The 2nd Dragoon Guards was raised in 1685, and in 1687 called "The 3rd
Horse," then "The Princess of Wales's Own Royal Regiment of Horse,"
in 1727 "The Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Horse," in 1746 "The 2nd
Queen's Bays, or 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards," and in 1767 its
present title of "Queen's Bays," from the circumstances of the corps
being entirely mounted on bay chargers, the other heavy regiments
(except the Scots Greys) having black horses. The regiment was much
distinguished for its gallantry at the battle of Almanza, and in
Flanders under King William.
Nicknames: At one time known as the "Rusty Buckles," and more popularly
as "The Bays."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)
On Standard, The Plume of the Prince of Wales. The Rising Sun in
second corner, and the Red Dragon of Cadwaller in the third corner.
"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Warburg,"
"Beaumont," "Willems," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Vittoria,"
"Peninsula," "Abyssinia," "South Africa, 1901-02."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Yellow.
_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with black and red plume; band, red and
white plume.
_Forage cap_, Blue with yellow band.
Linked Regiment, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers).
Special arm badge for Sergeants, Prince of Wales's Plume.