Famous Members
Duke of Westminster - the third richest person in Britian
The Duke joined the Territorial Army in 1970 as a trooper. Read how he became Colonel Commandant Yeomanry of the Royal Armoured Corps.
James Blunt - champion skier of the Royal Armoured Corps
The singer/songwriter of You're Beautiful was captain of the Household Cavalry Alpine ski team, where he eventually came 26th out of the entire Army.
Further Reading
Articles from February 2009
- Dragoon Guards to be honoured by march
- Prince Harry set back in latest flying test
- Blunt to play in Sofia
Subscribe to articles by RSS.Dragoon Guards to be honoured by march
26th February 2009
BRAVE soldiers returning home after battling the Taliban in Afghanistan could be honoured with a double celebration this summer...
Members of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) may be given the chance to march through the streets if they are granted the freedom of the City and County of Swansea to mark their 50th anniversary.
The regiment was formed on January 1, 1959, when the 1st King's Dragoon Guards was amalgamated with the 2nd Dragoon Guards, better known as the Queen's Bays.
It would be the first time the regiment has been recognised in such a way. Councillors are expected to rubber-stamp the move next Thursday at a full meeting of the authority.
If it goes ahead, the soldiers, who have faced the challenges of bringing security to war-torn Helmand Province, will march with their bayonets fixed and colours flying on July 11.
A formal freedom ceremony at the Guildhall is also proposed.
Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, said it would be an extra special celebration.
He said: "2009 is a momentous year for our city because it's the 40th anniversary of city status being granted to us by the Queen.
"On top of that, it's the 50th anniversary year of the 1st The QDG being formed and offering them the Freedom of the City would also be our way of recognising their commitment during a six-month tour of duty of Afghanistan.
"Some of the soldiers have been recruited from Swansea, and I'm sure there would be no prouder moment for them than for their families to see them being publicly honoured," he added.
The highest honour the city can give has already been awarded in the past to former American president Jimmy Carter, the late John Charles, HMS Scott and The Royal Welsh Regiment (Royal Welch Fusiliers).
Lieutenant-Colonel Alan Richmond, commanding officer of the regiment, previously told the Post he hoped readers would pour out onto the streets in recognition of the efforts the boys had made in Afghanistan.
"It would be the first time that we would be given the freedom of Swansea — it would be a real honour," he added.