In
over 300 years of distinguished service the Regiment has gained a number
of unique privileges and traditions.
In
over 300 years of distinguished service the Regiment has gained a number
of unique privileges and traditions.
The
Regimental colour is garter blue. This dates back to 1685 when the Regiment
wore the Queen's livery with garter blue feathered hats.
The
wide use of green in Regimental uniform reflects the proud association with
the people of Ireland. All ranks wear green jumpers and berets. Officers can
be distinguished by their distinctive 'tent' hat.
At
the Battle of Almenara in 1710 the 8th Hussars defeated the Spanish Cavalry
Corps and taking the Cross Belts from the enemy cut the Spaniards down with
their own swords. This action earned the Regiment the nickname of 'St Georges
Crossbelts'.
Crossbelts
are still worn by the Regiment today, and the Regimental Journal and Polo Team
preserve the nickname 'The Crossbelts' After the Jacobite rebellion in 1745,
all officers of the army were required to toast the sovereign in their mess
after dinner. The King, however, absolved the Regiment from this duty saying
that their loyalty had never been in doubt. To this day, the officers neither
drink the loyal toast nor observe the National Anthem when played in the mess.
Winston
Churchill was commissioned into the 4th Hussars in 1899. He later became the
Colonel of the Regiment from 1941 until his death in 1965. In recognition of
'The Greatest Hussar of them all' the Regiment competes for the annual Churchill
Gunnery Cup. The Commanding Officer's tank is also named 'Churchill'.
Every
member of the Regiment wears the crest of the City of Warsaw on his left sleeve
in recognition of the support given by the 7th Hussars to the 2nd Polish Corps
during the Italian Campaign in World War Two.
All
vehicles in the QRH display the emblem of New Zealand, the Fern Leaf, in commemoration
of the association of the 3rd Hussars with the 2nd New Zealand Division at the
Battle of El Alamein.
By
command of King George II the silver drums captured by the Regiment at Dettingen
are carried by the Regiment Drum Horse when upon parade. In 1772 the wife of
Lord Southampton who commanded the Regiment gave a silver collar to be worn
by the Kettle drummer. This is still worn when parading in full dress. The present
drum house, Peninsula, was presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen
Mother.
REGIMENTAL
DAYS - The following are celebrated as battle honour days:
• Dettingen 27th June
• Balaclava 25th October
• El Alamein 2nd November
• St Patrick's Day is also celebrated.