CYCLOPS, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment was formed from C Sqn 2nd Royal tank Regiment in 25th July 2002 when the Squadron took the historical name from the pre amalgamation 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. CYCLOPS makes up just one of the five squadrons within 2 RTR.

The Squadron has a CYCLOPS as its identifying mark. Taken from ancient Greek myths CYCLOPS were one-eyed deities fathered by the god Uranus. It is said that Uranus was so ashamed at the creatures he was procreating that he cast them into Tartarus. The god Zeus set them free, and as thanks forged weapons for the gods including the thunderbolt for Zeus, the trident for Poseidon and the helmet for Hades. The modern CYCLOPS continues to master weaponry and is currently serving on Challenger 2 MBT.

The Regiment and Squadron have a long and distinguished history, seeing service worldwide and fighting in many famous battles and campaigns, including the Great War, the Second World War, Korea and the Gulf War.

Since amalgamation in 1992 between the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment and the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment CYCLOPS has served in Germany, Belize, Canada, Poland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan earning a reputation as one of the Regiment's leading armoured squadrons and standing in the front line of the Royal Armoured Corps' fighting and peacekeeping capabilities.

 

During 2007 CYCLOPS deployed to Iraq on Operation TELIC 10 which saw some of the most intense and fierce fighting of the conflict. The Squadron displayed its professionalism and flexibility by converting to various weapons platforms such as MASTIFF, BULLDOG and WARRIOR whilst still maintaining an Armoured punch equipped with Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks.

Tanks were originally though of as ships on the land, and named HM Landship_____. As the first tanks used Naval-pattern guns, sailors instructed at the very first Gunnery Schools. Thus the RTR has a close connection with the Royal Navy. HMS CYCLOPS was launched on the 27th October 1905, and was based at Scapa Flow during WW1; it converted to a depot ship and supplied British submarines during WW2.

CYCLOPS is now established as one of the most effective armoured squadrons in 2 RTR, and has played a crucial role in operations over the last decade.

Despite this demanding programme CYCLOPS still finds time to run adventure training activities including skiing, scuba-diving, white water rafting, free fall parachuting and visits to former battle fields such as Arnhem, whilst participating in all regimental sports such as rugby, skiing and football. Currently CYCLOPS are the Regimental Boxing Champions and have a strong team, with one individual being selected for Army Trials.