History of the Royal Dragoons 1661-1934

By C.T. Atkinson

The History of the Royal Dragoons 1661-1934, written by Oxford historian C. T. Atkinson and first published in 1934, is an impressive and comprehensive account of one of the British Army's most distinguished cavalry regiments. Covering more than two and a half centuries of service, the book provides a fascinating record of the traditions, campaigns, and achievements of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons. Atkinson traces the regiment's origins back to 1661, when it was established as the Tangier Horse. Its subsequent development into the Royal Regiment of Dragoons in 1683 reflects the growing importance and prestige of the unit within the British Army. The book successfully places these changes within the wider military history of Britain, giving readers a valuable understanding of how the regiment evolved over successive generations. One of the highlights of the regiment's long history is its distinguished service at Waterloo in 1815. Serving as part of the famous Union Brigade, the Royal Dragoons played a memorable role in the battle and captured a French Eagle, an achievement that became an enduring part of the regiment's proud tradition. Atkinson's account brings these historic campaigns together with the experiences of the soldiers who served in them. When the First World War broke out, the Royal Dragoons were serving at Potchefstroom in South Africa. The regiment returned to Britain before deploying to the Western Front, landing at Ostend in October 1914 as part of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division. From the outset of their service in France and Belgium, the Royal Dragoons were drawn into some of the most significant and demanding operations of the war. They took part in the First Battle of Ypres in October 1914 and the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915, followed by the Battle of Loos in September of that year. Their wartime service continued into 1917, when they participated in the advance to the Hindenburg Line, demonstrating the regiment's adaptability, endurance, and continued commitment during a conflict that transformed the nature of warfare. Atkinson's work stands out for its breadth, historical detail, and strong sense of regimental identity. Rather than simply listing battles and dates, it presents the Royal Dragoons as a living institution shaped by generations of soldiers, officers, traditions, and service. For anyone interested in British cavalry, regimental history, or the development of the British Army from the seventeenth century through the First World War, this is a particularly worthwhile volume. Published in 1934, it remains a valuable historical record and a fitting tribute to a regiment whose long career is marked by courage, loyalty, and distinguished service.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1845748077
• ISBN13: 9781845748074
• Release Date: October 2015
• Publisher: Naval & Military Press
• Length: 616 Pages
• Weight: 2.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.0" x 10.0"