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List of British Army regiments (1881) facts for kids

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The British Army has a long and interesting history! This article tells you about some big changes that happened to its cavalry and infantry groups, called regiments, back in 1881. These changes were part of a plan to make the army more organized and efficient. They were called the Childers reforms, which continued earlier changes known as the Cardwell reforms. You'll also learn about some further changes that happened around 40 years later in the early 1920s, when the government made cuts to the army.

Cavalry Regiments: Horsepower of the Army

Cavalry regiments were soldiers who fought on horseback. They were very important for scouting, fast attacks, and chasing enemies.

Household Cavalry: The King's Own Riders

The Household Cavalry are special regiments that protect the King or Queen and take part in important ceremonies. They are also highly trained soldiers.

  • 1st Life Guards
  • 2nd Life Guards
  • Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)

Cavalry of the Line: Ready for Battle

These cavalry regiments were the main fighting force on horseback. They were divided into different types based on their weapons and fighting style.

Dragoon Guards: Heavy Cavalry

Dragoon Guards were often heavier cavalry, meaning they rode larger horses and sometimes wore more armor. They were used for powerful charges.

Dragoons, Hussars and Lancers: Fast and Fierce

These regiments were generally lighter cavalry, known for their speed and agility.

  • Dragoons could fight on horseback or on foot.
  • Hussars were known for their flashy uniforms and daring tactics.
  • Lancers carried lances, long spears, into battle.

Infantry Regiments: Soldiers on Foot

Infantry regiments were made up of soldiers who fought on foot. They were the backbone of the army, holding ground and attacking enemy positions.

Foot Guards: Elite Infantry

Like the Household Cavalry, the Foot Guards are elite infantry regiments that protect the King or Queen and perform ceremonial duties, as well as being highly trained fighting units.

Line Infantry: The Main Force

The Line Infantry regiments were the largest part of the British Army. They were organized by numbers and then given names, often linked to specific counties or regions in the UK. This helped with recruiting soldiers from those areas. The names in brackets are their older names, which were changed in 1881.

Other Important Army Groups

Besides cavalry and infantry, the army also has many other groups that provide important support. These include engineers, medical staff, and logistics teams.

  • Royal Regiment of Artillery (soldiers who operate cannons and other big guns)
  • Corps of Royal Engineers (soldiers who build and destroy things, like bridges or fortifications)
  • Royal Horse Artillery (artillery units that move quickly with horses)
  • Commissariat and Transport Corps (later became Royal Army Service Corps in 1888) - handled food, supplies, and transport
  • Army Hospital Corps - provided medical care
  • Army Ordnance Corps - managed weapons and equipment
  • Corps of Military Mounted Police - military police on horseback
  • Corps of Army Schoolmasters - provided education within the army
  • Army Chaplains' Department - provided religious support
  • Army Pay Department - handled soldiers' pay
  • Army Veterinary Department - cared for army animals, especially horses
  • Army Nursing Service - provided nursing care

See also

  • British Army order of precedence
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