Royal Tank Regiment#History

{{see|Tanks in World War I|British heavy tanks of the First World War}}

The formation of the Royal Tank Regiment followed the invention of the tank. Tanks were first used at the Battle of Flers–Courcelette in September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme in the First World War.{{harvnb|Forty|Livesey|2012|p=20}} They were at first considered artillery,{{Cite magazine |last=Littledale |first=Harold A. |date=January 1919 |title=With the Tanks: II. Then Wander Forth the Sons of Belial |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1919/01/with-the-tanks-ii-then-wander-forth-the-sons-of-belial/646538/ |magazine=The Atlantic |access-date=2023-10-30}} and crews received artillery pay.{{Cite magazine |last=Littledale |first=Harold A. |date=December 1918 |title=With the Tanks – I. Anatomy and Habitat |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1918/12/with-the-tanks-i-anatomy-and-habitat/646627/ |magazine=The Atlantic |pages=836–848 |access-date=2023-10-30}} At that time the six tank companies were grouped as the Heavy Section of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC). In November 1916 the eight companies then in existence were each expanded to form battalions (still identified by the letters A to H) and designated the Heavy Branch MGC; another seven battalions, I to O, were formed by January 1918, when all the battalions were changed to numbered units. On 28 July 1917, the Heavy Branch was separated from the rest of the Corps by Royal Warrant and given official status as the Tank Corps.{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/armoured/regiments/28510.aspx|title=1 Royal Tank Regiment History|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=3 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306123709/http://www.army.mod.uk/armoured/regiments/28510.aspx|archive-date=6 March 2014}} The formation of new battalions continued and, by December 1918, 26 had been created though only 25 battalions were equipped with tanks, as the 17th had converted to armoured cars in April 1918. The first commander of the Tank Corps was Hugh Elles. The Corps saw much action at the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917.

After the war, the Tank Corps was trimmed down to a central depot and four battalions: the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th battalions.{{cite web|url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/betweenthewars.aspx|title=Between the Wars|publisher=Royal Tank Regiment|access-date=3 May 2014|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325095837/http://royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/betweenthewars.aspx|url-status=dead}} On 18 October 1923,Crow, Duncan. British and Commonwealth Armoured Formations 1919–46 (Profile Publications Ltd, Great Bookham, no date), p. 2. it was officially given the title Royal making it the Royal Tank Corps (RTC) by Colonel-in-Chief King George V. It was at this time that the motto, "Fear Naught", the black beret, and the unit badge were adopted. In 1933, the 6th Battalion, RTC was formed in Egypt by combining the personnel of the 3rd and 5th Regular Army Armoured Car Companies. In 1934, the 1st (Light) Battalion, RTC was formed in England with personnel drawn from the 2nd, 3rd & 5th Battalions. With the preparations for war in the late 1930s, two more Regular Army battalions were formed: the 7th in 1937 and the 8th in 1938. In the latter half of 1938, six TA infantry battalions were converted to tank battalions; with a further six created in 1939 following the "duplication" of the TA.

During the early 1920s, the Tank Corps was augmented by 20 armoured car companies: twelve Regular Army, created using MGC elements; and eight Territorial Army (TA) created by the reduction and conversion of Yeomanry regiments. Eight of the Regular Army companies were later converted into independent light tank companies; all twelve companies had been disbanded by the outbreak of the Second World War.

On 4 April 1939, the Royal Tank Corps was renamed the Royal Tank Regiment and became a wing of the newly created Royal Armoured Corps. The eight Yeomanry Armoured Car Companies of the RTR were activated and transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps. Before the Second World War, Royal Tank Corps recruits were required to be at least 5 feet 4 inches tall. They initially enlisted for six years with the colours and a further six years with the reserve. They trained at the Royal Tank Corps Depot at Bovington Camp, Dorset for about eight months.

File:The British Army in North Africa 1941 E7241.jpg, 1941.]]

File:British Centurion tank Korea May 1953 (AWM HOBJ4255).jpg tank in Korea, May 1953.]]

File:Challenger2-Bergen-Hohne-Training-Area.jpg MBT during live-fire training exercises in Germany in 2004.]]

At the outbreak of war, the regiment consisted of 20 battalions, 8 regular and 12 territorial.

• Regular Army
• Heavy Armoured Brigade (Egypt): 1st RTR and 6th RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=153}}
• 1st Heavy Armoured Brigade: 2nd RTR, 3rd RTR and 5th RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=151}}
• 1st Army Tank Brigade: 4th RTR, 7th RTR and 8th RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=195}}
• Territorial Army
• 21st Army Tank Brigade: 42nd RTR, 44th RTR and 48th RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=200}}
• 23rd Army Tank Brigade: 40th RTR, 46th RTR and 50th RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=201}}
• 24th Army Tank Brigade: 41st RTR, 45th RTR and 47th RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=202}}
• 25th Army Tank Brigade: 43rd RTR, 49th RTR and 51st RTR{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=203}}

During the course of the war, four "hostilities-only" battalions were formed: the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. 11 RTR formed part of 79th Armoured Division (a specialist group operating vehicles known as "Hobart's Funnies"), initially equipped with "Canal Defence Light" tanks, it converted to "Buffalo" (the British service name for the US Landing Vehicle Tracked) not long after D-Day and participated in the assault crossing of the Rhine. Prime Minister Winston Churchill was ferried across the Rhine in a Buffalo from 'C' Squadron, 11RTR.{{cite web|url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/ww2.aspx|title=WW2 – The Royal Tank Regiment|publisher=Royal Tank Regiment|access-date=3 May 2014|archive-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531165404/http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/ww2.aspx|url-status=dead}}

The Regiment's numerous units took part in countless battles in the Second World War, including the Battle of Dunkirk, El Alamein, Italian Campaign, Burma Campaign and D-Day landings of 6 June 1944. Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery would frequently wear the regiment's beret, with his Field Marshal's badge sewn on next to the regimental cap badge, as it was more practical whilst travelling on a tank than either a formal peaked hat or the Australian slouch hat he previously wore.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/27/jim-fraser-obituary|title=Jim Fraser obituary|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 May 2013|access-date=28 May 2013}}

After service in the Korean War, the RTR was reduced through various amalgamations, firstly, in 1959–60:{{cite web|url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/postwar.aspx|title=Post-war|publisher=Royal Tank Regiment|access-date=3 May 2014|archive-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318174013/http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/postwar.aspx|url-status=dead}}

• 3 RTR and 6 RTR amalgamated as 3 RTR
• 4 RTR and 7 RTR amalgamated as 4 RTR
• 5 RTR and 8 RTR amalgamated as 5 RTR

In 1969, 5RTR was disbanded, while, in 1992 under Options for Change, 4RTR amalgamated with 1RTR, and 3RTR amalgamated with 2RTR.

The Royal Tank Regiment continued to see action including missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Elements of 1RTR were deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 and both regiments were involved in the invasion of Iraq, with the 2RTR battlegroup involved in taking Basra. Both regiments continued deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, with the final tour to Afghanistan taking place in 2013.

On 2 August 2014, 1RTR and 2RTR amalgamated at Bulford, and for the first time in its history the Royal Tank Regiment became a "Single Battalion" regiment. The new regiment is titled the Royal Tank Regiment.{{cite web|url=http://british-army-units1945on.co.uk/royal-armoured-corps/1st-royal-tank-regiment.html|title=1st Royal Tank Regiment|publisher=British Army units 1945 on|access-date=5 October 2018}}

Ajax is the youngest squadron within the amalgamated Royal Tank Regiment. The previous squadron to bear the name was disbanded in 1993, but the current Ajax Squadron upholds the long-standing traditions of both 1 RTR and 2 RTR (formerly A Squadron and Ajax).{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Squadrons - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

During the First World War, on April 24, 1918, the first recorded tank-on-tank engagement occurred during the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. A Company, operating a Mk IV tank under the command of Lieutenant Frank Mitchell, engaged three German A7Vs and emerged victorious.{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=great war giant.pdf |url=https://www.nramuseum.org/media/940546/great%20war%20giant.pdf |website=nramuseum.org}} The company continued to see intense combat for the remainder of the war, including at the Battle of Amiens, where British forces advanced up to 20 miles through enemy lines.

The squadron’s predecessors played a significant role in the Second World War, fighting in key battles across Tobruk, Burma, Iraq, Syria, and Italy. After 1945, 1 RTR was deployed to Hong Kong as the last regular unit to operate the Comet tank. A Squadron took part in 1 RTR’s deployment to Korea between 1952 and 1953, where the regiment fired 24,000 main armament rounds in support of the Commonwealth Division. Subsequent deployments included Aden in 1965, where A Squadron operated from landing ship, tanks (LST) around the Persian Gulf. During the Troubles, the regiment conducted multiple dismounted operational tours in Northern Ireland, including rotations through the infamous Maze prison.

In 1977, Ajax (2 RTR) transitioned into a medium reconnaissance squadron, equipped with CVR(T) Scorpion and Scimitar vehicles.{{Cite web |title=2 Royal Tank Regiment {{!}} BAOR Locations |url=https://baor-locations.org/2-royal-tank-regiment/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |language=en-GB}} The squadron later reequipped with Challenger 1 tanks in 1984 while stationed in Fallingbostel, Germany. Following the amalgamation of 2 RTR and 3 RTR in 1992, AJAX was disbanded, and 1 RTR restructured its squadrons as A, D, G, and H in tribute to the original Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps.

By 1997, A Squadron was assigned the role of the training and demonstration armored squadron within the Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup at Harman Lines. Personnel rotated through tank and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) roles while also supporting other squadrons in operations such as Op TELIC and Op HERRICK.

During the 2014 amalgamation of 1 RTR and 2 RTR,{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Elena |date=2024-09-25 |title=History of the Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://tankmuseum.org/article/rtr-history |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=The Tank Museum |language=en-GB}} A Squadron continued the legacy of 1 RTR under the reestablished name Ajax.

During the First World War, B Battalion of the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps evolved into B Battalion of the Tank Corps before eventually becoming the 2nd Battalion Tank Corps. The battalion took part in 11 major engagements, including battles at Messines, Ypres, Cambrai, and Villers-Bretonneux. Its performance in combat was highly regarded, earning 116 gallantry awards, including 33 Military Crosses and 50 Military Medals.

By the time the Second World War began, the battalion had transitioned from the 2nd Battalion Tank Corps to the 2nd Battalion Royal Tank Corps, eventually becoming the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment with the formation of the Royal Armoured Corps in 1939. The regiment saw action in every theater of the war, initially on the Western Front before moving to North Africa, where it engaged in tank battles at Sidi Omar, Beda Fomm, and Sidi Barrani, as well as in a dismounted role during the Siege of Tobruk.

Following the conclusion of the Western Desert campaign, the regiment deployed to India and Burma, where it introduced an unconventional use of armored vehicles in mountainous jungle terrain. Despite the difficult conditions, the regiment effectively engaged Japanese forces in an environment not traditionally suited for tanks, earning recognition from both Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Slim.

After completing operations in India and Burma, the regiment underwent training in Iraq and Syria before participating in the Italian campaign. It fought its way from the beaches of Sicily to the River Po, demonstrating adaptability by transitioning from desert warfare to close-quarters combat. The campaign concluded with the regiment crossing the Alps into Austria at the time of Germany’s surrender.

Post-war, the regiment was stationed in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine, with garrisons in Fallingbostel and Hohne, while also conducting peacekeeping operations in Northern Ireland. In 1992, it merged with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment. Throughout the 1990s, the regiment continued peacekeeping deployments, serving in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Bosnia.

In 2003, the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment deployed under the 7th Armoured Brigade, The Desert Rats, leading the assault during Op TELIC 1 in Iraq. It returned to Iraq for further deployments, contributing forces to Op TELIC 2, 9, and 10, operating Challenger 2 and Warrior vehicles. Additionally, the regiment took part in Op HERRICK 6, 10, 11, 13, and 18 in Afghanistan, demonstrating its versatility by operating Viking, Warthog, and Mastiff vehicles in diverse combat environments.

Badger is named after the Mark IV Tank commanded by the Officer in Charge of B Battalion, Tank Corps, in 1917. This tradition led to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment’s practice of naming its Squadrons after the OC’s vehicle.

During the First World War, sailors from HMS Cyclops were among the first crews to operate the newly developed landships, which later became known as tanks. To honor their contribution, C Squadron of B Battalion, Tank Corps, was designated Cyclops in 1917. The squadron played an active role in both world wars.

During the Second World War, Cyclops participated in campaigns across multiple regions, including France, Egypt, Singapore, Iraq, Syria, Italy, Austria, and Germany. In the post-war years, the squadron was primarily stationed in Germany and the United Kingdom. However, in 1959, it was deployed to Libya as an armoured car squadron. In 1962, Cyclops transitioned into a parachute armoured squadron, utilizing the Hornet vehicle and Malkara anti-tank missiles to provide an anti-tank capability for 16 Parachute Brigade.{{Cite web |title=Parachute Squadron, RAC {{!}} ParaData |url=https://www.paradata.org.uk/unit/parachute-squadron-rac |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=www.paradata.org.uk}}

Returning to tanks in 1965, the squadron became an essential component of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment Battlegroup. Throughout the Cold War, it was frequently deployed on operations, including missions in Radfan, north of Aden in 1966, Cyprus in 1974, and multiple tours in Northern Ireland. Following the merger of the Second and Third Royal Tank Regiments in 1992, CYCLOPS remained part of the regimental ORBAT, though referred to as C Squadron, and was stationed in Fallingbostel, Germany. It officially reclaimed the name Cyclops in 2001.

The squadron later took part in operations in Bosnia and Kosovo and played a role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Further deployments followed, including missions to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2013. In August 2014, after the First and Second Royal Tank Regiments merged, it was confirmed that Cyclops would continue as one of the regiment’s sabre squadrons, operating the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.

The history of Dreadnaught traces back to D Company of the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps, which participated in the first-ever tank action on 15th September 1916. This company eventually developed into D Battalion, then the 4th Royal Tank Corps (RTC), and later the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR). The regiment also honors the legacy of the 7th RTR, which merged with the 4th in 1959 after fighting alongside it throughout much of the war.

In 1940, both the 4th and 7th regiments played a pivotal role in the courageous Arras Counter-Attack against overwhelming opposition.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-10 |title=World War 2 - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/the-regimental-history/world-war-2/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}} They were also instrumental in the defense of Calais, aiding the evacuation at Dunkirk. The regiments went on to serve in the Western Desert, where they were awarded two Victoria Crosses (to Lt Col Foot and Capt Gardner MC).{{Cite web |title=1941 – 1942 |url=https://4and7royaltankregiment.com/1941-1942/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=4and7royaltankregiment.com}} Their antecedents also served in Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, and BAOR, among other locations. The most recent tour associated with the regiment was the deployment of D Squadron on Operation HERRICK 11, where Viking armoured vehicles were used.

The antecedents of Dreadnaught are among the most distinguished in the history of the RTR, contributing the Chinese Eye (now featured on all Armored Fighting Vehicles), the Pipes and Drums, and the Rose of Kilravock tartan to the regiment's heritage. The badge of Dreadnaught Squadron is oxford blue and white in honour of the 4th Royal Tank Regiment.

F Squadron of 2 RTR was redesignated as E Squadron in 1996, and in 2000, Egypt Squadron was established from E Squadron. The following year, the squadron deployed to Kosovo on Op Agricola. In 2003, it participated in Op TELIC as part of the Black Watch Battlegroup before deploying to BATUS, where it spent a season as OPFOR. In 2006/07, the squadron returned to Iraq on Op TELIC 9/10, serving within the Kings Battlegroup.

The squadron later undertook two operational tours in Afghanistan. The first, Op HERRICK 10/11, resulted in significant losses, with three fatalities and 20% of its personnel sustaining life-altering injuries. The second deployment took place during Op HERRICK 18.

HQ Squadron of 1 RTR had its origins in the 1993 merger of 1 RTR and 4 RTR. The squadron was named in honor of the original company from the Heavy Machine Gun Corps. From 1993 to 1996, it was based in Tidworth, where it played a key role in the regiment’s relocation to Barker Barracks, Paderborn. It then supported the regiment through a demanding training year that included deployments to Grafenwoehr, Poland, BATUS, and Op TOSCA.

Following this, HQ Squadron facilitated the regiment’s move to RAF Honington, where it transitioned into the Joint NBC Regiment.{{Cite web |title=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 30 Mar 1999 (pt 1) |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmhansrd/vo990330/text/90330w01.htm |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=publications.parliament.uk}} During Op TELIC, it provided vital logistical support to the regiment. From 2003 until the 2014 amalgamation, HQ Squadron continued to play a crucial role in sustaining the regiment both in camp and on operations.

The present-day Egypt Squadron was formed from HQ Squadron of 1 RTR and Nero Squadron of 2 RTR following the amalgamation on August 2, 2014.

FALCON traces its origins back to F Company of the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps. In November 1916, F Company was expanded into F Battalion, which later became F Battalion of the Tank Corps. In January 1918, it was re-designated as the 6th Battalion of the Tank Corps. The unit saw extensive combat at the Battles of Messines, Passchendaele,{{Cite web |title=Lives of the First World War |url=https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/story/114230 |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk}} Cambrai, and Amiens, utilizing Whippet Mk A light tanks. Following the Armistice, the 6th Battalion was disbanded.

In 2001, Falcon Squadron was re-formed as the fourth Challenger 2 squadron within the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. In 2003, the regiment deployed under the 7th Armoured Brigade, The Desert Rats, leading the assault during Op TELIC 1 in Iraq. By late 2005, FALCON Squadron became the first interim medium armour squadron, operating Scimitar CVR(T) vehicles before deploying to BATUS in 2006 for Ex PRAIRIE STORM, where it supported the Royal Green Jackets light role Battlegroup. That same year, a troop from the squadron was sent to Belize in support of the Irish Guards, marking the first deployment of armour to a jungle environment since the late 1970s.

In 2007, FALCON Squadron deployed as an independent sub-unit on Op HERRICK 6 in Afghanistan, becoming the first unit to operate MASTIFF vehicles. The squadron saw significant action as dismounted troops in Lashkargah, Sangin, and FOB Fox, taking part in all major UK operations in the Sangin Valley area, which included several encounters with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Between late 2007 and 2010, the squadron participated in training exercises, range work, and deployments to BATUS. In 2010 and 2011, it returned to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 13, with elements operating across Helmand and Kandahar provinces. FALCON Squadron was disbanded in 2012.

In 2014, it was re-established as Falcon (Area Survey and Reconnaissance) Squadron, providing the UK’s only CRN AS&R (Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear Area Survey and Reconnaissance) capability. In 2019, it came under the operational command of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN) as FALCON Squadron (C-CBRN). Today, the squadron functions as a specialist, live agent-trained, lightly armoured, all-wheeled reconnaissance unit.

In 2018, FALCON Squadron deployed on Op MORLOP in Salisbury in response to the Novichok nerve agent attack,{{Cite web |date=2019-07-02 |title=Falcon Squadron: Meet The Army's Chemical Hazard Team |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/news/falcon-squadron-armys-cbrn-defence |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=www.forcesnews.com |language=en}} while also sending a section to Estonia on Op CABRIT 3. The following year, 13 and 14 Troops were deployed to BATUS to test AS&R capabilities alongside a combined arms Battlegroup, while another troop conducted Ex TOXIC PATH in France.

The regiment comes under the direct command of 12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team, itself part of the 3rd (UK) Division, the British Army's only armoured division. The 12th Armoured BCT contains three of the Army's four armoured regiments; the RTR, the King's Royal Hussars (KRH), and Royal Wessex Yeomanry (RWxY).{{Cite web|title=12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team|url=https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/about-the-army/formations-divisions-and-brigades/3rd-united-kingdom-division/12th-armoured-brigade-combat-team/|access-date=23 March 2025|website=army.mod.uk|language=en-GB}}

Unlike the other armoured regiments, the Royal Tank Regiment also has a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance squadron, Falcon Squadron, operating the Fuchs reconnaissance vehicle, which is manned by RTR soldiers but comes under the operational command of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN).{{cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/news/services/army/army-now-commands-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-team|title=Army Takes Command of Military's Counter Chemical Team|date=1 April 2019|publisher=Forces Net|access-date=1 April 2019}}

The regiment currently comprises six squadrons:{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Squadrons - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

Royal Tank Regiment, Headquarters at Bulford Camp

• Ajax – Challenger 2
• Badger – Challenger 2
• Cyclops – Challenger 2
• Dreadnaught – Challenger 2
• Egypt – Headquarters, Command, and Reconnaissance
• Falcon – CBRN area surveillance & reconnaissance (under the command of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN)), based at Harman Lines, Warminster Garrison{{Cite web |date=2019-07-02 |title=Falcon Squadron: Meet The Army's Chemical Hazard Team |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/news/falcon-squadron-armys-cbrn-defence |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.forcesnews.com |language=en}}

As part of the Future Soldier reforms, the regiment's reconnaissance troop will be equipped with Ajax armoured fighting vehicles.{{cite web |title=Three British Army Cavalry Regiments and Three Tank Reconnaissance Troops to Field New Ajax Vehicles |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/three-british-army-cavalry-regiments-and-three-tank-reconnaissance-troops-to-field-new-ajax-vehicles |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=28 April 2025}}

The Royal Tank Regiment is equipped with 56x Challenger 2, a third-generation main battle tank that has been in service since 1998.

From 2027, the Challenger 2 will be replaced by the new fourth-generation Challenger 3,{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2024-10-11 |title=Challenger 3 tank programme on track amid defence review |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/challenger-3-tank-programme-on-track-amid-defence-review/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |language=en-GB}} which has a 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, providing commonality with the Leopard 2, M1 Abrams and other NATO tanks (unlike Challenger 2's L30A1 rifled bore). The L55A1 has a longer barrel and the ability to handle higher chamber pressures.{{Cite web |title=Challenger 2 and 3 – Main Battle Tank |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/tracked-vehicles/tracked-armoured-vehicles/challenger-2 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Rheinmetall |language=en}} The L55A1 allows Challenger 3 use of programmable high-explosive ammunition such as the DM11, enabling airburst capability. Under the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme, Challenger 3 will receive an improved version of Challenger 2’s CV12-6A engine – CV12-8A – along with third-generation hydrogas suspension. The tank's survivability will also be increased, with the addition of the Elbit Laser Warning System (ELAWS); capable of "detecting, categorising and accurately pinpointing laser sources such as range finders, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, target designators and infrared illuminators."{{Cite web |date=22 September 2022 |title=Elbit Systems UK selected to provide Laser Warning Systems for Challenger 3 Tank {{!}} Elbit Systems UK |url=https://www.elbitsystems-uk.com/media-events/recent-news/elbit-systems-uk-selected-to-provide-laser-warning-systems-for-challenger-3-tank |website=elbitsystems-uk.com}} The Challenger 3 will further be equipped with the Trophy active protection system from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems,{{Cite web |last=Ruitenberg |first=Rudy |date=2024-09-19 |title=Rheinmetall unveils UK’s upgraded Challenger 3 battle tank |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/09/19/rheinmetall-unveils-uks-upgraded-challenger-3-battle-tank/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Defense News |language=en}} which provides 360° azimuth protection from threats including "rockets to ATGMs and High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds".{{Cite web |title=TROPHY™ - Active Protection System and Hostile Fire Detection |url=https://www.leonardodrs.com/what-we-do/products-and-services/trophy-active-protection-system-aps/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Leonardo DRS |language=en-US}}

File:Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank patrolling outside Basra, Iraq MOD 45148325.jpg|Challenger 2

File:Challenger 3.jpg|Challenger 3

File:British Army Fuchs.jpg|Fuchs

The structure is as follows:{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Ajax - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/ajax/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

Squadron Headquarters

1 Troop

2 Troop

3 Troop

The structure is as follows:{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Badger - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/badger/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

Squadron Headquarters

4 Troop

5 Troop

6 Troop

The structure is as follows:{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Cyclops - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/cyclops/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

Squadron Headquarters

7 Troop

8 Troop

9 Troop

The structure is as follows:{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Dreadnaught - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/dreadnough/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

Squadron Headquarters

10 Troop

11 Troop

12 Troop

The structure is as follows:{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Falcon - Royal Tank Regiment |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/squadrons/falcon/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=royaltankregiment.com |language=en-GB}}

13 Troop (Vanguard)

14 Troop (Main Body)

The Tank Museum, the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and Royal Armoured Corps, is at Bovington Camp in Dorset.{{cite web|url=http://www.tankmuseum.org/about-us/history|title=Museum history|publisher=The Tank Museum|access-date=10 June 2018}} The collection traces the history of the tank with almost 300 vehicles on display.{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=Alex |date=2023-09-12 |title=This Museum Has 300 Tanks and Over 100 Million YouTube Views |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/arts/design/tank-museum-youtube.html |access-date=2025-03-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} It includes Tiger 131, the only working example of a German Tiger I tank, and a British First World War Mark I, the world's oldest surviving combat tank.{{Cite web |title=Tiger I - The Tank Museum - Tiger 131 |url=https://tankmuseum.org/tank-nuts/tank-collection/tiger-i |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=The Tank Museum |language=en-GB}}

File:Royal Tank Regiment memorial.jpg.]]

The battle honours of the regiment are:{{cite web|url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/battlehonours.aspx|title=Battle Honours|publisher=Royal Tank Regiment|access-date=3 May 2014|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320174331/http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/battlehonours.aspx|url-status=dead}}

• Somme 1916 '18, Arras 1917 '18, Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, Cambrai 1917, St. Quentin 1918, Villers-Bretonneux, Amiens, Bapaume 1918, Hindenburg Line, Épéhy, Selle, France and Flanders 1916–18, Gaza

• North-West Europe 1940

Arras Counter Attack, Calais 1940, St. Omer-La Bassée, Somme

• North Africa 1940–43

Sidi Barrani, Beda Fomm, Sidi Suleiman, Tobruk 1941, Sidi Rezegh 1941, Belhamed, Gazala, Cauldron, Knightsbridge, Defence of Alamein Line, Alam el Halfa, El Alamein, Mareth, Akarit, Fondouk, El Kourzia, Medjez Plain, Tunis

• Sicily 1943

Primosole Bridge, Gerbini, Adrano

• Italy 1943–45

Sangro, Salerno, Volturno Crossing, Garigliano Crossing, Anzio, Advance to Florence, Gothic Line, Coriano, Lamone Crossing, Rimini Line, Argenta Gap

• North-West Europe 1944-45

Odon, Caen, Bourguébus Ridge, Mont Pincon, Falaise, Nederrijn, Scheldt, Venlo Pocket, Rhineland, Rhine, Bremen

Abyssinia 1940, Greece 1941, Burma 1942

Korea 1951–53

Al Basrah, Iraq 2003{{cite hansard|house=House of Commons|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo051110/wmstext/51110m01.htm|date=10 November 2005|title=Battle Honour Awards (Operation Telic)|column_start=21WS|column_end=22WS}}

Colonels-Commandant have been:{{cite web|url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/colonelscommandant.aspx|title=Colonels-Commandant|publisher=Royal Tank Regiment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318173941/http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/colonelscommandant.aspx |archive-date=18 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}

The Uniform of the Royal Tank Regiment is unique in many ways to the rest of the Royal Armoured Corps and British Army:

Much of the uniform and equipment of soldiers during the First World War was quite impractical for use inside a tank. In particular, the vision apertures in a tank were so small that it was necessary to keep the eyes very close to them in order to get even a limited vision. Thus, any headdress with a peak was entirely unsuitable. In May 1918, General Elles and Colonel Fuller were discussing the future of the Tank Corps and its uniform and General Elles tried on a beret of the 70th Chasseurs Alpins, which was billeted nearby. A black beret was selected as it would not show oil stains. No change in uniform was possible during the war, but after a prolonged argument with the War Office, the black beret was approved by King George V on 5 March 1924. The black beret remained the exclusive headdress of the Royal Tank Corps until its practical value was recognised by others and its use extended to the majority of the Royal Armoured Corps in 1940. On the introduction of the blue beret in 1949, the Royal Tank Regiment reclaimed its right to the exclusive use of the black beret, which may not be worn by any other Regiment or Corps with the exception of the Berkshire and Westminster Dragoons Squadron of The Royal Yeomanry.{{cite web|url=http://www.royaltankregiment.com |title=Home Page – The Royal Tank Regiment Association |publisher=Royaltankregiment.com |date=2014-02-18 |access-date=2014-05-03}}

The wearing of black overalls is a custom reserved to the Regiment by Material Regulations for the Army, volume 3, Pamphlet No 4 (Code 13251). It stems from the Royal Review held at Aldershot in the presence of King George V on 13 July 1935 on which occasion black overalls were worn on parade by all ranks of the Royal Tanks Corps. The practice lapsed during the Second World War, but was re-introduced in the 1950s.

Royal Tank Regiment officers and senior warrant officers also wear both a black Sam Browne and a black sword scabbard, while other ranks wear a black parade belt. {{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/619983/2017-03109.pdf|title=Army Dress Regulations (All ranks)|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=2011-01-01 |access-date=2021-10-12|page=246, 247}}

The sleeve badge of a First World War Mk 1 tank preceded the formation of the Royal Tank Corps when it was worn by the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps.Alderton, G L D Cap Badges of the British Army 1939–45 The History Press, 15 January 2014 Authorised on 7 May 1917, it is still worn today by all ranks on No.1 and No.2 dress and on their sleeve brassard on black overalls.p.37 Marrion, Robert The British Army 1914–18 Osprey Publishing, 1978

During the First World War, walking sticks were often carried by officers. Such sticks came to have a new and more important use with the introduction of tanks, which often became 'bogged' on battlefields, particularly in Flanders. Officers of the Tank Corps used these sticks to probe the ground in front of their tanks testing for firmness as they went forward. Often, the commanders led their tanks into action on foot. To commemorate this, officers of the Regiment carry ash plant sticks instead of the short cane customary to other arms.

{{S-start}}

{{order of precedence |

before= Light Dragoons |

title= Royal Armoured Corps Order of Precedence|

after= Last in the Royal Armoured Corps
Order of Precedence

}}

{{S-end}}

• {{CAN}}: 12^e Régiment blindé du Canada
• {{AUS}}: 1st Armoured Regiment
• {{NZL}}: Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps
• {{NZL}}: Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles
• {{IND}}: 2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse)
• {{PAK}}: 13th Lancers
• {{navy|UK}}: HMS Kent
• {{FRA}}: 501^e Régiment de chars de combat (Bond of Friendship)

• Dorset Yeomanry
• Westminster Dragoons (2RTR)
• Royal Devon Yeomanry (2RTR)
• Royal Wessex Yeomanry

• History of the tank

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book |last1=Durie |first1=William |title=The British Garrison Berlin 1945 - 1994: nowhere to go ... a pictorial historiography of the British Military occupation / presence in Berlin |date=2012 |publisher=Vergangenheitsverlag (de) |location=Berlin |isbn=978-3-86408-068-5 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/978161722 |language=English |oclc=978161722}}
• {{cite book |last1=Forty |first1=George |last2=Livesey |first2=Jack |year=2012 |publisher=Southwater |title=The Complete Guide to Tanks and Armoured Fighting Vehicles |isbn=978-1780191645}}
• {{cite book| last = Joslen | first = Lt-Col H.F.| year = 1990| orig-year = 1st. Pub. HMSO:1960| title = Orders of Battle, Second World War, 1939–1945| publisher = London Stamp Exchange| location = London| isbn = 0-948130-03-2}}

{{Commons category|Royal Tank Regiment}}

• [https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/royal-armoured-corps/royal-tank-regiment/ Official website on British Army webpage]
• [http://www.royaltankregiment.com Royal Tank Regiment Association]

{{Royal Armoured Corps}}

{{The British Army}}

Category:Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps

Category:Military units and formations established in 1917

Category:Military units and formations of the United Kingdom in the Korean War

Category:Armoured regiments of the British Army in World War II

Britain