The Fascinating Story of The Queen Royal Hussars: The Queen Own and Royal Irish - A Journey Through the Pages of British Military History

The Queen Royal Hussars, an illustrious cavalry regiment, has a remarkable history intertwined with the British military heritage. In this article, we will delve into the captivating story of The Queen Royal Hussars: The Queen Own and Royal Irish, tracing their origins, notable achievements, and their enduring legacy in the annals of time.

The Beginnings

The roots of The Queen Royal Hussars can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when several independent cavalry units were raised to protect the interests of the British Empire. Among these units were The Queen's Royal Regiment of Horse, The Irish Horse, and The 7th Queen's Own Hussars.

The Queen's Royal Regiment of Horse

The Queen's Royal Regiment of Horse was originally formed in 1661 to defend England against possible foreign invasions. It participated in notable conflicts such as the Battle of Blenheim and the Siege of Gibraltar. Over the centuries, the regiment underwent several name changes before becoming The Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards) in 1921.

In Peace & War: The Story of The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish)

by Charles River Editors (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12998 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Irish Horse

The Irish Horse traces its origins back to 1689 when it was raised as an auxiliary cavalry regiment to supplement the British Army. The regiment saw action in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars. In 1969, The Irish Horse merged with The 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards to form The Queen's Own Hussars.

The 7th Queen's Own Hussars

The 7th Queen's Own Hussars was created in 1690 as a response to the Williamite War in Ireland. Throughout its existence, the regiment participated in various military campaigns, including the Peninsular War, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and both World Wars. The regiment experienced multiple amalgamations and name changes before finally becoming The Queen's Own Hussars.

Merging and Formation

In February 1958, Queen Elizabeth II approved the merger of The Queen's Own Hussars and The Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards) to form The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars. This amalgamation signaled a new era for the regiment and reflected the shared history and traditions of these two renowned cavalry units.

Significant Engagement: Falklands War

The Queen Royal Hussars achieved widespread recognition and admiration for their valiant actions during the Falklands War in 1982. As part of the British Task Force, the regiment played a crucial role in the liberation of the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation.

Deployed to the treacherous battlefields of the Falklands, The Queen Royal Hussars demonstrated exemplary courage and resilience. They engaged in fierce combat, facing enemy fire and harsh weather conditions, as they fought alongside fellow British troops to secure victory. This pivotal event showcased the regiment's unwavering commitment to duty and earned them the respect of their comrades-in-arms and the nation.

Modern Times and Roles

Throughout its illustrious history, The Queen Royal Hussars have adapted to the changing face of warfare, taking on various roles and responsibilities within the British Armed Forces.

The Armoured Reconnaissance Role

As an armored reconnaissance regiment, The Queen Royal Hussars deploy advanced armored vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems. Their primary mission is to gather information on enemy forces, conduct surveillance, and provide vital intelligence to the command.

International Peacekeeping Missions

Aside from their reconnaissance role, The Queen Royal Hussars have also been deployed on international peacekeeping missions. They have served in places such as Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, contributing to stability and peace in conflict-ridden regions.

Ceremonial Duties

As an integral part of the British Army, The Queen Royal Hussars also carry out ceremonial duties, symbolic of their longstanding connection with the British monarchy. This includes participating in state occasions, royal parades, and escorting the Sovereign's procession.

Legacy and Honors

Over the centuries, The Queen Royal Hussars have garnered numerous honors and accolades in recognition of their exceptional service and sacrifice.

Battle Honors

The regiment proudly carries a rich tapestry of battle honors acquired throughout their history. These honors include Blenheim, Ypres, El Alamein, and the Falkland Islands, symbolizing the valor and determination exhibited by The Queen Royal Hussars in the face of adversity.

Regimental Museum

The Queen Royal Hussars' legacy is preserved and showcased in their regimental museum, detailing their captivating narrative through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. This museum serves as a testament to the regiment's enduring impact on British military history.

Traditions and Ceremonies

With a lineage that spans centuries, The Queen Royal Hussars uphold cherished traditions and ceremonies that instill a strong sense of camaraderie and pride among its members. These traditions, passed down through generations, connect the regiment's past, present, and future, forming an unbreakable bond.

The Queen Royal Hussars: The Queen Own and Royal Irish, with their rich heritage and illustrious deeds, stand as a testament to the bravery and dedication displayed by the British military. From their humble beginnings to their significant engagements, they have left an indelible mark on British military history. As their story continues to unfold, The Queen Royal Hussars remain a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty.

In Peace & War: The Story of The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish)

by Charles River Editors (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12998 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A British military veteran presents an insider’s history of the UK’s elite armored regiment across three centuries of service—“highly recommended” (Military Historical Society).
 
Formed in 1993, the Queen’s Royal Hussars trace their origins back to 1685 when King James II formed a standing army. An amalgamation of two former regiments—the Queen’s Own Hussars and the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars—the QRH carry on the distinguished history of their antecedents. A veteran of both the Queen’s Own and the Queen’s Royal Irish, Robin Rhoderick-Jones tells the history of these celebrated regiments who fought alongside each other at Dettingen, Balaklava, the Peninsula, in India and during the two World Wars.
 
Recently the QRH have seen action in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan where they provided the first cavalry-led ground-holding battlegroup. In Peace and War is a superbly researched record of the QRH through more than 300 years’ distinguished service to the Crown. While the demands facing the QRH have changed over the years, their dedication, bravery, commitment and sense of humor remain constant.