2nd Dragoon Guard "Queen Bays"
"2ndDG"
Regimental History
Shortly thereafter, in 1767, the Regiment was ordered to be mounted on bay horses accompanied by the new title 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays). This is emphasised in the Regimental badge which is simply the word 'BAYS' within a laurel wreath surmounted by a crown.
The Regimental motto is "Pro Rege et Patria", which is Latin for "For King and Country".
The regiment served with Wellington's army during the Peninsular War. On one notable occasion a single squadron of the Bays, under Major Craufurd, attacked and utterly defeated a picket of French, consisting of six officers and about a hundred and fifty men, and took no less than a hundred and four prisoners, the remainder being killed in the attack.
The Bays were not at the Battle of Waterloo, being engaged in preserving order during the troublous times at home, but shortly after it was fought they embarked for the Continent, there to form part of the Army of Occupation.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out in 1857 the Bays were ordered to India. On arrival at Calcutta late in November, The Bays were informed that they were to go to Allahabad with the utmost speed to join Hope Grant's Cavalry Division in Sir Colin Campbell's force. This meant a 500 mile journey, 400 miles of entailed marching across India with their newly issued horses.
Will finish decorating the thread later, cheers
