Battle of Dettingen,
27th June 1743

The King's Own Regiment of Dragoons (later 3rd Hussars), Rich's Dragoons (later 4th Hussars) and the Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Dragoons (later 7th Hussars) all fought this decisive victory over the French and Bavarian armies in the War of the Austrian Succession.

Two Squadrons of the 3rd Dragoons charged and defeated nine squadrons of the French Cavalry, capturing two silver kettle drums (those now in the Regiment are copies of the originals which were destroyed by fire in 1855). This action saved the left of the line from being outflanked by the French Cavalry of the "Maison du Roi".

Thomas Brown received over seven wounds recapturing the Regimental Guidon from the French; he was knighted for his gallantry by King George II on the night after the battle.

At one stage of the battle when the French Household Troops were bearing down on the British line, the 4th Dragoons along with the 7th Dragoons and the remains of the 3rd Dragoons charged three times into the oncoming enemy and succeeded in turning them back. During this episode one of the 4th Dragoons, George Daraugh, saw a French Officer riding away with a Regimental Standard and, riding his horse through the enemy squadrons, he cut down the Officer and bought it back.

Dettingen was the last battle in which the Sovereign led his army into action.

"DETTINGEN" was awarded as a Battle Honour to the 3rd, 4th and 7th Hussars.

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