2nd Troop, B Squadron 13/18H pose with their new Sherman tanks whilst training in England for D Day, Wickham Market in Suffolk, summer 1943.
The History of: 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars (QMO) & The Light Dragoons
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A story of courage, evolution, and resilience. The extraordinary journey of The Light Dragoons from their roots to their pivotal role in modern conflicts.
Before World War II
The Light Dragoons trace their origins back to the 18th century, when light cavalry regiments were formed to enhance reconnaissance and skirmishing roles. By the early 20th century, the regiment had already proven its mettle in numerous campaigns, including the Napoleonic Wars and the Crimean War.
The advent of mechanized warfare in the 20th century marked a turning point. In 1939, the 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars transitioned from horseback to tanks, a change that set the stage for their role in the coming world war.
World War II: Defining Moments
During World War II, the 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars played a key role in several pivotal campaigns. Their transition to mechanized tanks enabled them to operate effectively against the German forces. They first faced action during the German invasion of France in 1940, withdrawing through Dunkirk during the British Expeditionary Force's evacuation.
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the regiment made history as part of the initial assault on Sword Beach, their amphibious Sherman tanks leading the charge. Their role was instrumental in securing key objectives and pushing inland during the Normandy campaign.
The fist assault wave lands on Sword Beach on D-Day, facing fierce resistance as they make their way ashore. The tanks of 13/18H and 79 Armoured Division are visible on the shore line negotiating the treacherous obstacle belt.
Duplex Drive (DD) Shermans of 1st Troop, B Squadron 13/18H and No4 Commando advance through the wreckage of St Aubin d'Arquenay on there way to relieve the glider troops on Pegasus Bridge, D-day 6th June 1944.
A DD Sherman of B Squadron 13/18H supporting No4 Commando as they fight off Sword Beach and into their D-Day objective of Ouistreham 6th June 1944.
Over the following months, the regiment fought in numerous major operations, including the Battle of Caen, Bourguébus Ridge, and the crossing of the Rhine. Their journey culminated in Northern Germany on VE Day, May 8, 1945.
Disabled D.D. (Duplex Drive) Sherman tanks of 13/18H on Sword Beach, left stranded after the D-Day assault on June 6, 1944.
The crew of a Sherman Firefly of C Squadron 13/18H have a cuppa whilst waiting to load onto Landing Craft in Gosport for D-day and the assault on Normandy June 1944. Note the destruction wrought on the town by German bombing of British naval bases.
Destroyed and abandoned armoured vehicles and wreckage on Sword Beach, following the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The knocked-out DD Shermans belong to 13/18H and give an indication of the ferocity of the battle.
27ᵗʰ Armoured Brigade
The 27th Armoured Brigade had a key role in the planning and execution of D-Day. Formed in 1940, the brigade was used to experiment with Hobart's Funnies, specialised armoured vehicles being developed to breach the enemies defences on the Atlantic Wall.
The 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO) were equipped with Duplex Drive (DD) Sherman tanks and, with the Staffordshire Yeomanry and the East Riding Yeomanry, served with 27 Armd Bde during its training for, and eventual assault on Sword Beach on D-Day and the battles that followed. 27 Armd Bde was disbanded on 29 Jul 1944 and 13/18H transferred to 8th Armoured Brigade for the remainder of the war.
The distinctive seahorse badge was intended to indicate the amphibious nature of the Brigade. It was affectionately called the "Pregnant Prawn" by the Brigade's soldiers.
8ᵗʰ Armoured Brigade
The 8th Armoured Brigade was formed in 1941 in the Middle East and fought with distinction in the North Africa campaigns. By D-Day it was at the vanguard of 50th (Northumberland) Infantry Division's assault on Gold Beach.
The 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO) were transferred to 8 Armd Bde on 29 July 1944 following 27 Armd Bde being disbanded with the reorganisation to address the attrition suffered by armoured units over the past months. 13/18H remained in 8 Armd Bde with 4th/7th Dragoon Guards, Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, Essex Yeomanry (RHA) and 12th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps to the war's end and VE day, fighting in the majority of XXX Corps' and XII Corps' major Operations including Market Garden, Blackcock and Plunder.
The fox's mask badge used by the brigade has become well known and has been adopted by many British Army formations over the years.
The route travelled by the D-Day to VE Day Grand Tour by Jeep, follows the route of 8th Armoured Brigade.
Post-War and Modern Era
After the Second World War, the 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars continued to play a critical role during the Cold War as part of NATO's British Army of the Rhine. In 1992, the regiment amalgamated with the 15ᵗʰ/19ᵗʰ King's Royal Hussars to form The Light Dragoons. This new regiment retained the traditions of its predecessors while embracing modern roles.
The Light Dragoons have since participated in numerous operations, including peacekeeping in the Balkans, counter-insurgency missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and long-range reconnaissance in Mali.
A crew of C Squadron 13/18H Sherman tank receive refreshments from a local woman during preparations in Gosport for the D-Day assault, June 1944.
A Sherman Firefly of C Squadron 13/18H on board a Landing Craft Tank (LCT) preparing to sail for Normandy as part of Operation Neptune, the largest amphibious assault in History. 5th June 1944. The firefly had the larger 17 pounder gun that was capable of knocking out the best of the Germany's tanks.
Sergeant A. Yorke of C Squadron, 13/18H, commanding his Sherman tank spring 1944. The life expectancy of a tank commander was short, however Sgt Yorke survived the war to return home to his family.
Normandy Battlefield Study
Join Lt Col (Retd) RE Wiles for "Setting the Scene" - a detailed introduction to the Normandy Campaign and the 13th/18th Royal Hussars' role in this pivotal chapter of World War II history.
Want to Read More?
DD Sherman Tank Warriors by Andrew May - Read about the 13th/18th Royal Hussars' experience in WW2, from training for D-Day, to the actual assault in June 1944 and then the bitter fighting across Europe and into northern Germany and VE Day in May 1945. An excellent piece of regimental history that captures the personal experiences of those who lived and died on Shermans in their fight to liberate Europe.
Available online at Amazon and in all good book shops. Buy it, as all profits go to the Light Dragoon Charitable Trust.
Prefer to watch rather than read? Check out this fascinating video about the Sherman Tank Warriors:
The Light Dragoons' Charitable Trust
The Light Dragoons Charitable Trust is a registered charity (Reg.no 1041982) which exists to provide support to the members and former members of The Light Dragoons, 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own), 15ᵗʰ/19ᵗʰ The King's Royal Hussars and their families.
Funds raised by this event will give enduring support to Light Dragoons wounded on operations or in regimental service, to their families, and to the families of those killed on duty.
The Regimental Association on Parade for HM the Queen in Hyde Park