5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) DRAGOON GUARDS
The 5th Dragoon Guards was raised in 1685, and was then the "Seventh Horse." During Marlborough's campaigns it won fame on many fields. Led by General Cadogan in person they rode down the Bavarian Horse Grenadier Guards, and drove them through the French infantry in rear, capturing many standards. Its present full title, was given it in 1804, after the Irish rebellion of 1798. During this latter period it was familiarly known as the "Green Horse," from its facings, and the "Green Dragoon Guards." During the Crimean War the regiment took part at Balaklava in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade, led by their Colonel, Yorke-Scarlett.
Nicknames: "The Old Farmers" on account of their lengthened stay in Ireland, and the "Green Horse."
(Depot, Newport, Mon.)
"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Warburg," "Willems," "Sevastopol," "Delhi, 1857," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Uniform, Blue.
Facings, White.
Head-dress, Brass helmet with white plume; band, red plume.
Forage cap, Blue with white band.
In 1851 the colour of the tunic was changed from scarlet to blue.
Linked Regiment, 3rd (Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Guards.
Allied Regiments, 1st and 2nd Mounted Rifles (Natal Carabineers of South Africa).