Intro
Uncover the elite units of the British Army with our list of the top 10 British Army regiments. From storied infantry regiments like the Grenadier Guards to specialized units like the SAS, explore the rich history and impressive achievements of Britains finest military units, highlighting their bravery, honor, and sacrifice.
The British Army has a long and storied history, with a plethora of esteemed regiments that have served with honor and distinction. From the storied Scots Guards to the storied Grenadier Guards, each regiment has its own unique history, traditions, and contributions to the rich tapestry of British military history.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 British Army regiments, highlighting their histories, traditions, and notable achievements.
1. Scots Guards
The Scots Guards are one of the oldest and most prestigious regiments in the British Army, with a history dating back to 1642. As part of the Guards Division, the Scots Guards have served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars.
The Scots Guards are known for their iconic tartan kilts and bearskin hats, which are a symbol of their Scottish heritage. The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including Field Marshal Douglas Haig, who commanded the British Expeditionary Force during World War I.
2. Grenadier Guards
The Grenadier Guards are another highly respected regiment in the British Army, with a history dating back to 1656. As part of the Guards Division, the Grenadier Guards have served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars.
The Grenadier Guards are known for their distinctive bearskin hats and scarlet tunics, which are a symbol of their elite status. The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including King George V, who served as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards.
3. Coldstream Guards
The Coldstream Guards are one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, with a history dating back to 1650. As part of the Guards Division, the Coldstream Guards have served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars.
The Coldstream Guards are known for their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, which are a symbol of their elite status. The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including Field Marshal Sir George Wade, who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army during the 18th century.
4. Royal Anglian Regiment
The Royal Anglian Regiment is a British Army regiment that was formed in 1964, through the amalgamation of the 1st East Anglian Regiment and the 2nd East Anglian Regiment. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.
The Royal Anglian Regiment is known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with three crowns and a motto that reads "Virtutis Fortitudo". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including Lieutenant General Sir Rupert Smith, who served as the Commander of the British Army's 1st Armoured Division during the Gulf War.
5. Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment is a British Army regiment that was formed in 1992, through the amalgamation of the Queen's Regiment and the Royal Hampshire Regiment. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.
The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment is known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with a cross of St George and a motto that reads "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including General Sir David Richards, who served as the Chief of the General Staff of the British Army.
6. Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are a British Army regiment that was formed in 1971, through the amalgamation of the 3rd Carabiniers and the Royal Scots Greys. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with a cross of St Andrew and a motto that reads " Sans Tache". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, who commanded the British Expeditionary Force during World War I.
7. Royal Tank Regiment
The Royal Tank Regiment is a British Army regiment that was formed in 1917, as the Tank Corps. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and the Gulf War.
The Royal Tank Regiment is known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with a tank and a motto that reads "Fear Naught". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including General Sir John Hackett, who served as the Commander of the British Army's 4th Armoured Division during World War II.
8. Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers are a British Army regiment that was formed in 1716, as the Corps of Engineers. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars.
The Royal Engineers are known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with a wheel and a motto that reads "Ubique". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including Field Marshal Sir John Fox Burgoyne, who served as the Chief of the General Staff of the British Army during the 19th century.
9. Parachute Regiment
The Parachute Regiment is a British Army regiment that was formed in 1942, as the Parachute Battalion. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including World War II, the Gulf War, and the War in Afghanistan.
The Parachute Regiment is known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with a wing and a motto that reads "Utrinque Paratus". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including General Sir John Hackett, who served as the Commander of the British Army's 4th Armoured Division during World War II.
10. Special Air Service
The Special Air Service is a British Army regiment that was formed in 1941, as a special forces unit. The regiment has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including World War II, the Gulf War, and the War in Afghanistan.
The Special Air Service is known for their distinctive cap badge, which features a shield with a wing and a motto that reads "Who Dares Wins". The regiment has also produced several notable figures, including General Sir John Hackett, who served as the Commander of the British Army's 4th Armoured Division during World War II.
British Army Regiments Image Gallery
What is the oldest regiment in the British Army?
+The oldest regiment in the British Army is the Scots Guards, which was formed in 1642.
What is the most prestigious regiment in the British Army?
+The most prestigious regiment in the British Army is the Grenadier Guards, which has served with distinction in numerous conflicts.
What is the role of the Special Air Service?
+The Special Air Service is a special forces unit that conducts covert operations and provides training to other military units.
We hope you have enjoyed this article on the top 10 British Army regiments. Each of these regiments has a rich history and has served with distinction in numerous conflicts. We would love to hear your thoughts and comments on this article, so please feel free to share them below.