Guard Hussar Regiment (Denmark)
Guard Hussar Regiment | |
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Gardehusarregimentet | |
Cap badge of the Guard Hussars | |
Active | November 17, 1614–present |
Country | Denmark |
Branch | Royal Danish Army |
Type | Cavalry |
Role |
1st Battalion – Armoured Infantry 2nd Battalion – Armoured Infantry 3rd Battalion – Reconnaissance 4th Battalion – Armoured Infantry 5th Battalion - Basic Training |
Size | Five battalions |
Part of | Hærens Operative Kommando |
Garrison/HQ |
I.Bataljon – Slagelse II.Bataljon – Slagelse III.Bataljon – Bornholm IV.Bataljon – Slagelse V.Bataljon – Slagelse |
Nickname | GHR |
Patron | Crown Prince Frederick |
Motto | In Actis Esto Volucris (Be swift in action) |
Regimental belt | |
March | Garderhusarregimentets Signalmarch Play |
Mascot | Aramis (Shetland's pony) |
Anniversaries |
17 November 1614 10 February 1762 |
Engagements |
Thirty Years War Torstenson War Second Nordic War Scanian War Nine Years' War War of the Spanish Succession Great Nordic War Napoleonic Wars First Schleswig War Second Schleswig War Operation Weserübung War in Afghanistan (2001–present) Post-invasion Iraq (2003–2011) |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Colonel Tommy M. Paulsen |
Ceremonial chief | HM The Queen of Denmark |
Notable commanders | Peder Aalborg |
The Guard Hussar Regiment (Danish: Gardehusarregimentet, GHR) is a special cavalry unit of the Royal Danish Army, the primary tasks of which are to provide mounted escorts and commando forces, and to train the Guard Hussars for various functions in the mobilisation force.[1] The Guard Hussars are one of two active cavalry regiments of the Danish Army, and was formed in 2001 through the amalgamation of the original Guard Hussars with two infantry regiments: Zealand Life Regiment and Danish Life Regiment
History
Although the Guard Hussars themselves date from 10 February 1762, the Danish Army takes the date of the founding of a regiment from its oldest part, in this case the Zealand Life Regiment, which was founded in 1614. This makes the Guard Hussars the oldest regiment of hussars in the world still operational, it is also the only hussars in mounted parade uniform to still wear the slung and braided pelisse which was formerly characteristic of this class of cavalry. In addition to its operational role, the Guard Hussar Regiment is one of two regiments in the Danish Army (along with the Den Kongelige Livgarde) to be classed as 'Guards'; in this case, the Guard Hussars perform the same role as the Household Cavalry do in the British Army.
The motto of the regiment is in Latin: In actis esto volucris, which translates to Be swift in action.
From 1961 to 1972 the regiment was responsible for two armoured battalions, one recon battalion and three infantry battalions. From 1972–2000 the regiment was responsible for one armoured, one mechanised infantry, one reconnaissance and two infantry battalions. From 2000–2004 the regiment was responsible for two armoured, two mechanised infantry, one reconnaissance and two infantry battalions. From 1992–2004 the regiment also had to form two light Reconnaissance Squadrons assigned to the Brigades.
Today the Gardehusarregiment is classed as a cavalry regiment, it is in fact a mixed armoured and infantry unit, with four battalions:
- 1st Battalion – Armoured Infantry (part of 2nd Brigade)
- 2nd Battalion – Armoured Infantry (part of 2nd Brigade)
- 3rd Battalion – Reconnaissance (part of 1st Brigade)
- 4th Battalion – INTOPS Training (in active)
- 5th Battalion – Basic Training (part of 2nd Brigade)
Mounted Squadron
Guard Hussar Regiment Mounted Squadron | |
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Gardehusarregimentets Hesteskadron | |
Mounted Squadron's logo | |
Active | 10 February 1762-present |
Country | Denmark |
Branch | Royal Danish Army |
Type | Horse Guards |
Role | Public duties/ceremonial |
Size | 2 Toops |
Part of | Guard Hussar Regiment |
Garrison/HQ | Slagelse |
Nickname | HESK, Ponypiloter |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Major Casper Persson de Renouard |
Ceremonial chief | HM The Queen of Denmark |
Colonel of the Regiment | Colonel Tommy M. Paulsen |
Notable commanders | Major Michael Mentz |
Overview
The Gardehusarregiment also commands a 'Mounted Squadron' (Danish: Hesteskadronen, HESK). The purpose of the squadron is to provide mounted escorts for the Royal family and carry ceremonial services for the Royal Danish Army. The squadron commands 75 horses, 18 officers and NCOs, and 75-100 conscripts. It furthermore has a saddler, music-teacher, veterinarian and a farrier.[2]
History
In 1762, there was a possibility of war between Denmark and Russia. The general staff was weary of the coming battle, due to the Cossacks, and Denmarks inability to counter the light cavalry. Using the Austro-Hungarian hussars as a frame of base, Denmark created their own hussar regiment, copying the hussar uniform.[3]
Conscription
The conscripts serve 1 year of service, the longest time for a conscript in Denmark, with two troops, starting in February and August. It is also the only place where conscripts are issued silver monograms, all others regiments being issued brass monograms, of either the Queen or the Prince Consort. They will normally have 3–4 months of basic military training, before moving on to stable duty, where they learn basic stable duty, basic horseback riding, escort and show training, and music lessons. Each Wednesday the conscripts will practice escorts, by riding through the town of Slagelse, this is also to train the horses move about in traffic.
Uniform
The current ceremonial uniform of the Guard Hussar Regiment dates from 1870. It contains:
- A Blue Dolman: The original dolman was replaced in 1870, with a simplified version, having fewer braids across the chest.
- A Red Pelisse (jacket): The pelisse was introduced in 1762. With the introduction of the new dolman in 1870, the pelisse was removed from the uniform, it was however possible to wear the old ones until they were worn out. Edward VII of England suggested to reintroduce the pelisse, but only for officers who had to buy them privately in either case. The pelisse for NCOs and privates from before 1870, are said to still being "worn out" and are therefore still used today. Both versions of the pelisse are provided with lanyards used for holding the pelisse in place, when worn from the left shoulder. These lanyards are called mantequets. Officers wear Cardinal red, where NCOs and enlisted wear Crimson red. It is the only hussar regiment in the world to still use it.[4]
- Blue Riding Breeches: The current light blue breeches with a white stripe along the outseam were introduced in 1822. The original pants in 1762 were also light blue, but between 1774-1822 different colors were used, yellow were however most common.[5]
- A sabretache (pouch): In the colors of the regiment, with the royal monogram. It is the only uniform in the world to still use it, and has been in use since Frederick V.[6]
- A shako with a cordon and pompom made of tail hairs for NCOs and enlisted, officers have white buffalohair. There are two colours for pompoms, red for the Bugle Corps while the rest have white.
- A shabraque (saddlecloth): In the colors of the regiment, with the royal monogram. It remains mostly unchanged since 1762.
- A Bridle: The bridle has cowries woven into it. It was meant to make the horse look like a skeleton, but also to protect the horse from saber cuts and to signify wealth. It was first introduces in 1787.[7]
References
- ↑ "The Guard Hussars". Retrieved July 25, 2009.
- ↑ "Official Website" (in Danish). Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ↑ "Forsvaret Gallauniform" (in Danish). Retrieved November 30, 2014.
- ↑ "Forsvaret Gallauniform" (in Danish). Retrieved November 30, 2014.
- ↑ "Forsvaret Gallauniform" (in Danish). Retrieved November 30, 2014.
- ↑ "Kongehuset/Kronprinsparrets-bryllup/Gardehusarregimentet" (in Danish). Retrieved October 30, 2014.
- ↑ "Kongehuset/Kronprinsparrets-bryllup/Gardehusarregimentet" (in Danish). Retrieved October 30, 2014.
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