Page 76 - QDG 2023

74 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Its coming home
Waterloo 208
The 18th June 1815 was a terrible day for the officers of the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards. Leading charge after charge against French regiments of foot and horse left almost all dead, wounded or dismounted. It was for that reason that the Senior Non-Com- missioned Officers of the day invited them to dine with them after the battle, an event unheard of in the class-dominated 19th century army. 208 years later, the officers again suffered an equally devastating loss. Despite some heroic charges during the rugby, and some defiant outfield manoeuvres during the cricket, the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess took home both trophies. In another cruel twist of fate, just as Lt Col Fuller was killed charging at Waterloo so one of the first casualties of the rugby was Lt Col Kier- stead who fell victim to the (possibly French) referee thanks to a spirited (potentially high) tackle sending him to the sin bin.
The evening meal featured a similarly old rivalry as the incoming B Squadron Leader (late QRL) and the outgoing B Squadron Leader (late 9/12L) competed to see who could open a bottle of champagne with a lance. Settling the QRL vs 9/12L debate once and for all, Maj O’Shea walked away the undisputed champion to cement his and the 3/4 Lancers’ reputation forever more. On the other side of the room, Capt Rowe fell victim to the wicked influence of Sergeants Major Trudgill and Taylor and was last seen propped up against a wall during his own skit..
The night progressed healthily afterwards as officer and senior alike marked another
successful year without French dominance in Europe. Long may it continue!
RWF
The RSM has put some money behind the bar
Maj Purbrick wonders if they really are serving horse meat
The things you get away with as a PTI