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."
[Illustration]
(_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).