The King’s Royal Hussars (KRH) is one of the most prestigious cavalry regiments in the British Army, renowned for its rich heritage, distinguished service history, and modern operational capabilities. Formed on December 4, 1992, through the amalgamation of two historic regiments, The Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own) and the 14th/20th King’s Hussars, the KRH continues the traditions and battle honors of its antecedent units while maintaining a modern and adaptable approach to military operations.

Historical Background

The Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own)

The Royal Hussars was formed in 1969 from the merger of two historic regiments, the 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own) and the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own). Both regiments were established in the late 17th century and earned reputations for their gallant service in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars.

• 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own): Raised in 1715, the regiment served with distinction in campaigns such as the Peninsula War and the Battle of Waterloo.
• 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own): Established in 1715, the 11th Hussars were known for their service in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.

The 14th/20th King’s Hussars

Formed in 1922 by amalgamating the 14th King’s Hussars and the 20th Hussars, both of which had illustrious histories:

• 14th King’s Hussars: Raised in 1715, the regiment had notable service in the Napoleonic Wars, including the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Waterloo.
• 20th Hussars: Established in 1759, this regiment was known for its service in the Second Boer War and World War I.

Structure and Organization

The King’s Royal Hussars are part of the Royal Armoured Corps and are structured into several squadrons, each with specific roles and responsibilities. They are equipped with the Challenger 2 main battle tank, a highly advanced and formidable vehicle.

Key Components:

1. A Squadron: Often tasked with reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions.
2. B Squadron: Equipped with main battle tanks for heavy armored engagements.
3. C Squadron: Similar to B Squadron, focusing on armored warfare.
4. D Squadron: Provides support with a variety of armored vehicles, including those used for logistical and engineering tasks.
5. Headquarters Squadron: Manages the regiment’s logistics, administration, and command functions.

Operational Role

The King’s Royal Hussars are trained for a wide range of military operations, reflecting their diverse capabilities:

1. Armored Warfare: Engaging in direct combat with enemy forces using their Challenger 2 tanks.
2. Reconnaissance: Conducting patrols and gathering intelligence on enemy positions and movements.
3. Peacekeeping: Participating in international peacekeeping missions, contributing to stability in conflict zones.
4. Support Operations: Providing logistical and engineering support in various military operations.
5. Training and Advisory: Assisting in the training and development of allied and partner nation forces.

Notable Deployments

Since its formation, The King’s Royal Hussars has been involved in numerous significant deployments, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness:

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Engaged in peacekeeping operations during the Yugoslav Wars, helping to maintain stability in the region.
2. Kosovo: Deployed as part of NATO’s peacekeeping efforts in the aftermath of the Kosovo War.
3. Iraq (Operation Telic): Played a vital role in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and subsequent stabilization efforts.
4. Afghanistan (Operation Herrick): Contributed to counter-insurgency operations and the training of Afghan security forces.
5. Estonia: Participated in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence, contributing to the deterrence and defense posture in Eastern Europe.

Traditions and Culture

The King’s Royal Hussars maintain a rich set of traditions, reflecting their historical roots and regimental pride:

1. Motto: “Ich Dien” (I Serve), reflecting their dedication and service.
2. Cap Badge: Combines elements from both antecedent regiments, featuring the Hanoverian White Horse and the Prussian Eagle, symbolizing their heritage.
3. Regimental Marches: “The Royal Hussars Slow March” and “Regimental Quick March,” reflecting their cavalry traditions.
4. Regimental Days: Celebrating significant historical events and battles from their antecedent regiments.
5. Regimental Museum: The KRH maintains a museum that showcases its history, including artifacts, uniforms, and records of past service.

Modern Role and Adaptability

The King’s Royal Hussars continue to evolve to meet the demands of contemporary military operations. Their adaptability ensures they remain capable of responding to a wide range of scenarios, from high-intensity conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Continuous investment in training, equipment, and personnel development keeps the regiment at the forefront of the British Army’s operational capabilities.

Conclusion

The King’s Royal Hussars embody the enduring legacy of British cavalry, combining historical traditions with modern military effectiveness. As a versatile and capable regiment, they continue to serve with distinction in various operational theatres, upholding their motto “Ich Dien.” The King’s Royal Hussars remain a vital and respected component of the British Army, demonstrating versatility, courage, and excellence in all their endeavors.