The Second Royal Tank Regiment
Tanks first saw service as part of the British Army during the First World War when the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps helped to break the stalemate of trench warfare.
The Tank Corps was formed in 1917 and later became the Royal Tank Regiment. Much has changed in the intervening years and the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment now serves in the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.
The story of The Royal Tank Regiment is one of struggle, triumph and achievement. Its origins are almost a century old, but those years have seen the stalemate of trench warfare overcome, the restoration of mobility and the establishment of the tank and mechanised forces, as a dominant factor in battle. The tank reaffirmed its position as the decisive weapon on the battlefield during the Gulf War (OP GRANBY).
Three of the five squadrons (BADGER, CYCLOPS and EGYPT) that make up 2 RTR serve on Challenger 2. FALCON is a Medium Armour squadron which serves on Scimitar Recconaissance vehicle. NERO provides support and the Headquarters element.