiments in British Army history. It served in many campaigns until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.

explore this story

The Blues and Royals

Formed in 1969, this unit is now part of the Household Cavalry. It is the second most senior regiment in the British Army and operates as both an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard of the monarch.

explore this story

The Household Cavalry

This British Army corps operates as an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard of the monarch. Formed in 1992, it has served on several deployments, including the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

explore this story

The Life Guards

This cavalry unit was formed in the 1650s and is the senior regiment in the British Army. It is now part of The Household Cavalry and operates as both an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard to the monarch.

explore this story

Pelisse, Zieten Hussars, worn by The Duke of Connaught, 1900s

A uniform fit for a prince

These splendid items of uniform belonging to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, showcase the flamboyant fashion adopted by hussar units across Europe.

explore this story

Lord Strathcona’s Horse on the march, 1918

Beauty in desolation: Munnings and the First World War

In 1918, the artist Alfred Munnings was tasked with recording the wartime contribution of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade and Forestry Corps. His paintings highlight the military role of horses, capturing their beauty in the war-affected landscapes of France.

explore this story