View source for Royal Tank Regiment

{{short description|British Army tank unit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Royal Tank Regiment
| image                         = RTR cap badge.gif
| image_size                    = 150px
| caption                       = [[Cap badge]] of the Royal Tank Regiment
| dates                         = 28 July 1917 – present
| allegiance                    = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| branch                        = {{army|United Kingdom}}
| type                          = [[Armoured]]
| role                          = [[Tank warfare]]<br>[[CBRN defense|CBRN reconnaissance]]
| size                          = Regiment
| command_structure             = [[12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team]]
| garrison                      = RHQ – [[Bovington Camp|Bovington]]<br>Regiment – [[Tidworth Camp|Tidworth]]
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = ''Fear Naught''
| colors                        = 
| march                         = Quick: ''My Boy Willie'' <br>Slow: ''The Royal Tank Regiment Slow March''
| mascot                        = 
| battles                       = 
| anniversaries                 = [[World War I|First World War]]<br>*[[Battle of Cambrai (1917)|Cambrai]], 20 November<br>[[World War II|Second World War]]<br>[[Korean War]]<br>[[Iraq War]]
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = see [[Royal Tank Regiment#Battle honours|Battle Honours]]
| notable_commanders            = Lt Gen [[Hugh Elles|Sir Hugh Elles]] <br>Maj Gen [[Percy Hobart|Sir Percy Hobart]]
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Royal Tank Regiment (tactical recognition flash).PNG|75px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = Tactical Recognition Flash
| identification_symbol_2       = [http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb309/hammersfan_01/Tartans/HuntingRose.gif Hunting Rose (Pipes and Drums kilts and plaids)]
| identification_symbol_3       = Tank
| identification_symbol_4       = RTR
| identification_symbol_2_label = Tartan
| identification_symbol_3_label = Arm Badge
| identification_symbol_4_label = Abbreviation
| current_commander             = 
| ceremonial_chief              = [[King Charles III]]
| ceremonial_chief_label        = Colonel-in-Chief
| colonel_of_the_regiment       = Lt Col Mark Luson
| colonel_of_the_regiment_label = Commanding Officer
}}
The '''Royal Tank Regiment''' ('''RTR''') is the oldest tank unit in the world, being formed by the [[British Army]] in 1916 during the [[World War I|First World War]]. Today, it is an [[Armoured warfare|armoured]] [[regiment]] equipped with [[Challenger 2]] main battle tanks and structured under [[12th Armoured Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team]]. Formerly known as the '''Tank Corps''' and the '''Royal Tank Corps''', it is part of the [[Royal Armoured Corps]].

==History==
===First World War===
{{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 [[World War I|First World War]].<ref>{{harvnb|Forty|Livesey|2012|p=20}}</ref> They were at first considered artillery,<ref name="Littledale1919">{{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}}</ref> and crews received artillery pay.<ref name="Littledale1918">{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Warrant (law)|Royal Warrant]] and given official status as the '''Tank Corps'''.<ref name=history>{{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}}</ref> 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 (1917)|Battle of Cambrai]] in November 1917.<ref name=history/>

===Interwar period===
After the war, the Tank Corps was trimmed down to a central depot and four battalions: the [[2nd Royal Tank Regiment|2nd]], [[3rd Royal Tank Regiment|3rd]], [[4th Royal Tank Regiment|4th]] and [[5th Royal Tank Regiment|5th]] battalions.<ref name=between>{{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}}</ref> On 18 October 1923,<ref>Crow, Duncan. ''British and Commonwealth Armoured Formations 1919–46'' (Profile Publications Ltd, Great Bookham, no date), p.&nbsp;2.</ref> 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.<ref name=between/> In 1933, the [[6th Royal Tank Regiment|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 Royal Tank Regiment|1st (Light) Battalion, RTC]] was formed in England with personnel drawn from the 2nd, 3rd & 5th Battalions.<ref name=between/> With the preparations for war in the late 1930s, two more Regular Army battalions were formed: the [[7th Royal Tank Regiment|7th]] in 1937 and the [[8th Royal Tank Regiment|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.<ref name=between/>

During the early 1920s, the Tank Corps was augmented by 20 [[Armored car (military)|armoured car]] companies: twelve [[Standing army|Regular Army]], created using MGC elements; and eight [[Army Reserve (United Kingdom)|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.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+ Territorial Army Battalions of the Royal Tank Corps 
|-
!Battalion
!Origin
|-
| [[40th (The King's) Royal Tank Regiment|40th (The King's) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || conversion of [[List of battalions of the King's Regiment (Liverpool)#Inter-War|7th Battalion]], [[King's Regiment (Liverpool)|King's (Liverpool) Regiment]]
|-
| [[41st (Oldham) Royal Tank Regiment|41st (Oldham) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || conversion of 10th Battalion, [[Manchester Regiment]]
|-
| [[42nd Royal Tank Regiment|42nd (7th (23rd London Regiment) East Surrey Regiment) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || conversion of [[London Regiment (1908–1938)|7th (23rd London) Battalion]], [[East Surrey Regiment]]
|-
| [[43rd Royal Tank Regiment|43rd (6th (City) Battalion, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || conversion of 6th Battalion, [[Royal Northumberland Fusiliers]]
|-
| [[44th Royal Tank Regiment|44th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || conversion of 6th Battalion, [[Gloucestershire Regiment]]
|-
| [[45th (Leeds Rifles) Royal Tank Regiment|45th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || conversion of [[Leeds Rifles|7th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion]], [[West Yorkshire Regiment]]
|-
| [[46th (Liverpool Welsh) Royal Tank Regiment|46th (Liverpool Welsh) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || duplicate of 40th RTC
|-
| [[47th (Oldham) Royal Tank Regiment|47th (Oldham) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || duplicate of 41st RTC
|-
| [[48th Royal Tank Regiment|48th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || duplicate of 42nd RTC
|-
| [[49th Royal Tank Regiment|49th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || duplicate of 43rd RTC
|-
| [[50th Royal Tank Regiment|50th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || duplicate of 44th RTC
|-
| [[51st (Leeds Rifles) Royal Tank Regiment|51st (Leeds Rifles) Battalion, Royal Tank Corps]] || duplicate of 45th RTC
|}

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 [[World War II|Second World War]], Royal Tank Corps recruits were required to be at least 5 feet 4&nbsp;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.<ref name=between/>

===Second World War===
[[File:The British Army in North Africa 1941 E7241.jpg|thumb|Men of the Royal Tank Regiment in [[North African Campaign|North Africa]], 1941.]]
[[File:British Centurion tank Korea May 1953 (AWM HOBJ4255).jpg|thumb|[[Centurion (tank)|Centurion]] tank in Korea, May 1953.]]
[[File:Challenger2-Bergen-Hohne-Training-Area.jpg|thumb|right|The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment with the [[Challenger 2]] [[Main battle tank|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
**[[4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East|Heavy Armoured Brigade (Egypt)]]: [[1st Royal Tank Regiment|1st RTR]] and [[6th Royal Tank Regiment|6th RTR]]<ref name=Joslen153>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=153}}</ref>
**[[3rd Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|1st Heavy Armoured Brigade]]: [[2nd Royal Tank Regiment|2nd RTR]], [[3rd Royal Tank Regiment|3rd RTR]] and [[5th Royal Tank Regiment|5th RTR]]<ref name=Joslen151>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=151}}</ref>
**[[1st Army Tank Brigade (United Kingdom)|1st Army Tank Brigade]]: [[4th Royal Tank Regiment|4th RTR]], [[7th Royal Tank Regiment|7th RTR]] and [[8th Royal Tank Regiment|8th RTR]]<ref name=Joslen195>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=195}}</ref>
* Territorial Army
**[[21st Army Tank Brigade]]: [[42nd Royal Tank Regiment|42nd RTR]], [[44th Royal Tank Regiment|44th RTR]] and [[48th Royal Tank Regiment|48th RTR]]<ref name=Joslen200>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=200}}</ref>
**[[23rd Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|23rd Army Tank Brigade]]: [[40th (The King's) Royal Tank Regiment|40th RTR]], [[46th (Liverpool Welsh) Royal Tank Regiment|46th RTR]] and [[50th Royal Tank Regiment|50th RTR]]<ref name=Joslen201>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=201}}</ref>
**[[24th Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|24th Army Tank Brigade]]: [[41st (Oldham) Royal Tank Regiment|41st RTR]], [[45th (Leeds Rifles) Royal Tank Regiment|45th RTR]] and [[47th (Oldham) Royal Tank Regiment|47th RTR]]<ref name=Joslen202>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=202}}</ref>
**[[25th Army Tank Brigade]]: [[43rd Royal Tank Regiment|43rd RTR]], [[49th Royal Tank Regiment|49th RTR]] and [[51st (Leeds Rifles) Royal Tank Regiment|51st RTR]]<ref name=Joslen203>{{harvnb|Joslen|1990|p=203}}</ref>

During the course of the war, four "hostilities-only" battalions were formed: the [[9th Royal Tank Regiment|9th]], [[10th Royal Tank Regiment|10th]], [[11th Royal Tank Regiment|11th]] and [[12th Royal Tank Regiment|12th]]. 11 RTR formed part of [[79th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|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 [[Normandy landings|D-Day]] and participated in the [[Operation Infatuate|amphibious landing on Walcheren island]] and the [[Operation Plunder|assault crossing of the Rhine]]. [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[Winston Churchill]] was ferried across the Rhine in a Buffalo from 'C' Squadron, 11RTR.<ref name=WW2>{{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}}</ref>

The Regiment's numerous units took part in countless battles in the Second World War, including the [[Battle of Dunkirk]], [[Second Battle of El Alamein|El Alamein]], [[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italian Campaign]], Burma Campaign and [[Normandy landings|D-Day landings of 6 June 1944]]. [[Field marshal (United Kingdom)|Field Marshal]] [[Bernard Montgomery|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Post-war period===
After service in the [[Korean War]], the RTR was reduced through various amalgamations, firstly, in 1959–60:<ref name=post>{{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}}</ref>
* 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.<ref name=post/>

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 [[2003 invasion of Iraq|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.<ref name=post/>

On 2 August 2014, 1RTR and 2RTR amalgamated at [[Bulford Camp|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'''.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Squadron history ===

==== Ajax ====
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''').<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref>

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 [[Mark IV tank|Mk IV tank]] under the command of Lieutenant Frank Mitchell, engaged three [[List of German combat vehicles of World War II|German A7Vs]] and emerged victorious.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The company continued to see intense combat for the remainder of the war, including at the [[Battle of Amiens (1918)|Battle of Amiens]], where British forces advanced up to 20 miles through enemy lines.<ref name=":0"/>

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)|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 of Nations|Commonwealth]] Division. Subsequent deployments included Aden in 1965, where '''A Squadron''' operated from [[Landing Ship, Tank|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 [[HM Prison Maze|Maze prison]].<ref name=":0"/>

In 1977, '''Ajax''' ('''2 RTR''') transitioned into a medium reconnaissance squadron, equipped with [[FV101 Scorpion|CVR(T) Scorpion]] and [[CVR(T) Scimitar|Scimitar]] vehicles.<ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref> The squadron later reequipped with [[Challenger 1]] tanks in 1984 while stationed in [[Fallingbostel]], Germany.<ref name=":1" /> Following the amalgamation of 2 RTR and 3 RTR in 1992,<ref name=":1" /> '''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]].<ref name=":0"/>

By 1997, '''A Squadron''' was assigned the role of the training and demonstration armored squadron within the [[Land Warfare Centre (United Kingdom)|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.<ref name=":0"/>

During the 2014 amalgamation of 1 RTR and 2 RTR,<ref>{{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}}</ref> '''A Squadron''' continued the legacy of 1 RTR under the reestablished name '''Ajax'''.<ref name=":0"/>

==== Badger ====
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 [[Battle of Messines (1917)|Messines]], [[Battle of Ypres|Ypres]], [[Battle of Cambrai (1917)|Cambrai]], and Villers-Bretonneux. Its performance in combat was highly regarded, earning 116 gallantry awards, including 33 Military Crosses and 50 Military Medals.<ref name=":0"/>

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 [[Operation Battleaxe|Sidi Omar]], [[Battle of Beda Fomm|Beda Fomm]], and [[Battle of Sidi Barrani|Sidi Barrani]], as well as in a dismounted role during the [[Siege of Tobruk]].<ref name=":0"/>

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 [[William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim|Field Marshal Slim]].<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

In 2003, the '''2nd Royal Tank Regiment''' deployed under the [[7th Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|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 tracked armoured vehicle|Warrior vehicles]]. Additionally, the regiment took part in [[Operation Herrick|Op HERRICK]] 6, 10, 11, 13, and 18 in Afghanistan, demonstrating its versatility by operating [[Viking armoured vehicle|Viking]], [[Warthog armoured vehicle|Warthog]], and [[Cougar (MRAP)|Mastiff]] vehicles in diverse combat environments.<ref name=":0"/>

'''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.<ref name=":0"/>

==== Cyclops ====
During the First World War, sailors from [[HMS Cyclops (F31)|HMS ''Cyclops'']] were among the first crews to operate the newly developed [[Landship|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.<ref name=":0"/>

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 [[Humber Hornet|Hornet vehicle]] and [[Malkara (missile)|Malkara]] anti-tank missiles to provide an anti-tank capability for [[16th Parachute Brigade (United Kingdom)|16 Parachute Brigade.]]<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 [[Order of battle|ORBAT]], though referred to as '''C Squadron''', and was stationed in Fallingbostel, Germany. It officially reclaimed the name '''Cyclops''' in 2001.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

==== Dreadnaught ====
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.<ref name=":0"/>

In 1940, both the 4th and 7th regiments played a pivotal role in the courageous [[Battle of Arras (1940)|Arras Counter-Attack]] against overwhelming opposition.<ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref> They were also instrumental in the defense of Calais, aiding the [[Dunkirk evacuation|evacuation at Dunkirk]].<ref name=":2" /> 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).<ref>{{Cite web |title=1941 – 1942 |url=https://4and7royaltankregiment.com/1941-1942/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=4and7royaltankregiment.com}}</ref> Their antecedents also served in Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, and [[British Army of the Rhine|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.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

==== Egypt ====
'''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 [[Opposing force|OPFOR]]. In 2006/07, the squadron returned to Iraq on Op TELIC 9/10, serving within the Kings Battlegroup.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

'''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, [[British Army Training Unit Suffield|BATUS]], and [[British Forces Cyprus|Op TOSCA]].<ref name=":0"/>

Following this, HQ Squadron facilitated the regiment’s move to [[RAF Honington]], where it transitioned into the [[Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Regiment|Joint NBC Regiment]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

==== Falcon ====
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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> Cambrai, and Amiens, utilizing [[Whippet Mk A]] light tanks. Following the [[Armistice of 11 November 1918|Armistice]], the 6th Battalion was disbanded.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

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 [[List of NATO installations in Afghanistan|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.<ref name=":0"/>

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.<ref name=":0"/>

In 2018, FALCON Squadron deployed on Op MORLOP in Salisbury in response to the [[Poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal|Novichok nerve agent attack]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> while also sending a section to Estonia on [[NATO Enhanced Forward Presence|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.<ref name=":0"/>

==Organisation==
The regiment comes under the direct command of [[12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team (United Kingdom)|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).<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Unlike the other armoured regiments, the Royal Tank Regiment also has a [[Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear|Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear]] (CBRN) reconnaissance squadron, '''Falcon Squadron''', operating the [[TPz Fuchs|Fuchs]] reconnaissance vehicle, which is manned by RTR soldiers but comes under the operational command of [[28 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN)]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 

The regiment currently comprises six squadrons:<ref>{{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}}</ref>

'''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 (United Kingdom)|28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN)]]), based at [[Harman Lines]], [[Warminster Garrison]]<ref>{{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}}</ref>

As part of the [[Future Soldier (British Army)|Future Soldier]] reforms, the regiment's reconnaissance troop will be equipped with [[General Dynamics Ajax|Ajax]] armoured fighting vehicles.<ref name="Army Recognition">{{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}}</ref>

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

=== Challenger 3 ===
From 2027, the Challenger 2 will be replaced by the new fourth-generation Challenger 3,<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The L55A1 allows Challenger 3 use of programmable high-explosive ammunition such as the DM11, enabling [[Airburst round|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 Systems|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."<ref>{{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}}</ref> The Challenger 3 will further be equipped with the [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy active protection system]] from [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> which provides 360° azimuth protection from threats including "[[Rocket-propelled grenade|rockets]] to [[Anti-tank guided missile|ATGMs]] and [[High-explosive anti-tank|High-Explosive Anti-Tank]] (HEAT) rounds".<ref>{{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}}</ref><gallery>
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
</gallery>

==== Ajax Squadron ====
The structure is as follows:<ref>{{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}}</ref><br/> 
Squadron Headquarters
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|10D
|Ajax
|-
|Challenger 2
|10E
|Argyle
|}
1 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|11A
|Abdullah
|-
|Challenger 2
|11B
|Ace
|-
|Challenger 2
|11C
|Aggressive
|-
|Challenger 2
|11D
|Achilles
|}
2 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|12A
|Adsum
|-
|Challenger 2
|12B
|Arethusa
|-
|Challenger 2
|12C
|Albatross
|-
|Challenger 2
|12D
|Apollo
|}
3 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|13A
|Appolyon
|-
|Challenger 2
|13B
|Amazon
|-
|Challenger 2
|13C
|Artemus
|-
|Challenger 2
|13D
|Autogophasta
|}

==== Badger Squadron ====
The structure is as follows:<ref>{{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}}</ref><br/> 
Squadron Headquarters
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|20D
|Badger
|-
|Challenger 2
|20E
|Battle Axe
|}
4 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|21A
|Bandit
|-
|Challenger 2
|21B
|Bedouin
|-
|Challenger 2
|21C
|Bogey
|-
|Challenger 2
|21D
|Bansgee
|}
5 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|22A
|Black Arrow
|-
|Challenger 2
|22B
|Bally Hackle
|-
|Challenger 2
|22C
|Bayardo
|-
|Challenger 2
|22D
|Brigand
|}
6 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|23A
|Buccaneer
|-
|Challenger 2
|23B
|Buffoon
|-
|Challenger 2
|23C
|Bison
|-
|Challenger 2
|23D
|Blackleg
|}

==== Cyclops Squadron ====
The structure is as follows:<ref>{{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}}</ref><br/> 
Squadron Headquarters
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|30D
|Cyclops
|-
|Challenger 2
|30E
|Cynic
|}
7 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|31A
|Conqueror
|-
|Challenger 2
|31B
|Challenger
|-
|Challenger 2
|31C
|Comet
|-
|Challenger 2
|31D
|Chieftain
|}
8 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|32A
|Caesar
|-
|Challenger 2
|32B
|Claudius
|-
|Challenger 2
|32C
|Caligula
|-
|Challenger 2
|32D
|Cleopatra
|}
9 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|33A
|Cobra
|-
|Challenger 2
|33B
|Chin
|-
|Challenger 2
|33C
|Cornwall
|-
|Challenger 2
|33D
|Compo
|}

==== Dreadnaught Squadron ====
The structure is as follows:<ref>{{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}}</ref><br/> 
Squadron Headquarters
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|40D
|Dreadnaught
|-
|Challenger 2
|40E
|Despot
|}
10 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|41A
|Delilah
|-
|Challenger 2
|41B
|Desmond
|-
|Challenger 2
|41C
|Delia
|-
|Challenger 2
|41D
|Delicia
|}
11 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|42A
|Darius
|-
|Challenger 2
|42B
|Demon II
|-
|Challenger 2
|42C
|Dracula
|-
|Challenger 2
|42D
|Die Hard
|}
12 Troop
{| class="wikitable"
!Tank
!Number
!Name
|-
|Challenger 2
|61A
|Daredevil
|-
|Challenger 2
|61B
|Death's Head
|-
|Challenger 2
|62A
|Deliverance
|-
|Challenger 2
|62B
|Devil
|}

==== Falcon Squadron ====
The structure is as follows:<ref>{{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}}</ref><br/> 
13 Troop (Vanguard)
{| class="wikitable"
!Vehicle
!Number
!Name
|-
|Fuchs
|11B
|Fums Up
|-
|Fuchs
|11C
|Formidable
|-
|Fuchs
|11D
|Flirt
|-
|Fuchs
|11E
|Fervent
|}
14 Troop (Main Body)
{| class="wikitable"
!Vehicle
!Number
!Name
|-
|Fuchs
|12B
|Ferocious
|-
|Fuchs
|12C
|Frisky
|-
|Fuchs
|12D
|Flying Fox
|-
|Fuchs
|12E
|Firefly
|}

==The Tank Museum==
[[The Tank Museum]], the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and Royal Armoured Corps, is at [[Bovington Camp]] in [[Dorset]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tankmuseum.org/about-us/history|title=Museum history|publisher=The Tank Museum|access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref> The collection traces the [[history of the tank]] with almost 300 vehicles on display.<ref>{{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}}</ref> It includes [[Tiger 131]], the only working example of a German [[Tiger I]] tank, and a British First World War [[Mark I tank|Mark I]], the world's oldest surviving combat tank.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Battle honours==
[[File:Royal Tank Regiment memorial.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Royal Tank Regiment memorial at the [[National Memorial Arboretum]].]]
The battle honours of the regiment are:<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===The Great War===
*[[Battle of the Somme|Somme 1916]] [[Second Battle of the Somme (1918)|'18]], [[Battle of Arras (1917)|Arras 1917]] [[Battle of Arras (1918)|'18]], [[Battle of Messines (1917)|Messines 1917]], [[Ypres 1917]], [[Battle of Cambrai (1917)|Cambrai 1917]], [[St. Quentin 1918]], [[Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux|Villers-Bretonneux]], [[Battle of Amiens (1918)|Amiens]], [[Bapaume 1918]], [[Hindenburg Line]], [[Battle of Épehy|Épehy]], [[Battle of Selle|Selle]], [[France and Flanders 1916–18]], [[Third Battle of Gaza|Gaza]]

===The Second World War===
*North-West Europe 1940
[[Battle of Arras (1940)|Arras Counter Attack]], [[Calais 1940]], [[Battle of St Omer-La Bassée|St. Omer-La Bassée]], Somme
*[[North Africa 1940–43]]
[[Operation Compass|Sidi Barrani]], [[Beda Fomm]], Sidi Suleiman, [[Operation Battleaxe|Tobruk 1941]], [[Sidi Rezegh 1941]], Belhamed, Gazala, Cauldron, Knightsbridge, [[Defence of Alamein Line]], Alam el Halfa, [[El Alamein]], [[Mareth Line|Mareth]], Akarit, Fondouk, El Kourzia, Medjez Plain, [[Tunis]]
*[[Allied invasion of Sicily|Sicily 1943]]
[[Primosole Bridge]], Gerbini, Adrano
*[[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italy 1943–45]]
Sangro, [[Allied invasion of Italy|Salerno]], Volturno Crossing, Garigliano Crossing, [[Operation Shingle|Anzio]], Advance to Florence, [[Gothic Line]], Coriano, Lamone Crossing, [[Rimini Line]], Argenta Gap
*[[North-West Europe 1944-45]]
[[Operation Overlord|Odon, Caen, Bourguébus Ridge, Mont Pincon, Falaise]], Nederrijn, [[Battle of the Scheldt|Scheldt]], Venlo Pocket, [[Operation Veritable|Rhineland]], [[Operation Plunder|Rhine]], [[Bremen]]

[[East African Campaign (World War II)|Abyssinia 1940]], [[Battle of Greece|Greece 1941]], [[Burma Campaign|Burma 1942]]

===Post-war years===
[[Korean War|Korea 1951–53]]

[[Battle of Basra (2003)|Al Basrah]], Iraq 2003<ref>{{cite hansard|house=[[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|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}}</ref>

==Colonels-Commandant==
Colonels-Commandant have been:<ref>{{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}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Colonel Commandant !! Representative
|-
| Major General Sir [[John Capper]] KCB KCVO || 1917–1923 (Director General) ||
|-
| Major General Sir John Capper KCB KCVO || 1923–1934 ||
|-
| Major General Sir [[Ernest Dunlop Swinton|Ernest Swinton]] KBE CB DSO || 1934–1938 || 1934–1938
|-
| Field Marshal Sir [[Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd]] GCB KCMG LLD ADC || 1934–1939 ||
|-
| General Sir [[Hugh Elles]] KCB KCMG KCVO DSO || 1934–1945 || 1939
|-
| Major General [[George Lindsay (British Army officer)|G M Lindsay]] CB CMG DSO || 1938–1947 || 1940–1943
|-
| Lieutenant General Sir [[Charles Broad (British Army officer)|Charles Broad]] KCB DSO || 1939–1948 || 1944–1947
|-
| Field Marshal The [[Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein|Viscount Montgomery of Alamein]] KG GCB DSO DL || 1939–1948 || 1944–1947
|-
| Major General Sir [[Percy Hobart]] KBE CB DSO MC || 1947–1951 || 1948–1951
|-
| General Sir [[John Crocker]] GCB KBE DSO MC || 1949–1961 ||
|-
| Major General N W Duncan CB CBE DSO || 1952–1959 || 1952–1957
|-
| Major General [[Henry Robert Bowreman Foote|H R B Foote]] VC CB DSO || 1957–1964 || 1958–1961
|-
| Lieutenant General Sir [[Harold Pyman]] KCB CBE DSO || 1959–1965 ||
|-
| Major General [[Bill Liardet|H M Liardet]] CB CBE DSO DL || 1961–1967 || 1962–1967
|-
| Major General Sir [[Alan Jolly]] CB CBE DSO || 1965–1968 ||
|-
| Field Marshal Sir [[Michael Carver, Baron Carver|Michael Carver]] GCB CBE DSO MC ADC || 1968–1973 || 1970–1971
|-
| Major General P R C Hobart CB DSO OBE MC || 1968–1978 || 1971–1974
|-
| General Sir [[Richard Ward (British Army officer)|Richard Ward]] CB DSO MC || 1970–1976 || 1974–1976
|-
| Lieutenant General Sir [[Allan Taylor (British Army officer)|Allan Taylor]] KBE MC || 1973–1980 ||
|-
| Major General J G R Allen CB || 1976–1981 || 1977–1980
|-
| Major General R L C Dixon CB MC || 1978–1983 || 1982–1983
|-
| Lieutenant General Sir [[Richard Lawson (British Army officer)|Richard Lawson]] KCB DSO MC || 1980–1982 || 1980–1982
|-
| Major General I H Baker CBE || 1981–1986 ||
|-
| Major General R M Jerram MBE || 1982–1988 || 1983–1985
|-
| General Sir [[Antony Walker]] KCB || 1983–1987 || 1985–1991
|-
| Major General Sir [[Laurence New]] CB CBE || 1986–1992 ||
|-
|Lieutenant General Sir [[Jeremy Blacker]] KCB || 1988–1994 ||
|-
! Name !! Colonel Commandant !! Deputy Colonel Commandant
|-
| Major General R W M McAfee CB || 1995–1999 || 1993–1994
|-
| Brigadier A C I Gadsby || ||1994–2000
|-
| Lieutenant General [[Andrew Ridgway|A P Ridgway]] CB CBE || 1999–2006 || 1995–1999
|-
| Lieutenant General [[David Leakey|A D Leakey]] CMG CBE || 2006–2010 || 1999–2006
|-
| Major General [[Peter Gilchrist (British Army officer)|P Gilchrist]] CB || ||2000–2008
|-
| Lieutenant  General [[Christopher Deverell|Sir Christopher Deverell]] KCB MBE || 2010–2015 || 2006–2010
|-
| Brigadier S Caraffi MBE ADC || ||2008–2010
|-
| Brigadier P J Allison || ||2010–2015
|-
| Brigadier P D P Hankinson MBE || ||2012–2015
|-
| Brigadier I J Gibb CBE || ||2015–2018
|-
| Major General J R Patterson ||  2015–2018||
|-
| Brigadier G J Thompson || 2018–Present<ref name="council">{{cite web |title=Regimental Council |url=https://royaltankregiment.com/what-we-do/regimental-council/ |access-date=23 August 2022 |publisher=Royal Tank Regiment}}</ref>|| 2015–2018
|-
| Colonel J M Williams || ||2018–Unknown
|-
| Brigadier N J Cowey MBE || ||2019–Present<ref name="council" />
|}

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

===Black beret===
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.<ref name="royaltankregiment.com">{{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}}</ref>

===Black overalls===
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.<ref name="royaltankregiment.com"/>

===Black accoutrements===
Royal Tank Regiment officers and senior warrant officers also wear both a black [[Sam_Browne_belt|Sam Browne]] and a black sword scabbard, while other ranks wear a black parade belt.<ref name="Army Dress Regs">{{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}}</ref>

===Sleeve badge===
The sleeve badge of a First World War [[British heavy tanks of World War I#Description|Mk 1 tank]] preceded the formation of the Royal Tank Corps when it was worn by the Heavy Branch of the [[Machine Gun Corps]].<ref>Alderton, G L D ''Cap Badges of the British Army 1939–45'' The History Press, 15 January 2014</ref> 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.<ref>p.37 Marrion, Robert ''The British Army 1914–18'' Osprey Publishing, 1978</ref>

===The ash plant===
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.<ref name="royaltankregiment.com"/>

==Order of precedence==
{{S-start}}
{{order of precedence |
  before= [[Light Dragoons]] |
  title= [[British Army Order of Precedence|Royal Armoured Corps Order of Precedence]]|
  after= Last in the Royal Armoured Corps<br>Order of Precedence
}}
{{S-end}}

==Alliances==
*{{CAN}}: [[12e Régiment blindé du Canada|12<sup>e</sup> Régiment blindé du Canada]]
*{{AUS}}: [[Australian 1st Armoured Regiment|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 (F78)|HMS ''Kent'']]
*{{FRA}}: [[501e Régiment de chars de combat|501<sup>e</sup> Régiment de chars de combat]] (Bond of Friendship)

===Affiliated Yeomanry===
* [[Dorset Yeomanry]]
* [[Westminster Dragoons]] (2RTR)
* [[Royal Devon Yeomanry]] (2RTR)
* [[Royal Wessex Yeomanry]]

==See also==

* [[History of the tank]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* {{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:Vergangenheitsverlag|de]]) |location=Berlin |isbn=978-3-86408-068-5 |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}}

==External links==
{{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:Royal Tank Regiment| ]]
[[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]]
[[Category:Regiments of the Korean War|Britain]]