HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT

BELTS, CROSS BELTS & POUCHES

Household Cavalry Cartouche Boxes

The cartouche box (on the cross belt, visible at the rear of the uniform) has not changed,
either for Officers, Musicians, or rank and file, since 1856. With the introduction of flintlock
weapons (i.e. pistols and carbines), they were essential for carrying powder and shot, but with
the inception of percussion weapons (in 1840), and the breech-loading Martini Henry Carbine,
they became purely ornamental. The 1st Life Guards Officer cartouche box had a small gilt badge,
and the box itself was also smaller than that of the 2nd Life Guards. The one worn today is that of
the 2nd Life Guards.

Household Cavalry Cross Belts

The Blues always wore flask cords of red on their cross belts. They were used to secure
the flask for powder, whilst the cartouche box carried the cartridges and lead balls for the
carbines and pistols.

The Life Guards did not wear flask cords until 1829, at which time red was adopted for the
1st Life Guards, and blue for the 2nd Life Guards. After the amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd
Life Guards was completed (in 1927), the red flask cord of the 1st Life Guards was chosen for
The Life Guards.

It should be pointed out that, although the amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd Life Guards took
place in 1922, two Squadrons remained 1st Life Guards and two Squadrons remained 2nd Life Guards
— wearing uniforms and horse furniture applicable to their original Regiments.

The Life Guards (Rear)

The Blues And Royals (Rear)

Standard Belts of the
Household Cavalry Regiments

A Selection Of Household Cavalry Dress Belts

Stable Belt - The Blues And Royals

Sam Browne Belts

Household Cavalry ORs Belts