Regimental Colonel 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
@TheWelshCavalry
. The British Army’s Senior Line Regiment and the Cavalry Regiment of Wales and the Marches.
An evening of polishing and cleaning ahead in preparation for the Coronation rehearsal. Look out for members of
@TheWelshCavalry
who will be leading the Army contingent of the procession - a privilege we have as the senior Regiment of the Line.
A pleasure to meet with members of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (
@TheWelshCavalry
) and newly promoted Bay Welsh Mountain pony, Trooper ‘Longface’ Emrys Jones, in Norfolk today. Looking forward to working with you in the years ahead.
It was great to be at Sandhurst and welcome 2Lt Spicer QDG to
@TheWelshCavalry
family. She has the honour of being the first female ever to Commission directly into the Regiment.
Thank you to HM The King for the close interest in the well-being and achievements of
@TheWelshCavalry
over the 20 years as our Colonel-in-Chief. Our close connection with him will endure as we serve him diligently and loyally as monarch and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief.
A sweltering day
@RMASandhurst
to welcome our newest officers to the
@TheWelshCavalry
family. Congratulations to 2Lts George Webster, Freya Logan, Louise Gamman and Henry Mower.
Farewell to Captain Sir Tom Moore - the very Best of British. It was such a pleasure to meet you at Harrogate in September and be as inspired by you as the Junior Soldiers were. The world seemed so much more brighter and positive with you in it - let’s make that your legacy.
Wearing your QDG beret for the first time is a moment of immense pride. This Officer Cadet has completed his final exercise at Sandhurst, which is marked by the donning of Regimental head-dress. He will soon be commanding a troop in
@TheWelshCavalry
.
Congratulations to our two Officer Cadets in the Senior term at Sandhurst who have completed their final exercise and both been appointed Junior Under Officers.
#FirstandForemost
The highlight of my week was to visit Sandhurst and offer Officer Cadet Aidan Walsh a Commission in The Queen’s Dragoon Guards. He accepted with alacrity. Welcome to the
@TheWelshCavalry
family Aidan!
#lovethetie
A great afternoon at Sandhurst to welcome our newest officer, 2Lt Ned Fetherstonhaugh, and his parents into the
@TheWelshCavalry
family and present him with his rank slide and tie - socially distanced of course!
This is belonging...an old comrade in a care home can’t communicate with his family, so
@TheWelshCavalry
regimental comrades launch a fundraiser to buy him a laptop. Within 1 hour the target is reached. Laptop purchased that day, configured (complete with Badge) and couriered!
This what a family Regiment looks like: Hampers have been hand delivered across the UK to the families of Cassino ‘Troop’ who will miss their loved ones over Christmas. The Squadron has deployed to Poland for 6 months.
#thisisbelonging
@BritishArmy
The epitome of a family regiment - welcoming our newest officer, 2Lt Fearn, to
@TheWelshCavalry
. His father and both godfathers served in the Regiment and were at Sandhurst to watch the Sovereign’s Parade taken by HM The King, our Colonel-in-Chief.
A hot but successful day at RMA Sandhurst and I am delighted to welcome William Asquith and Felix Maddison to the QDG
@TheWelshCavalry
family.
#firstandforemost
An honour to chat with
@SirTomMoore1
after an uplifting day and parade at the Army Foundation College Harrogate. My father served with 2 DWR in India and we all served on tanks - so lots to talk about. He is so sharp!
@CO_AFC
At Sandhurst for the Regimental Selection Board and was delighted to welcome Harry Swailes to
@TheWelshCavalry
family who along with Toby Clark will Commission in August.
On this day 205 years ago at 2.20pm, The King’s Dragoon Guards, the largest contingent of the 1st (Household) Cavalry Brigade, charged and helped defeat Napoleon’s intended masterstroke, the attack by D’Erlon’s Corps, thus making a decisive contribution to victory at Waterloo.
Four serving
@TheWelshCavalry
soldiers use their time off from supporting Op LONDON BRIDGE to queue so they can pay their respects to “The Boss”. Proud.
Check out jubags's video!
#TikTok
. Seeing four young soldiers from my regiment, who gave up their day off from working on Op LB paying their respects to The Boss has made me overwhelmingly proud.
#thewelshcavalry
OTD I and over 260 members of
@TheWelshCavalry
crossed through the breach into Iraq to liberate Kuwait. Our job was to fight the Deep Battle to destroy the enemy’s cohesion. It was a full-on 100 hrs with no sleep but we succeeded and the brigades following on had an easy fight.
A great start to the New Year as two members of our Regimental family have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours: Firstly, former Major Charles Craven, an MVO for his time as estate manager at Highgrove, and…
So pleased to see Major Jerome Tyson
@TheWelshCavalry
selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. We are contemporaries and in my 32 year career I have climbed 7 ranks. He will have climbed 10 and reached the pinnacle - huge respect!
Well done
@WelshGuards
for a unique and immaculate parade. Young men and women from Wales showing us the Best of British. These are the scenes that I want to remember from this weekend.
@Army_Wales
After performing a unique ceremony for The Queen’s official birthday in Windsor Castle, the
@WelshGuards
gave a socially distanced three cheers for Her Majesty.
@BritishArmy
@RoyalFamily
We remember the gallant actions of 1st King’s Dragoon Guards at Waterloo 207 years ago. Their decisive charge and selfless sacrifice were pivotal to the Allied success. Pro Rege et Patria!
@TheWelshCavalry
@RoyalArmdCorps
Our QDG badged cadets are an important part of our regimental family. We want to strengthen our ties and expand our ACF and CCF footprint across Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
The
@TheWelshCavalry
family is so proud of former Captain Jimmy Carroll, who with his 3 crew-mates of Latitude 35, has just rowed the Atlantic in 35 days and 5 hrs to come 2nd in class in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
@BritishArmy
@Army_Wales
We Will Remember Them. My thoughts today are with all those who laid down their lives in the service of their country and especially those from
@TheWelshCavalry
and it’s antecedents, 1st King’s Dragoon Guards and The Queen’s Bays.
For decades Wales was the only part of the UK not to have any Yeomanry of the Royal Armoured Corps. That situation has now been addressed and Regulars leaving
@TheWelshCavalry
can now soldier-on part time with our paired Reserve regiment
@RoyalYeomanry
.
@RFCAforWales
@Army_Wales
It’s not just serving members of
@TheWelshCavalry
who are supporting the national events marking the death of The Queen. Two of our retired officers are members of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms and will be participating in the vigil and State Funeral.
We welcome 2Lts Alex Allington, Ed Carter and Ed Dillon to the QDG family. They became QDG Officers today during a unique commissioning parade where they donned Regimental head dress and rank slides and slow marched up the steps to the slow beat of the drum.
WO1 (RSM) Chant a Meritorious Service Medal, not just for his exemplary service over 20 years, but also for his contribution to recruiting, nurture and engagement activity as RSM QDG
@TheWelshCavalry
Preparation for Remembrance Parade. Thankfully, as I made the wise decision to join
@TheWelshCavalry
, polishing the Sam Browne belt takes seconds. Uniquely, it is made of Pigskin, so whilst colleagues from other Regiments will spend hours on theirs, this is brush polish only!
These cold mornings are nothing compared to the extreme temp change in the desert. OTD 30 years ago
@TheWelshCavalry
were in Saudi Arabia preparing to kick Saddam out of Kuwait. 10 days remained until the deadline for Iraq to withdraw.
#OpGranby30
Good to see
@RoyalYeomanry
training with their paired regular regiment,
@TheWelshCavalry
. The new Welsh Yeomanry Troop in Cardiff will help cement this important relationship and provide an opportunity for RAC Crewmen resettling in Wales.
Another snippet from yesterday's chat with
@theJeremyVine
, I'm a proud member of the Army Reserves, we're supporting the wonderful work the NHS Wales is doing right now during the crisis. Have a listen...
We're delivering the most radical transformation to our Army in 20 years -
#FutureSoldier
.
It involves thinking differently, how we deal with emerging threats, and the skills, capabilities, and equipment that we need.
Read more:
A career in QDG can include the opportunity to represent
@TheWelshCavalry
at the Army ski championships. Ski racing develops physical courage, skill and stamina. This season our Alpine team excelled by winning us the most silverware for over 30 years.
@RoyalArmdCorps
So good to visit John Morris our
@TheWelshCavalry
Chelsea Pensioner. John served in the band of The Queen’s Bays and QDG post amalgamation. He was then a Merseyside policeman. He is a real gent and has the honour of being the
@RHChelsea
Mace Bearer.
Happy New Year to all
@TheWelshCavalry
family. My thoughts are with the members of B Sqn deployed alongside
@RoyalYeomanry
colleagues in Poland over Christmas and New Year. Have a safe tour!
Our
@TheWelshCavalry
regimental family mourns the passing of a truly great Queen. We send our heart-felt condolences to our Col-in-Chief and all the Royal Family. God Save The King!
@ClarenceHouse
Find out about the decisive role of the King’s Dragoon Guards at the Battle of Waterloo. An online talk by QDG alumnus and author, Richard Goldsbrough. This Sunday at 7.30pm
@TheWelshCavalry
@FiringLine
@militaryhistori
A visit by members of
@TheWelshCavalry
including our mascot, LCpl ‘Longface’ Jones to say happy birthday to former King’s Dragoon Guards officer John Hamilton on his 105th birthday!
Your grandfather was wounded at Hooge whilst serving in 1st King’s Dragoon Guards - now
@TheWelshCavalry
. We are proud of his service and to have that familial link
@ArmyCGS
.
Remembering with gratitude and pride all our veterans on
#VEDay75
including my grandfather pictured here on a tank in Paris. A veteran of two world wars he was shot through the neck at Hooge 1 June 1915.
#ThisIsYourVictory
.
@captaintommoore
@BritishArmy
Great to see a fine QDG assuming command of the Army Foundation College at Harrogate. He is the second member of
@TheWelshCavalry
to command there and will do an excellent job. Good luck to you Simon!
Great to visit
@CO_AFC
from
@TheWelshCavalry
and tour his large and inspirational command in Harrogate where 16 year olds are trained, educated and moulded into superb soldiers and citizens.
Today we remember Lieutenant David Boyce and Lance Corporal Richard Scanlon, who were killed when their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Thursday, 17th November 2011.
#WeWillRememberThem
#QDG
#Afghanistan
I had the honour of an audience with our Colonel in Chief at Clarence House today accompanied by the outgoing Colonel QDG, Lt Gen Sir Simon Mayall. HRH is always very engaged and interested in his Regiment.
Congratulations to Col Guy Deacon awarded a CBE for his work as Col RAC – he has brought unity of purpose and a common vision to the Corps.
@TheWelshCavalry
Great to see a good QDG presence at the visit of the Zulu King to Brecon Barracks. Thanks to the RCA for supporting and good to see the RCA banner leading the parade - First and Foremost!
@TheWelshCavalry
Sgt Tom Warner from
@TheWelshCavalry
with HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The Leathersellers’ Company Livery Dinner for the Armed Forces last night. A past Leathersellers’ prize winner he rubbed shoulders with Generals, Admirals and Royalty. Not bad for a boy from Port Talbot!
Welsh Stealth! QDG providing a tough, free-thinking enemy for 3 SCOTS (Black Watch) on Salisbury Plain by using their reconnaissance skills to great effect.
The Queen's Dragoon Guards
@TheWelshCavalry
have been on Salisbury Plain proving there is nothing playful about playing enemy forces on Exercise Wessex Storm. Using their skills as reconnaissance troops they aim to create real problems for their opponents
@3_SCOTS
.
#NotPlaying
Great to present
@TheWelshCavalry
patrol with a silver medal this morning. This adds to the bronze medal yesterday won by another patrol from the same squadron. Great achievements as both patrols lost members due to injury.
There was a good buzz today. A sense of purpose, professionalism and pride. I was particularly impressed with the experimentation and how with modest investment in off-the-shelf sensors and communications, Light Cavalry could be made so much more potent.
@FdArmyComdSM
@ArmyCGS
The Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Alan Richmond OBE, spent this morning catching up with QDG soldiers on Exercise WESSEX STORM as they prepare for the testing phase of the exercise.
#QDG
#wessexstorm
@col_qdg
@7thRats
Great to see former CO of our affiliated 1st Recce Regt, Swarna Bothota, promoted to Maj Gen and appointed Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC). Congratulations General from QDG!
Innovation runs strong in QDG. 30 years ago the Regiment established the UK’s first Chemical Recce Troop with hastily procured German Fuchs specialist NBC vehicles. ‘Canary Troop’ deployed to Saudi Arabia to protect the growing UK force.
@TheWelshCavalry
#innovation
An early Christmas at the Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster for severely ill Welsh children thanks to the amazing
@DreamsWishesOrg
@TheWelshCavalry
’s official charity.
A Sqn QDG deployed to Saudi Arabia in Oct 1990 as part of a 32 nation strong Coalition to defend the Kingdom from further Iraqi aggression. Here a Troop brief Brig Cordingly as they await their issue of desert kit and their vehicles.
@TheWelshCavalry
Huge congrats to
@TheWelshCavalry
for an outstanding tour in Mali. 3 months prep, 6 months in the African heat and no R&R they deserve some decent leave now. Very proud!
1. The hand over of the LRRG is now complete and the Flag of
@TheWelshCavalry
has now been replaced with that of
@RIrishRegiment
The last 15 months has seen ROTO 3 pulled together from various locations across the Army. All working tirelessly to deliver results. A short🧵
Farewell to Col Guy Deacon who leaves after 35 years of regular service in the Army and with
@TheWelshCavalry
. He’s been a great Col RAC and the QDG family are proud of him and wish him all the best for the future.
@TheArmourCentre
@RoyalArmdCorps
Today we said
#goodbye
to Colonel Guy Deacon, who has served the last four years as Col RAC at HQ
@RoyalArmdCorps
. The Colonel was seen out in style with a ride in Challenger 2. After 35 years in the
@BritishArmy
, we hope that he fully enjoys his well deserved
#retirement
✊
OTD in 1914
@TheWelshCavalry
antecedents played a significant part in a critical battle at Nery. All that stood between the German Army and the Channel ports was the British 1st Cavalry Brigade, which repelled a surprise attack by the German 4th Cavalry Division.
Mon 25 Feb 91 we moved through the breach into Iraq. At Forming Up Point Valley Forge I broke off from the Battlegroup to establish a Contact Point with 3 US Div to coordinate advance of their and 1 (UK) Div forward elements. Quite a responsibility for a 25 year local Captain.
Proud to have served our country with the outstanding
@TheWelshCavalry
thankful for the support of
@HelpforHeroes
during my time Headley Court and appreciative to the
@WelshRugbyUnion
for giving me a role where I feel genuine fulfillment again.
Three excellent high quality Officer Cadets were selected to join QDG. None of them needed any time to consider their Unconditional Offer of a Commission into the Regiment and accepted on the spot with obvious delight and excitement!
Bravo Mr Chant for a great tenure as
@RSM_QDG
. Welcome to your successor, the son of a former QDG Late Entry officer. We’re proud to be a truly family regiment!
That’s how fast 2 years can go! It’s been a blast and it’s been great to work with some of the very greatest people!
All the very best and congratulations to RSM No 35
@TheWelshCavalry
who will smash it.
This account in its entirety now changes hands, so TY for your support 👍🏻.
Proud to have had Darren Carew as a bother-in-arms in
@TheWelshCavalry
. His battle through recovery was humbling and inspiring to witness and it is so good to see him relishing his role with WRU.
"War takes its toll. It’s not just the loss of those who didn’t make it back but also those who survived."
Darren Carew, the WRU's Disability Rugby Coordinator, explains in unflinching detail what
#RemembranceDay
means to him.
»
Whilst we were commemorating our fallen at the Cavalry Memorial Parade in London, a former member of the Regimental Band was at Minterno War Cemetery in Italy. The last post echoed down the valley, and crosses were laid at the graves of King’s Dragoon Guards soldiers.
This was the first time since April 1944 where OCdts commissioned in combat clothing. That parade was presided over by General Eisenhower and many commissioning would take their first steps as young officers on the beaches of Normandy.
This is great news. Brecon is the right place for the Army HQ in Wales and it also means the retention of all the marvellous civilian staff that bring so much loyal service, continuity and experience to the HQ.
An inspiring visit to the
@RBLI
village in Aylesford Kent. Their recovery support to Veterans is outstanding and comprehensive - offering work, welfare support, a host of accommodation types as well as convalescent care. You can support them via the new Tommy Club initiative.
It was great to host CGS in Brecon and for him to meet
@TheWelshCavalry
representatives. He spoke of his grandfather who was a KDG in WW1 and retired just as the Regiment mechanised, only to join up again for WW2.
A pleasure to welcome
@ArmyCGS
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith CBE, the head of
@BritishArmy
, to Brecon Barracks today, the home of 160th Infantry Brigade and HQ Wales. CGS was met by
@ArmyComd160X
Brigadier Alan Richmond OBE 1/5
So pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. It always struck me as incongruous that the principal action (and amazing feat of arms) of the 53rd (Welsh) Division in WW2 was not captured on canvas. Now it is and well done Col Nick Lock for driving this project.
From a sun-soaked Caribbean island to a brigadier in the British Army - read the story of how one Windrush Generation family have moved countries and become part of our organisation:
#ArmedForcesWeek
#ArmedForcesDay
#SaluteOurTroops
It was a great honour to deliver the old Standard into the hands of the Dean of Llandaff for “safe custody within these walls”.
@TheWelshCavalry
now has a spiritual home in its home city of Cardiff with a fitting memorial ensuring our fallen are never forgotten.
@LlandaffCath
A poignant service of remembrance was held today in Llandaff Cathedral. The Colonel in Chief of the Regiment, HRH The Prince of Wales attended the service to pay his respects alongside serving members of the Regiment.
@ArmyComd160X
@col_qdg
@ClarenceHouse
@RoyalFamily
A fabulous day celebrating the Regiment’s 60th. An immaculate parade and wonderful families’ day events attended by all ages from 80 to 8 weeks! Very proud to be Colonel of such an amazing Regiment.
Today we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary with the entire regiment on parade. Brigadier Richmond OBE, Colonel of the Regiment took the parade as the inspecting officer. More activities and displays to follow this afternoon!
#QDG60
#annivesary
@ArmyComd160X
@col_qdg
Our new Regimental Comrades’ Association (RCA) branch flags gathered with the RCA Banner in Brecon as a tribute to WO1 Neil Wilson BEM at his funeral today. He was a great soldier. My deepest condolences to his family.
@TheWelshCavalry
@ArmyInWales
A Gwynedd teenager has become the highest ranked army cadet in North Wales.
Multi-talented Tyler Hawes from Porthmadog was presented with the senior rank of cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) by the Commandant Colonel Martin Craven. Congratulations
Bravo Ben Matthews, B Squadron
@TheWelshCavalry
and the
@RoyalYeomanry
that formed CASSINO Troop, on a great tour in challenging circumstances (one of the coldest Polish winters in years and the impact of COVID). We are proud of you all!