reunion 2010

cyprus 1964

Who did capture that Eagle

Waterloo Medal-1815 (Lieut. George Gunning, 1stor Royal Dragoons.), original steel clip and ring suspension, light

edge bruise and some contact marks, otherwise good very fine Value Estimate £6,000-8,000

Lieutenant George Gunning; Ensign 17 th Foot 1804;Commanded Grenadier Company, 9th Foot at Vimiera; transferred

Lieutenant 1 st Dragoons, 1809; served in Captain Methuen’s 7th Troop, during the Waterloo Campaign (wounded) and led his troop

in the charge of the Union Brigade; he was also a claimant for killing the Officer in charge of the colour party bearing the Eagle

Of the 105th Regiment of Line, which was subsequently captured.

The Taking of the Eagle of French 105 th Ligne There is a certain amount of controversy surrounding the capture

of the 105th’ Eagle, with two claimants from the same regiment  contesting the honour, the first being Captain A. K.  Clark 1 st

Dragoons (later Lieutenant General), and the other being Corporal  F. Stiles (later Ensign 6 th West India Regiment).

At Waterloo, shortly before 2 p.m., the 105th as part of d’Erlon’s corps, advanced to attack Picton’s division. The 1 st Dragoons

Charged, and pushed back the French column thus exposing the Eagle. It is at this point that Clark laid his claim that it was he who

Spotted the Eagle being rushed back towards safety, and that it was he who charged forward to kill the officer guarding the Eagle.

He stipulated that as the standard fell to the ground he ordered  Corporal Stiles to secure it and carry it back to the rear.

Corporal  Stiles, however, contended that he captured the Eagle,after being given an order to attack it by his troop commander

Lieutenant Gunning.

Colonel Clifton (the commanding officer of the 1st Dragoons at the start of the battle), ordered an investigation into the affair. This

Enquiry continued into 1816 when Clifton sent for Stiles, informing him that he needed witnesses to substantiate his claim. As a result

of this Stiles wrote to his former troop commander Lieutenant  Gunning,

“Sir,

This day Colonel Clifton sent for me about the taking the Eagle and  Colours. He asked me if I had any person that see me take the

Eagle, I told him that you see me, I believe, as the officer of the  French was making away with it. I belonged to your troop at that

Time, and you gave me orders to charge him, which I did, and took it from him. When I stated it to him this day, he wants to know the

Particulars about it, and me to rite to you for you to state to him   how it was. I would thank you to rite to the Colonel as you was the

Nearest officer to me that day. Sir, by so doing, you will much  oblige. Stiles was twice promoted as a result of his claim, whereas Clark

did not receive anything directly for his claimed actions, this would   suggest that the powers that be recognised Stiles’ claim, which

was further supported by Gunning himself when he wrote to Major  General Sir H. Torens (22.2.1816),

“Sir,

It being believed that some military honour may be conferred in   consequence of the Eagles taken at the ever-memorable Battle of

Waterloo, induces me to state, for the consideration of his Royal  Highness the Commander-in-Chief, that it was by my orders that

Sergeant Stiles secured the Eagle of the 105th Regiment of French Infantry. I am enabled to prove this fact by Sergeant Stiles’ letter to

Me of the 31st ult. a copy of which I have the honour to enclose. I should have made this statement before, but my extreme ill state

of health, in consequence of my wounds received at the Battle of  Waterloo, has caused me to be absent from my regiment, and I did

Not consider it consistent to write to a Sergeant for the particulars   which he has now unsolicited sent to me. I have heard that other

claims are about to be made relative to the Eagle taken by   Sergeant Stiles; his letter proves most clearly it was by my orders he

Did secure the Eagle, and as no other officer was near me at   the time, I gave the order. I hope his Royal Highness, the

Commander-in-Chief, will consider that it was owing to my orders the Eagle was captured from the enemy; as had I acted differently

to what I did at that critical moment, I think the Eagle would not  have been taken from the enemy, which, by a personal interview, I

Think I could explain fully to the satisfaction of his Royal Highness.”

This remained unacceptable to Clark, who was twice wounded at  Waterloo, and during the next 23 years he made a further 10

Official complaints. Gunning added another note of controversy by later claiming in “Documents of the Gunning Family” (privately

Published in 1834), that it was he who killed the French officer in charge of the Colours. Whatever conclusions can be drawn from

This action, it is likely that in the heat of the battle several    individuals may have contributed to the capturing of the Eagle.

By my reading of this evidence Stiles took the Standard  , Gunning then killed the Standard bearer , and Clark who came upon the seen 

Ordered Stiles to the rear with the  Eagle  Claiming OFFICER Privilege  

Royals & Medal History

1st (Royal) Dragoons 1661 - 1969     Some Titles..   The Tangier Troop of Horse 1661 The Royal Regiment of Dragoons 1690 1st (Royal) Regiment of Dragoons 1751 1st (Royal) Dragoons 1877   Motto: Spectemur agendo = Let us be judged by our acts. Regimental Journal: The Eagle WWI Battle Honours; 18.    Victoria Crosses;1.    Died; 180 WWII Battle Honours; 15    Victoria Crosses; nil.     Died; ???? Amalgamated: 1969, with the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) to form The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)       Peninsula War 1808 - 1814 Military General Service Medal.  1793 - 1814 clasps: Total Medals Max clasps Busaco Fuentes d' Onor Vittoria Toulouse 148** 4* 1* 78 112 106   *The 4 clasp medal is to Assist. Surgeon  George Steed. **three officers (two staff list and one ADC) have 2 x Sahagun & Benevente, 1 x Badajos, 1 x Fuentes d' Onor, and 1 x Busaco and are not counted here. Three Pyrenees clasps are recorded for the regiment but Mullen states "Pyrenees must be an error for Toulouse" and are not shown here. Battle Honours: Fuentes d'Onor; Peninsula.       Battle of Waterloo 1815 Waterloo Medal 1815 number: 367   Captain Alexander Kennedy Clark captured the Eagle of the French 105th Regiment at Waterloo, A  symbol which later was to become the badge of the 1st Royal Dragoons. This fabulous object now resides in the National Army Museum. Battle Honour: Waterloo       Crimean War  1854 - 1856              Crimea Medal 1854 -56   clasp: → Alma Inkermann Balaklava Sebastopol Total Medals number: → 3 ?* 193 (approx) 241** 452 461   * A surgeon , a clerk, and an orderly to Lt Gen. The Earl of Lucan. **Heavy Brigade chargers 25/10/1854 also eligible for:- Turkish Crimea Medal 1855 Battle Honours: Balaclava,  Sebastopol.       The Nile Expedition 1884-5 A detachment of the 1st Royal Dragoons formed a component of the Heavy Camel Regiment Egypt and Sudan Medal 1882-89   clasp: The Nile 1884 -85 Abu Klea number: 47* 39**     * 3 officers and 43 other ranks served in the Heavy Camel Regiment plus one more officer of the regiment (Major Jackson ) in the Intelligence department. (Jackson was also present at Abu Klea and is counted here for both clasps.) **  13 men killed at Abu Klea and one more died of wounds the same day.     Recipients also entitled to a Khedive's Star dated 1884-6         South African War 1899 - 1902 or "Boer War"  (Nov 1899 - end of the war) Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902, with or without the King's South Africa Medal 1901 - 1902 Frequently encounterd clasps: Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; also:   clasp; Natal Relief of Ladysmith Tugela Heights Laing's Nek total names on roll number; 16 ? ? ? 1204     these three (with state clasps above) are a common combination for the regiment     As usual "odd men" create exceptions to the common patterns that are generally found; one notable individual  of the 1st Royal Dragoons (serving as war correspondent)  is Colonel Francis William Rhodes who received Relief of Mafeking, Orange Free State, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith. - Francis Rhodes was the brother of Cecil Rhodes.   Casualties: Officers* NCOs and Men KIA & DOW Wounded Missing / POW KIA & DOW Death from disease Wounded Missing / POW   2 2 1 10 47 27 51 *in addition two officers died from disease.   Battle Honours: Relief of Ladysmith; South Africa 1899 - 1902       The Great War 1914 - 1918    Regiment was in South Africa when war declared, sailed from Cape Town for the UK, Arriving 19/9/14 and joined 6th Cavalry Brigade. Landed Ostend 8th October 1914. Remained in the 'France and Flanders' theatre for the duration of the war.   Soldiers/Officers died records 180 deaths for the period.   Men landed France and Flanders prior to 1/1/1916 entitled to a 1914 or 1914-15 Star as appropriate. Also the British War Medal & Victory Medal   Battle Honours: Ypres 1914, 1915; Frezenberg; Loos; Arras 1917; Somme 1918; Amiens; Hindenburg Line; Cambrai 1918; Pursuit to Mons; France and Flanders 1914-18. Langemarck 1914; Gheluvelt; Nonne Bosschen; Scarpe 1917; St Quentin, Avre; Beaurevoir.   VCs: (1) Dunville (offsite)       Jewish / Arab Unrest, Palestine 1936 - 39 (1939) General Service Medal 1918 -62 clasp: Palestine number: ?         WW2 1939 - 1945    campaigns: North Africa & Middle East* Italy** North West Europe WW2 campaign stars:  Africa  Italy, France and Germany clasps: 8th Army - -   Most also entitled to the 39-45 Star & 1939-45 War Medal *Oct 1942. Divisional troops with 10th Armoured Division at the Battle of El Alamein with 46 Armoured Cars. **July 43, initially 'A' Squadron only present, Sicily landings, 4th Armoured Brigade. Rest of the regiment sent it Italy Oct 43 but returned to the UK Dec 43 to prep for operation Overlord.   Battle Honours:  Nederrijn; Rhine; North-West Europe 1944-5; Syria 1941; Knightsbridge; El Alamein; Advance on Tripoli; North Africa 1941-3; Sicily 1943; Italy 1943.Veghel; Msus; Gazala; Defence of Alamein Line; El Agheila.        Canal Zone 1951 - 1954 (1950 -54) General Service Medal 1918 -62 clasp: Canal Zone number: ?         The Malaya Emergency: Operations against Communist insurgents. 1948-60 General Service Medal 1918 - 62     clasp: Malaya number: ?         © This website and its contents are copyright. Images are digitally watermarked. © North East Medals, All Rights Reserved

Selected Links The Regimental Museum. (Located in )   Selected Bibliography   Author Title Publisher Cannon's Historical Records Series Historical Record of the First, or The Royal Regiment of Dragoons; containing an Account of the Formation in the reign of King Charles the Second, and of its subsequent Services to 1839.  London: Longman, Orme & Co., 1840.   General De Ainslie, Colonel of the Regiment. Historical Record of the First, or The Royal Regiment of Dragoons; containing an Account of its Formation in the reign of King Charles the Second, and of its subsequent Services to the Present Time.  London: Chapman & Hall Ltd., 1887 C. T. Atkinson. History of the Royal Dragoons, 1661-1934   547 pp Glasgow: printed for the Regiment by Robert Maclehose & Co. Ltd. [1934].  Lieut.-Col. E. Makins A Short History of The Royal Dragoons.  51 pp. Potchefstroom, S. Africa: " Het Westen " Printing Works, 1914. J. A. Pitt-Rivers. The Story of the Royal Dragoons, 1938-1945; being the history of the Royal Dragoons in the campaigns of North Africa, the Middle East, Italy and North-West Europe. 160 pp. London: William Clowes & Sons Ltd., 1956. Lieut.-Col. E. Makins. The Royals in South Africa, 1899-1902.  199 pp Potchefstroom, S. Africa published by The Editor of " The Eagle," The Royal Dragoons, 1914.         Additional Bibliography for this Page.   Author/Compiler Title Publisher Officers of the Regiment. Unpublished rolls in the care of the National Archives; WO 100/ etc. -               Additional bibliography same as Northumberland Fusiliers page

REUNION PHOTO,S

Now come on all you guys that took photos at the Reunion please lets see many more
regards derek

Tony Mustoe's grave.

This is an early photo of Tony's grave in Muscat.

No 2 is how it is now

This is a message from Ian Taylor on behalf of Ann via Brian

Bri,
Firstly,Ann would like to say a big thank you to all former Royals that kindly sent her the flowers,she was surpised and touched by this gesture and she would like you to pass on to them all her heartfelt thanks and hopes to be with you next year.

I'll speak to you later.

Ian

1st The Royal Dragoons Reunion 2011

Start:	Jun 18, '11 2:00p
End:	Jun 19, '11 10:30a

The reunion next year will be held at the same venue as this year, The Fradley Arms, and accommodation at the Premier Inn, A number of members that were at this years reunion have booked in again for next year so if you are hoping to attend I suggest that you get booked in ASAP, If you book in and find that you are unable to attend it will not cost you anything, all I ask is if you cannot make it let me know personally and I will cancel for you and book your room to the next person on my list that needs a room, in this way I can keep the Premier Inn for the members. The direct phone no for the Premier Inn is;- 01283791750.

PAUL HEAL

Welcome to the ROYALS BB Paul nice to have you onboard now you can keep your Dad updated as to what goes on..Paul is the son of EX ROYAL BRIAN HEAL.if you get any problems Paul email me and i will try to help or email John Atkins the webmaster

regards derek

PHOTO'S OF THE 2010 REUNION

I wanted to take the photo's that showed members doing things naturally rather than taking them of members posing as much as possible.

1st The Royal Dragoons reunion 2010

Dear all, here are the photographs I took on Sunday at the National Memorial Arboretum. My father and I got a wee bit lost so arrived a little late, just as the service was finishing, but just in time for the Group photo! I didn't have my camera with me on the Saturday evening but I know others were snapping away! You are a great bunch of guys and made us feel very welcome....Thankyou! John ( Son of Frank Sullivan)

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to Stuart Mackay, have a good one young man, and don't get too much ale down you and try riding them horses.

Royals Reunion 2010

To all members,
May I thank Derek and Denis for their help during the last twelve months with the organisation of this years reunion.

We hope that everyone enjoyed the night, with regards to the buffet the feedback that I had was that it was on the whole very good for which I will write to the manager at the Fradley Arms and ask him to thank all the staff involved on the night for the friendly service that I found to be very helpful by all of them.

During the afternoon Denis, Doug and myself had a meeting to discuss the reunion for next year, during that meeting we had a discussion as to what we could do differently and thought that we would put it up to the members to see if there were any ideas for anything special that they thought we could put on.

The next item that we discussed was the venue, we came to the conclusion that we will again use the Premier Inn and Fradley Arms as Denis and I have been on the internet to see if we could find anywhere else as some members thought that the premier is a little expensive, we have not found anywhere that is any cheaper and that has the facilities that we have at the Premier Inn as well as having the venue on the doorstep, we understand that not everyone is able to get accommodation at the Premier Inn but if those that cannot get in the Premier there are other places available if a number of members book into the same one and then get a minibus to transport them to the venue and they would be able to share the cost. if anyone is hoping to join us next year I suggest that if they want to get in the Premier Inn that they book it as soon as possible.

May I on behalf of the members present at the service at the NMA thank Brian Allen for officiating and for the excellent job that he did owing to Ann Taylor not being able to come due to her health problem and on our behalf send Ann all our best wishes.

John A

Photos wanted..

Wanted..photos of Royal Dragoon Officer in "THE KIT" blackplume etc,full front and also side view,good view of the make up of the collar,side view needed to see if there are any insignia on sleeves,photos needed for make up of FULL uniform for re-enactment..

Bri.

Welcome Robert Bennett to the BB

Welcome Robert hope you will enjoy looking through the BB, we will look forward to your postings.

HARRY LAURANCE EX SGT

Welcome to the ROYALS BB Harry i hope i spelt your name ok.Harry was on the KINGS INSPECTION of the Regiment in CHESTER, please fill us in Harry ref your service details

regards derek

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day tomorrow the 13th, to our good friend and comrade Paddy Paul, Have a good one, we all know how old you are now young man.

All the best for the future.

 John A

Pixie Mass State Guard

Don, I submit these few pics, I'll have a few more over the next few weeks. Having served in 2 Armies, I have a good run. But the Royals always remain FIRST in Heart.

ANOTHER EX ROYAL FOUND

Just had a phone call from BRIAN HEAL ex ROYALS pity he does not have a computer
he has 35 years Army service under his belt and will be going to the Reunion next year
he was in QM TECH for a time.. i do have his phone number so if any member who would like to give him a bell please email me for his number
regards derek

Email received from Paul Stretton today

I must sadly report that 453078 Major Dominic S Barrington-Browne (72) who served with The 1st Royal Dragoons between January 1956 and January 1963 and was an Association Regional Representative, passed away on Thursday, 3rd June 2010. Tragically, his wife Jackie, died on 15th May 2010. It is likely that a funeral service will be held on 14 June at Cowley, Gloucestershire in the p.m. however, these details will be circulated when confirmed.

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS REGIMENTAL COLLECT

O God, in whose sight all creatures are manifest and to who eyes all things that are open, grant that the works Thou requirest of the 1st The Royal Dragoons may never be done to be seen of men, but always for Thy Glory, and that, waiting on Thee to renew our strength, we mount up with the wings as eagles at thy word, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(TOBIAS,1930)


PF Stretton

DERECK NEWMAN

Welcome to the ROYALS BB Dereck hope you find your way around ok .please tell us more about yourself and service details of your time in the ROYALS.all i know is that you were with us from 1955 to 1957

regards Derek

BELATED Birthday Greetings

John please accept my VERY LATE birthday wishes for the 4Th,hope you had a good day with the Family,owe you one see you Sat.

Grumps.

AWOL

Appologies for not being on here for awhile gents. My wife Barbara sends her thanks to all who sent messages and cards when she was at deaths door. It really rings home when even those whom she does not know were concerned for her welfare. As Funeral Directors,we are fully aware of how fragile life is especially as our use by date gets closer.I have made contact with Paul Martin and Willy Creavin both ex band members. Willy has a home in Tasmania and is now I believe in Ceylon. Paul is in sunny Sarfend.

Hope the weather is not to hot for you,if so tie four knots in thecorner of your hankey and put it on yer head and dont forget to roll your trousers up and wear your socks and sandals when on the beach.

PJM Medal

This is a recent photo taken of the presentation for the PJM Medal that took place in Shrewsbury, I had a phone call some time ago asking if I had received mine as they were putting together a list so I presume this is where I would have to have gone, but I told the gentleman that I had already received mine in the post nearly two years previously, so for those that may be waiting you may still be able to get it yet.