| Royal Tank Regiment | |
|---|---|
 Cap badge of the Royal Tank Regiment | |
| Active | 28 July 1917 – present |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Armoured |
| Role | Tank warfare CBRN reconnaissance |
| Size | Regiment |
| Part of | 12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team |
| Garrison/HQ | RHQ –Bovington Regiment –Tidworth |
| Motto | Fear Naught |
| March | Quick:My Boy Willie Slow:The Royal Tank Regiment Slow March |
| Anniversaries | First World War *Cambrai, 20 November Second World War Korean War Iraq War |
| Battle honours | seeBattle Honours |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel-in-Chief | King Charles III |
| Commanding Officer | Lt Col Mark Luson |
| Notable commanders | Lt GenSir Hugh Elles Maj GenSir Percy Hobart |
| Insignia | |
| Tactical Recognition Flash | .PNG) |
| Tartan | Hunting Rose (Pipes and Drums kilts and plaids) |
| Arm Badge | Tank |
| Abbreviation | RTR |
TheRoyal Tank Regiment (RTR) is the oldest tank unit in the world, being formed by theBritish Army in 1916 during theFirst World War. Today, it is anarmouredregiment equipped withChallenger 2 main battle tanks and structured under12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team. Formerly known as theTank Corps and theRoyal Tank Corps, it is part of theRoyal Armoured Corps.
The formation of the Royal Tank Regiment followed the invention of thetank. Tanks were first used at theBattle of Flers–Courcelette in September 1916 during theBattle of the Somme in theFirst World War.[1] They were at first considered artillery,[2] and crews received artillery pay.[3] At that time the six tank companies were grouped as theHeavy Section of theMachine Gun Corps (MGC). In November 1916 the eight companies then in existence were each expanded to form battalions (still identified by the letters A to H) and designated the Heavy Branch MGC; another seven battalions, I to O, were formed by January 1918, when all the battalions were changed to numbered units. On 28 July 1917, the Heavy Branch was separated from the rest of the Corps byRoyal Warrant and given official status as theTank Corps.[4] The formation of new battalions continued and, by December 1918, 26 had been created though only 25 battalions were equipped with tanks, as the 17th had converted to armoured cars in April 1918. The first commander of the Tank Corps wasHugh Elles. The Corps saw much action at theBattle of Cambrai in November 1917.[4]
After the war, the Tank Corps was trimmed down to a central depot and four battalions: the2nd,3rd,4th and5th battalions.[5] On 18 October 1923,[6] it was officially given the titleRoyal making it theRoyal Tank Corps (RTC) by Colonel-in-ChiefKing George V. It was at this time that themotto, "Fear Naught", theblack beret, and the unit badge were adopted.[5] In 1933, the6th Battalion, RTC was formed in Egypt by combining the personnel of the 3rd and 5th Regular Army Armoured Car Companies. In 1934, the1st (Light) Battalion, RTC was formed in England with personnel drawn from the 2nd, 3rd & 5th Battalions.[5] With the preparations for war in the late 1930s, two more Regular Army battalions were formed: the7th in 1937 and the8th in 1938. In the latter half of 1938, six TA infantry battalions were converted to tank battalions; with a further six created in 1939 following the "duplication" of the TA.[5]
During the early 1920s, the Tank Corps was augmented by 20armoured car companies: twelveRegular Army, created using MGC elements; and eightTerritorial Army (TA) created by the reduction and conversion ofYeomanry regiments. Eight of the Regular Army companies were later converted into independentlight tank companies; all twelve companies had been disbanded by the outbreak of the Second World War.
On 4 April 1939, the Royal Tank Corps was renamed theRoyal Tank Regiment and became a wing of the newly createdRoyal Armoured Corps. The eightYeomanry Armoured Car Companies of the RTR were activated and transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps. Before theSecond World War, Royal Tank Corps recruits were required to be at least 5 feet 4 inches tall. They initially enlisted for six years with the colours and a further six years with the reserve. They trained at the Royal Tank Corps Depot atBovington Camp,Dorset for about eight months.[5]
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At the outbreak of war, the regiment consisted of 20 battalions, 8 regular and 12 territorial.
During the course of the war, four "hostilities-only" battalions were formed: the9th,10th,11th and12th. 11 RTR formed part of79th Armoured Division (a specialist group operating vehicles known as "Hobart's Funnies"), initially equipped with "Canal Defence Light" tanks, it converted to "Buffalo" (the British service name for the USLanding Vehicle Tracked) not long afterD-Day and participated in theamphibious landing on Walcheren island and theassault crossing of the Rhine.Prime MinisterWinston Churchill was ferried across the Rhine in a Buffalo from 'C' Squadron, 11RTR.[14]
The Regiment's numerous units took part in countless battles in the Second World War, including theBattle of Dunkirk,El Alamein,Italian Campaign, Burma Campaign andD-Day landings of 6 June 1944.Field MarshalSir Bernard Law Montgomery would frequently wear the regiment's beret, with his Field Marshal's badge sewn on next to the regimental cap badge, as it was more practical whilst travelling on a tank than either a formal peaked hat or the Australian slouch hat he previously wore.[15]
After service in theKorean War, the RTR was reduced through various amalgamations, firstly, in 1959–60:[16]
In 1969, 5RTR was disbanded, while, in 1992 underOptions for Change, 4RTR amalgamated with 1RTR, and 3RTR amalgamated with 2RTR.[16]
The Royal Tank Regiment continued to see action including missions inBosnia and Herzegovina andKosovo. Elements of 1RTR were deployed toAfghanistan in 2002 and both regiments were involved in theinvasion of Iraq, with the 2RTR battlegroup involved in takingBasra. Both regiments continued deployments toIraq and Afghanistan, with the final tour to Afghanistan taking place in 2013.[16]
On 2 August 2014, 1RTR and 2RTR amalgamated atBulford, and for the first time in its history the Royal Tank Regiment became a "Single Battalion" regiment. The new regiment is titled theRoyal Tank Regiment.[17]
Ajax is the youngest squadron within the amalgamated Royal Tank Regiment. The previous squadron to bear the name was disbanded in 1993, but the currentAjax Squadron upholds the long-standing traditions of both 1 RTR and 2 RTR (formerlyA Squadron andAjax).[18]
During the First World War, on April 24, 1918, the first recorded tank-on-tank engagement occurred during theSecond Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.A Company, operating aMk IV tank under the command of Lieutenant Frank Mitchell, engaged threeGerman A7Vs and emerged victorious.[19] The company continued to see intense combat for the remainder of the war, including at theBattle of Amiens, where British forces advanced up to 20 miles through enemy lines.[18]
The squadron’s predecessors played a significant role in the Second World War, fighting in key battles across Tobruk, Burma, Iraq, Syria, and Italy. After 1945, 1 RTR was deployed to Hong Kong as the last regular unit to operate theComet tank.A Squadron took part in 1 RTR’s deployment to Korea between 1952 and 1953, where the regiment fired 24,000 main armament rounds in support of theCommonwealth Division. Subsequent deployments included Aden in 1965, whereA Squadron operated fromlanding ship, tanks (LST) around the Persian Gulf. During the Troubles, the regiment conducted multiple dismounted operational tours in Northern Ireland, including rotations through the infamousMaze prison.[18]
In 1977,Ajax (2 RTR) transitioned into a medium reconnaissance squadron, equipped withCVR(T) Scorpion andScimitar vehicles.[20] The squadron later reequipped withChallenger 1 tanks in 1984 while stationed inFallingbostel, Germany.[20] Following the amalgamation of 2 RTR and 3 RTR in 1992,[20]AJAX was disbanded, and 1 RTR restructured its squadrons as A, D, G, and H in tribute to the original Heavy Branch of theMachine Gun Corps.[18]
By 1997,A Squadron was assigned the role of the training and demonstration armored squadron within theLand Warfare Centre Battlegroup atHarman Lines. Personnel rotated through tank and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) roles while also supporting other squadrons in operations such as Op TELIC and Op HERRICK.[18]
During the 2014 amalgamation of 1 RTR and 2 RTR,[21]A Squadron continued the legacy of 1 RTR under the reestablished nameAjax.[18]
During the First World War,B Battalion of the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps evolved intoB Battalion of the Tank Corps before eventually becoming the2nd Battalion Tank Corps. The battalion took part in 11 major engagements, including battles atMessines,Ypres,Cambrai, and Villers-Bretonneux. Its performance in combat was highly regarded, earning 116 gallantry awards, including 33 Military Crosses and 50 Military Medals.[18]
By the time the Second World War began, the battalion had transitioned from the 2nd Battalion Tank Corps to the2nd Battalion Royal Tank Corps, eventually becoming the2nd Royal Tank Regiment with the formation of the Royal Armoured Corps in 1939. The regiment saw action in every theater of the war, initially on the Western Front before moving to North Africa, where it engaged in tank battles atSidi Omar,Beda Fomm, andSidi Barrani, as well as in a dismounted role during theSiege of Tobruk.[18]
Following the conclusion of the Western Desert campaign, the regiment deployed to India and Burma, where it introduced an unconventional use of armored vehicles in mountainous jungle terrain. Despite the difficult conditions, the regiment effectively engaged Japanese forces in an environment not traditionally suited for tanks, earning recognition from both Winston Churchill andField Marshal Slim.[18]
After completing operations in India and Burma, the regiment underwent training in Iraq and Syria before participating in the Italian campaign. It fought its way from the beaches of Sicily to the River Po, demonstrating adaptability by transitioning from desert warfare to close-quarters combat. The campaign concluded with the regiment crossing the Alps into Austria at the time of Germany’s surrender.[18]
Post-war, the regiment was stationed in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine, with garrisons in Fallingbostel and Hohne, while also conducting peacekeeping operations in Northern Ireland. In 1992, it merged with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment. Throughout the 1990s, the regiment continued peacekeeping deployments, serving in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Bosnia.[18]
In 2003, the2nd Royal Tank Regiment deployed under the7th Armoured Brigade, The Desert Rats, leading the assault during Op TELIC 1 in Iraq. It returned to Iraq for further deployments, contributing forces to Op TELIC 2, 9, and 10, operating Challenger 2 andWarrior vehicles. Additionally, the regiment took part inOp HERRICK 6, 10, 11, 13, and 18 in Afghanistan, demonstrating its versatility by operatingViking,Warthog, andMastiff vehicles in diverse combat environments.[18]
Badger is named after the Mark IV Tank commanded by the Officer in Charge of B Battalion, Tank Corps, in 1917. This tradition led to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment’s practice of naming its Squadrons after the OC’s vehicle.[18]
During the First World War, sailors fromHMSCyclops were among the first crews to operate the newly developedlandships, which later became known as tanks. To honor their contribution,C Squadron of B Battalion, Tank Corps, was designatedCyclops in 1917. The squadron played an active role in both world wars.[18]
During the Second World War,Cyclops participated in campaigns across multiple regions, including France, Egypt, Singapore, Iraq, Syria, Italy, Austria, and Germany. In the post-war years, the squadron was primarily stationed in Germany and the United Kingdom. However, in 1959, it was deployed to Libya as an armoured car squadron. In 1962,Cyclops transitioned into a parachute armoured squadron, utilizing theHornet vehicle andMalkara anti-tank missiles to provide an anti-tank capability for16 Parachute Brigade.[22]
Returning to tanks in 1965, the squadron became an essential component of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment Battlegroup. Throughout the Cold War, it was frequently deployed on operations, including missions in Radfan, north of Aden in 1966, Cyprus in 1974, and multiple tours in Northern Ireland. Following the merger of the Second and Third Royal Tank Regiments in 1992, CYCLOPS remained part of the regimentalORBAT, though referred to asC Squadron, and was stationed in Fallingbostel, Germany. It officially reclaimed the nameCyclops in 2001.[18]
The squadron later took part in operations in Bosnia and Kosovo and played a role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Further deployments followed, including missions to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2013. In August 2014, after the First and Second Royal Tank Regiments merged, it was confirmed thatCyclops would continue as one of the regiment’s sabre squadrons, operating the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.[18]
The history of Dreadnaught traces back toD Company of the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps, which participated in the first-ever tank action on 15th September 1916. This company eventually developed intoD Battalion, then the4th Royal Tank Corps (RTC), and later theRoyal Tank Regiment (RTR). The regiment also honors the legacy of the 7th RTR, which merged with the 4th in 1959 after fighting alongside it throughout much of the war.[18]
In 1940, both the 4th and 7th regiments played a pivotal role in the courageousArras Counter-Attack against overwhelming opposition.[23] They were also instrumental in the defense of Calais, aiding theevacuation at Dunkirk.[23] The regiments went on to serve in the Western Desert, where they were awarded two Victoria Crosses (to Lt Col Foot and Capt Gardner MC).[24] Their antecedents also served in Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, andBAOR, among other locations. The most recent tour associated with the regiment was the deployment ofD Squadron on Operation HERRICK 11, where Viking armoured vehicles were used.[18]
The antecedents ofDreadnaught are among the most distinguished in the history of the RTR, contributing the Chinese Eye (now featured on all Armored Fighting Vehicles), the Pipes and Drums, and the Rose of Kilravocktartan to the regiment's heritage. The badge ofDreadnaught Squadron is oxford blue and white in honour of the 4th Royal Tank Regiment.[18]
F Squadron of 2 RTR was redesignated asE Squadron in 1996, and in 2000,Egypt Squadron was established from E Squadron. The following year, the squadron deployed to Kosovo on Op Agricola. In 2003, it participated in Op TELIC as part of the Black Watch Battlegroup before deploying to BATUS, where it spent a season asOPFOR. In 2006/07, the squadron returned to Iraq on Op TELIC 9/10, serving within the Kings Battlegroup.[18]
The squadron later undertook two operational tours in Afghanistan. The first, Op HERRICK 10/11, resulted in significant losses, with three fatalities and 20% of its personnel sustaining life-altering injuries. The second deployment took place during Op HERRICK 18.[18]
HQ Squadron of 1 RTR had its origins in the 1993 merger of 1 RTR and 4 RTR. The squadron was named in honor of the original company from the Heavy Machine Gun Corps. From 1993 to 1996, it was based in Tidworth, where it played a key role in the regiment’s relocation to Barker Barracks, Paderborn. It then supported the regiment through a demanding training year that included deployments to Grafenwoehr, Poland,BATUS, andOp TOSCA.[18]
Following this, HQ Squadron facilitated the regiment’s move toRAF Honington, where it transitioned into theJoint NBC Regiment.[25] During Op TELIC, it provided vital logistical support to the regiment. From 2003 until the 2014 amalgamation,HQ Squadron continued to play a crucial role in sustaining the regiment both in camp and on operations.[18]
The present-dayEgypt Squadron was formed fromHQ Squadron of 1 RTR andNero Squadron of 2 RTR following the amalgamation on August 2, 2014.[18]
FALCON traces its origins back toF Company of the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps. In November 1916, F Company was expanded intoF Battalion, which later becameF Battalion of the Tank Corps. In January 1918, it was re-designated as the6th Battalion of the Tank Corps. The unit saw extensive combat at the Battles of Messines, Passchendaele,[26] Cambrai, and Amiens, utilizingWhippet Mk A light tanks. Following theArmistice, the 6th Battalion was disbanded.[18]
In 2001,Falcon Squadron was re-formed as the fourth Challenger 2 squadron within the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. In 2003, the regiment deployed under the 7th Armoured Brigade, The Desert Rats, leading the assault during Op TELIC 1 in Iraq. By late 2005, FALCON Squadron became the first interim medium armour squadron, operating Scimitar CVR(T) vehicles before deploying to BATUS in 2006 for Ex PRAIRIE STORM, where it supported theRoyal Green Jackets light role Battlegroup. That same year, a troop from the squadron was sent to Belize in support of theIrish Guards, marking the first deployment of armour to a jungle environment since the late 1970s.[18]
In 2007, FALCON Squadron deployed as an independent sub-unit on Op HERRICK 6 in Afghanistan, becoming the first unit to operate MASTIFF vehicles. The squadron saw significant action as dismounted troops inLashkargah,Sangin, andFOB Fox, taking part in all major UK operations in the Sangin Valley area, which included several encounters with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Between late 2007 and 2010, the squadron participated in training exercises, range work, and deployments to BATUS. In 2010 and 2011, it returned to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 13, with elements operating across Helmand and Kandahar provinces. FALCON Squadron was disbanded in 2012.[18]
In 2014, it was re-established asFalcon (Area Survey and Reconnaissance) Squadron, providing the UK’s only CRN AS&R (Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear Area Survey and Reconnaissance) capability. In 2019, it came under the operational command of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN) as FALCON Squadron (C-CBRN). Today, the squadron functions as a specialist, live agent-trained, lightly armoured, all-wheeled reconnaissance unit.[18]
In 2018, FALCON Squadron deployed on Op MORLOP in Salisbury in response to theNovichok nerve agent attack,[27] while also sending a section to Estonia onOp CABRIT 3. The following year, 13 and 14 Troops were deployed to BATUS to test AS&R capabilities alongside a combined arms Battlegroup, while another troop conducted Ex TOXIC PATH in France.[18]
The regiment comes under the direct command of12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team, itself part of the3rd (UK) Division, the British Army's only armoured division. The 12th Armoured BCT contains three of the Army's four armoured regiments; the RTR, theKing's Royal Hussars (KRH), andRoyal Wessex Yeomanry (RWxY).[28]
Unlike the other armoured regiments, the Royal Tank Regiment also has aChemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance squadron,Falcon Squadron, operating theFuchs reconnaissance vehicle, which is manned by RTR soldiers but comes under the operational command of28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN).[29]
The regiment currently comprises six squadrons:[30]
Royal Tank Regiment, Headquarters atBulford Camp
As part of theFuture Soldier reforms, the regiment's reconnaissance troop will be equipped withAjax armoured fighting vehicles.[32]
The Royal Tank Regiment is equipped with 56Challenger 2s, a third-generation main battle tank that has been in service since 1998.
From 2027, the Challenger 2 will be replaced by the new fourth-generation Challenger 3,[33] which has a 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, providing commonality with theLeopard 2,M1 Abrams and otherNATO tanks (unlike Challenger 2's L30A1 rifled bore). The L55A1 has a longer barrel and the ability to handle higher chamber pressures.[34] The L55A1 allows Challenger 3 use of programmable high-explosive ammunition such as the DM11, enablingairburst capability. Under theHeavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme, Challenger 3 will receive an improved version of Challenger 2’s CV12-6A engine – CV12-8A – along with third-generationhydrogas suspension. The tank's survivability will also be increased, with the addition of theElbit Laser Warning System (ELAWS); capable of "detecting, categorising and accurately pinpointing laser sources such as range finders, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, target designators and infrared illuminators."[35] The Challenger 3 will further be equipped with theTrophy active protection system fromRafael Advanced Defense Systems,[36] which provides 360° azimuth protection from threats including "rockets toATGMs andHigh-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds".[37]
The structure is as follows:[38]
Squadron Headquarters
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 10D | Ajax |
| Challenger 2 | 10E | Argyle |
1 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 11A | Abdullah |
| Challenger 2 | 11B | Ace |
| Challenger 2 | 11C | Aggressive |
| Challenger 2 | 11D | Achilles |
2 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 12A | Adsum |
| Challenger 2 | 12B | Arethusa |
| Challenger 2 | 12C | Albatross |
| Challenger 2 | 12D | Apollo |
3 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 13A | Appolyon |
| Challenger 2 | 13B | Amazon |
| Challenger 2 | 13C | Artemus |
| Challenger 2 | 13D | Autogophasta |
The structure is as follows:[39]
Squadron Headquarters
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 20D | Badger |
| Challenger 2 | 20E | Battle Axe |
4 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 21A | Bandit |
| Challenger 2 | 21B | Bedouin |
| Challenger 2 | 21C | Bogey |
| Challenger 2 | 21D | Bansgee |
5 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 22A | Black Arrow |
| Challenger 2 | 22B | Bally Hackle |
| Challenger 2 | 22C | Bayardo |
| Challenger 2 | 22D | Brigand |
6 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 23A | Buccaneer |
| Challenger 2 | 23B | Buffoon |
| Challenger 2 | 23C | Bison |
| Challenger 2 | 23D | Blackleg |
The structure is as follows:[40]
Squadron Headquarters
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 30D | Cyclops |
| Challenger 2 | 30E | Cynic |
7 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 31A | Conqueror |
| Challenger 2 | 31B | Challenger |
| Challenger 2 | 31C | Comet |
| Challenger 2 | 31D | Chieftain |
8 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 32A | Caesar |
| Challenger 2 | 32B | Claudius |
| Challenger 2 | 32C | Caligula |
| Challenger 2 | 32D | Cleopatra |
9 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 33A | Cobra |
| Challenger 2 | 33B | Chin |
| Challenger 2 | 33C | Cornwall |
| Challenger 2 | 33D | Compo |
The structure is as follows:[41]
Squadron Headquarters
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 40D | Dreadnaught |
| Challenger 2 | 40E | Despot |
10 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 41A | Delilah |
| Challenger 2 | 41B | Desmond |
| Challenger 2 | 41C | Delia |
| Challenger 2 | 41D | Delicia |
11 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 42A | Darius |
| Challenger 2 | 42B | Demon II |
| Challenger 2 | 42C | Dracula |
| Challenger 2 | 42D | Die Hard |
12 Troop
| Tank | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2 | 61A | Daredevil |
| Challenger 2 | 61B | Death's Head |
| Challenger 2 | 62A | Deliverance |
| Challenger 2 | 62B | Devil |
The structure is as follows:[42]
13 Troop (Vanguard)
| Vehicle | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Fuchs | 11B | Fums Up |
| Fuchs | 11C | Formidable |
| Fuchs | 11D | Flirt |
| Fuchs | 11E | Fervent |
14 Troop (Main Body)
| Vehicle | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Fuchs | 12B | Ferocious |
| Fuchs | 12C | Frisky |
| Fuchs | 12D | Flying Fox |
| Fuchs | 12E | Firefly |
The Tank Museum, the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and Royal Armoured Corps, is atBovington Camp inDorset.[43] The collection traces thehistory of the tank with almost 300 vehicles on display.[44] It includesTiger 131, the only working example of a GermanTiger I tank, and a British First World WarMark I, the world's oldest surviving combat tank.[45]
The battle honours of the regiment are:[46]
Arras Counter Attack,Calais 1940,St. Omer-La Bassée, Somme
Sidi Barrani,Beda Fomm, Sidi Suleiman,Tobruk 1941,Sidi Rezegh 1941, Belhamed, Gazala, Cauldron, Knightsbridge,Defence of Alamein Line, Alam el Halfa,El Alamein,Mareth, Akarit, Fondouk, El Kourzia, Medjez Plain,Tunis
Primosole Bridge, Gerbini, Adrano
Sangro,Salerno, Volturno Crossing, Garigliano Crossing,Anzio, Advance to Florence,Gothic Line, Coriano, Lamone Crossing,Rimini Line, Argenta Gap
Odon, Caen, Bourguébus Ridge, Mont Pincon, Falaise, Nederrijn,Scheldt, Venlo Pocket,Rhineland,Rhine,Bremen
Abyssinia 1940,Greece 1941,Burma 1942
Colonels-Commandant have been:[48]
| Name | Colonel Commandant | Representative |
|---|---|---|
| Major General SirJohn Capper KCB KCVO | 1917–1923 (Director General) | |
| Major General Sir John Capper KCB KCVO | 1923–1934 | |
| Major General SirErnest Swinton KBE CB DSO | 1934–1938 | 1934–1938 |
| Field Marshal SirArchibald Montgomery-Massingberd GCB KCMG LLD ADC | 1934–1939 | |
| General SirHugh Elles KCB KCMG KCVO DSO | 1934–1945 | 1939 |
| Major GeneralG M Lindsay CB CMG DSO | 1938–1947 | 1940–1943 |
| Lieutenant General SirCharles Broad KCB DSO | 1939–1948 | 1944–1947 |
| Field Marshal TheViscount Montgomery of Alamein KG GCB DSO DL | 1939–1948 | 1944–1947 |
| Major General SirPercy Hobart KBE CB DSO MC | 1947–1951 | 1948–1951 |
| General SirJohn Crocker GCB KBE DSO MC | 1949–1961 | |
| Major General N W Duncan CB CBE DSO | 1952–1959 | 1952–1957 |
| Major GeneralH R B Foote VC CB DSO | 1957–1964 | 1958–1961 |
| Lieutenant General SirHarold Pyman KCB CBE DSO | 1959–1965 | |
| Major GeneralH M Liardet CB CBE DSO DL | 1961–1967 | 1962–1967 |
| Major General SirAlan Jolly CB CBE DSO | 1965–1968 | |
| Field Marshal SirMichael Carver GCB CBE DSO MC ADC | 1968–1973 | 1970–1971 |
| Major General P R C Hobart CB DSO OBE MC | 1968–1978 | 1971–1974 |
| General SirRichard Ward CB DSO MC | 1970–1976 | 1974–1976 |
| Lieutenant General SirAllan Taylor KBE MC | 1973–1980 | |
| Major General J G R Allen CB | 1976–1981 | 1977–1980 |
| Major General R L C Dixon CB MC | 1978–1983 | 1982–1983 |
| Lieutenant General SirRichard Lawson KCB DSO MC | 1980–1982 | 1980–1982 |
| Major General I H Baker CBE | 1981–1986 | |
| Major General R M Jerram MBE | 1982–1988 | 1983–1985 |
| General SirAntony Walker KCB | 1983–1987 | 1985–1991 |
| Major General SirLaurence New CB CBE | 1986–1992 | |
| Lieutenant General SirJeremy Blacker KCB | 1988–1994 | |
| Name | Colonel Commandant | Deputy Colonel Commandant |
| Major General R W M McAfee CB | 1995–1999 | 1993–1994 |
| Brigadier A C I Gadsby | 1994–2000 | |
| Lieutenant GeneralA P Ridgway CB CBE | 1999–2006 | 1995–1999 |
| Lieutenant GeneralA D Leakey CMG CBE | 2006–2010 | 1999–2006 |
| Major GeneralP Gilchrist CB | 2000–2008 | |
| Lieutenant GeneralSir Christopher Deverell KCB MBE | 2010–2015 | 2006–2010 |
| Brigadier S Caraffi MBE ADC | 2008–2010 | |
| Brigadier P J Allison | 2010–2015 | |
| Brigadier P D P Hankinson MBE | 2012–2015 | |
| Brigadier I J Gibb CBE | 2015–2018 | |
| Major General J R Patterson | 2015–2018 | |
| Brigadier G J Thompson | 2018–Present[49] | 2015–2018 |
| Colonel J M Williams | 2018–Unknown | |
| Brigadier N J Cowey MBE | 2019–Present[49] |
The Uniform of the Royal Tank Regiment is unique in many ways to the rest of the Royal Armoured Corps and British Army:
Much of the uniform and equipment of soldiers during the First World War was quite impractical for use inside a tank. In particular, the vision apertures in a tank were so small that it was necessary to keep the eyes very close to them in order to get even a limited vision. Thus, any headdress with a peak was entirely unsuitable. In May 1918, General Elles and Colonel Fuller were discussing the future of the Tank Corps and its uniform and General Elles tried on a beret of the 70thChasseurs Alpins, which was billeted nearby. A black beret was selected as it would not show oil stains. No change in uniform was possible during the war, but after a prolonged argument with the War Office, the black beret was approved by King George V on 5 March 1924. The black beret remained the exclusive headdress of the Royal Tank Corps until its practical value was recognised by others and its use extended to the majority of the Royal Armoured Corps in 1940. On the introduction of the blue beret in 1949, the Royal Tank Regiment reclaimed its right to the exclusive use of the black beret, which may not be worn by any other Regiment or Corps with the exception of the Berkshire and Westminster Dragoons Squadron of The Royal Yeomanry.[50]
The wearing of black overalls is a custom reserved to the Regiment by Material Regulations for the Army, volume 3, Pamphlet No 4 (Code 13251). It stems from the Royal Review held at Aldershot in the presence of King George V on 13 July 1935 on which occasion black overalls were worn on parade by all ranks of the Royal Tanks Corps. The practice lapsed during the Second World War, but was re-introduced in the 1950s.[50]
Royal Tank Regiment officers and senior warrant officers also wear both a blackSam Browne and a black sword scabbard, while other ranks wear a black parade belt.[51]
The sleeve badge of a First World WarMk 1 tank preceded the formation of the Royal Tank Corps when it was worn by the Heavy Branch of theMachine Gun Corps.[52] Authorised on 7 May 1917, it is still worn today by all ranks on No.1 and No.2 dress and on their sleeve brassard on black overalls.[53]
During the First World War, walking sticks were often carried by officers. Such sticks came to have a new and more important use with the introduction of tanks, which often became 'bogged' on battlefields, particularly in Flanders. Officers of the Tank Corps used these sticks to probe the ground in front of their tanks testing for firmness as they went forward. Often, the commanders led their tanks into action on foot. To commemorate this, officers of the Regiment carry ash plant sticks instead of the short cane customary to other arms.[50]
| Preceded by | Royal Armoured Corps Order of Precedence | Succeeded by Last in the Royal Armoured Corps Order of Precedence |
Canada:12e Régiment blindé du Canada
Australia:1st Armoured Regiment
New Zealand:Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps New Zealand:Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles
India:2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse)
Pakistan:13th Lancers
Royal Navy:HMSKent
France:501e Régiment de chars de combat (Bond of Friendship)
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