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Cavalry

1st Reserve Regiment of Cavalry in training, 1914
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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.

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Other ranks' cap badge, 1st King’s Dragoon Guards, c1904

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.

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Other ranks’ cap badge, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, c1965

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.

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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.

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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.

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Cap badge, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), c1990

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.

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Cap badge, The Household Cavalry, c1919

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.

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Other ranks' cap badge, The Life Guards, c1958

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.

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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.

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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.

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1st Reserve Regiment of Cavalry in training, 1914

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.

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Stables of The Buffs, 1914

Army horse care in the First World War

During the First World War, the Army relied on its horses to perform a wide range of jobs. The requisition, transportation and care of these animals was therefore of huge importance.

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Officer’s cap badge, 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, c1960

5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards

This armoured regiment was formed in 1922 from two existing dragoon units. It served until 1992, when it was amalgamated into The Royal Dragoon Guards.

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