BRIEF REGIMENTAL HISTORY OF

THE BLUES AND ROYALS 1969 - 1992

 

The Blues And Royals

1969 - 1992
1969 - 1971

The Blues And Royals served in BAOR until September 1971,
when they handed over their Chieftain Tanks to The Life Guards.

1971 - 1975

In September 1971, the Regiment returned to Combermere Barracks,
Windsor, and converted to an Armoured Reconnaissance role,
and the new CVR(T) (W) range of vehicles.

'A' Squadron saw service in Norway, Denmark, Turkey and Greece,
as part of the NATO Mobile force.

'B' Squadron were involved on the MOTORMAN Operation in Londonderry,
and a six-month United Nations Tour of Cyprus. In 1974, they were
redeployed to Cyprus for the Turkish Invasion.

'C' Squadron commenced an eighteen-month tour of Cyprus from
October 1971. The Regiment completed eight four-month tours of
Northern Ireland, during this tour at Windsor.

The new Guidon was presented by Her Majesty The Queen in
Windsor Great Park, on 14 July 1972.

In May 1973, Her Majesty The Queen presented new Standards on
Horse Guards Parade. This was the first time Armoured Tracked Vehicles
had been allowed in Central London. 
1975 - 1979

After 4 years in Windsor, the Regiment once again changed roles
and returned to Detmold.

Two six-month tours of Northern Ireland were undertaken:
to Londonderry in 1977, and to Belfast in 1979.

In late 1979, the Regiment suffered a great loss. The Gold Stick,
Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer, GCB GCMG KBE DSO DCL, who had been
Colonel of the Regiment since amalgamation, died.

The new Gold Stick was appointed.
He was General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick, GCB DSO MBE MC.
1980 - 1984
 The Regiment returned to Windsor in 1980. The Armoured Reconnaissance
role in Windsor was as varied as ever, with Squadrons completing six-month
tours of Cyprus with the United Nations, and one Squadron going to America.

In April 1982, 'B' Squadron was tasked to send two armoured reconnaissance
troops with the Task Force to the South Atlantic.

The battle honour 'Falkland Islands 1982' now appears on the
Regiment's Standard. On 19th May 1983 the Regiment was presented
with new Standards on Horse Guards Parade by Her Majesty The Queen. 
1984
 In February 1984, the Regiment returned to Detmold to the Armoured role.

'B' and 'C' Squadrons went to Canada with the Royal Regiment of Wales,
and the Regimental Battle Group went there in 1986.

In 1986, the Regiment moved to Athlone Barracks, Sennelager.
The Regiment was to be equipped with the new Challenger Main Battle Tank.

On 6th October 1986, a Farewell to Detmold Parade was held,
and in November 1986 the Regiment moved to the new Barracks.
1992
 The Regiment returned from Germany to Windsor in 1990, and
in 1992 came the merging of The Life Guards with The Blues And Royals
into a single regiment - The Household Cavalry Regiment -
although each retained its distinctive identity.