The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment may have immaculately complemented Operation SCEPTRE, but The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards added that extra touch of class as their beautiful Greys, aptly named Monarch, Prince, Regent and Duke, formed part of the procession that led the Honours of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to St Giles’ Cathedral.
The Greys are stabled locally at Tower Farm Riding Stables, which has been supporting the regiment since its return from Germany in 2015. They were ridden by Captain Alexander Humphries, Captain Jonathan Cooper, WO2 Frank Kyle and Corporal Andrew McLean. Although based in Leuchars in Fife, the quartet, who showed immense discipline whilst handling the Greys, are from across the UK Staffordshire, Hampshire, Stranraer and Glasgow respectively.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) are Scotland's senior regiment. They are commonly known by their official abbreviation, SCOTS DG. Formed in 1971, it has served in several campaigns, including the recent conflict in Afghanistan, peacekeeping operations in Mali, and currently operates in a light cavalry role.
It was absolutely appropriate that we led this part of the procession; from our Home Headquarters in Edinburgh Castle, and past the tomb of Ensign Ewart who captured the French Eagle at Waterloo on his Grey.
Horses have always been an integral part of the Regiment since its formation and today the tradition continues, although their use is confined to ceremonial and sporting purposes. The Regiment is famous for riding only grey horses. A defining moment in its history was the charge of The Royal Scots Greys at the battle of Waterloo, where they captured the eagle of the 45th Regiment of the Line and from and the unit’s cap-badge originates.
Captain Alexander Humphries said:
“It was absolutely appropriate that we led this part of the procession; from our Home Headquarters in Edinburgh Castle, and past the tomb of Ensign Ewart who captured the French Eagle at Waterloo on his Grey.”
This time last year, Captain Humphries and Captain Cooper were deployed to Mali as part of the Long-Range Reconnaissance Group, conducting patrols of up to 1500km in length to provide intelligence to the United Nations mission.
Captain Jonathan Cooper added:
“My squadron watched the Platinum Jubilee, and the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II from Mali. The sense of pride was paramount despite being so far away. Commanding soldiers on operations will forever be the privilege of my military career but being mounted on parade to welcome The King and Queen to Scotland is a very close second.”
Warrant Officer Class II Frank Kyle felt:
“It was a great honour to be asked to ride in this historic event which will go down as another highlight of my career”.
The Plume of the Prince of Wales with its motto ‘Ich Dien', meaning ‘I Serve’, is worn by all members of the Regiment embroidered on the upper part of the left sleeve. The right to wear this badge was granted to the 3rd Dragoon Guards in 1765, subsequently became their cap badge and later formed the badge of the 3rd Carabiniers.
Corporal Andrew McLean said:
“It was an incredible honour to be representing the regiment, the British Army, and Scotland on parade.”
Later this year, the regiment will complete a battlegroup validation exercise prior to taking over as the lead reconnaissance force for NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Land) and will be poised to respond throughout 2024.
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